Govt to make rule one company cannot operate more than one casino

KATHMANDU, Feb 10:The government is trying to adopt a policy to tighten the casinos operating in Nepal. Through the bill, the 'Tourism Act, 2035' is going to be amended to make it more strict on casinos.

According to sources in the Ministry of Tourism, the company that has received a license to operate a casino will not be allowed to operate more than one casino.

Already, if any one company is operate more than one casino, it has been prepared to take the proposal to the parliament to amend the law by giving a one-year time to such company to close one casino.

Similarly, a provision has been proposed that the license obtained by a company for the operation of a casino cannot be given to others (it cannot be given to others by keeping a margin as a broker).

In addition, if the casino operating company has to buy and sell more than 10 percent shares or transfer ownership, it is also going to have a provision to obtain mandatory approval from the tourism department.

Such a company also needs to take prior approval from the tourism department to change the hotel and move the casino.

Similarly, sources said that a provision to pay a fine of 10 million to 50 million for operating a casino without a license has also been proposed in the amendment bill.

It is going to introduce new rules for casino operations by amending the Tourism Act through the 'Bill to amend some laws related to prevention of asset laundering and promotion of business environment'. The Council of Ministers has already given its approval to submit this bill to the Parliament.