Overview of Casino Industry in Nepal

• Silver Heritage Group, the Asian Casino operator has opened a casino inside its 100-room Tiger Palace Resort Bhairahawa on 31st December 2017. This is the largest casino in Nepal. The Group already operates the ‘Millionaire’s Club and Casino’ inside the Shangri-La Hotel in Kathmandu. They have reportedly paid an ‘initial casino license’ fee of US$ 194,000 apart from a royalty fee of US$ 291,000. The 26,597 sq. ft. casino offers some 216 slots alongside 44 gaming tables and 100 hotel rooms. The resort targets Indian gamblers specifically as it is located at a distance of only seven miles from the Nepalese border with India. Uttar Pradesh is the adjacent state of Bhairahawa. 
• The Silver Heritage Group is looking to develop two new Tiger Resort Properties with a combined offering of over 200 gaming tables and 1,000 electronic game machines across the border.  
• The Deltin Group has launched their first International Venture Deltin Casino at the 214-room Marriott Kathmandu. 
• Two new casinos could open soon, with Vegas City International and Prime International & Recreation having applied for licenses. 
• Border towns like Kakarvitta, Biratnagar, Birganj, and Mahendra Nagar host small electronic casinos. These casinos cater to both locals and visitors and offer a variety of electronic games.
• Widetech (Malaysia) Berhad manages and operates four electronic gaming clubs in Nepal. These clubs are strategically located along the Indo-Nepal border, attracting patrons from both countries. The clubs offer a range of gaming options and amenities to visitors.
  
• CMG Club operates small electronic casinos in three hotels in Nepal. It is recognized as Nepal’s first and largest Electronic Entertainment Gaming Club. The casinos offer a diverse selection of electronic games and entertainment options.
  
• Happy Valley, a sister company of Silver Heritage, is involved in operating electronic casinos on the Indian border. These casinos provide a unique gaming experience to patrons, blending international standards with local flavors.
  
• Riyaz Hotel and Dhaka Hotel in Kakarvitta host two popular electronic casinos.
  
• An estimated 80 percent of visitors to Kakarvitta casinos come from Siliguri, India. This highlights the cross-border appeal of these casinos and their role in promoting tourism and economic activity in the region.

Thus, with so many prospective clients from India and China, the casino industry in Nepal is expected to grow in the future.

How many casinos are there in Nepal?

Nepal currently operates six functional casinos, with the newest addition being the Tiger Palace Resort Casino. This establishment is the largest casino in Nepal and is operated by the Silver Heritage Group, the leading player in the country’s casino industry. Nepal’s casinos are primarily located in the capital city of Kathmandu. There are 6 active casinos in Nepal, all located within Kathmandu hotels, offering various gaming options such as Blackjack, roulette, video poker, poker, and slot machines.

Conclusion

Nepal’s casino industry has a rich history, but it has faced several challenges that have impacted its growth and stability over the years. The industry has undergone significant changes, with numerous regulations and policies being implemented to monitor and control its operations. 

The industry’s downfall can be attributed to various factors, including regulatory issues, natural disasters, and the global pandemic. Despite these challenges, Nepal’s casino industry has a huge potential, being a popular destination for gamblers in South Asia and being situated between India and China. 

With proper regulations and policies, Nepal’s casinos can thrive and contribute significantly to the country’s tourism industry and economy.