Nepal Relaxes Casino Site Restrictions

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The Nepalese government has changed the minimum distance that must be observed between casinos and the country’s international borders.

In a June 27 cabinet meeting, officials announced that casinos and electronic gaming halls can do business up to a distance of 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) from the border. Formerly they had to be at least 3 kilometers (3.10 miles) away.

“The government has shown flexibility by allowing casinos to operate at a distance of up to 3 km from international borders in the context of the upcoming Visit Nepal Year 2020 campaign,” said Ghanshyam Upadhyaya, spokesman for the ministry.

A number of operators in Kakarbhitta, Biratnagar, Birgunj, Nepalgunj, and Dhangadhi had raised concerns over the restrictions, he said.

The Department of Tourism also says it’s working on a new Casino Act, according to Director General Dandu Raj Ghimire. Its aim is to streamline the industry and encourage new global players to enter Nepal, Ghimire told Asia Gaming Brief.