Kathmandu, July 16
Officials from the Department of Tourism have started a campaign to conducted surprise checks on various casinos around the country.
According to the department, four casinos (Casino Anna, Casino Mahjong, Casino Hyatt and Bally’s Casino) have been inspected so far. Director-General Danduraj Ghimire said that his department attaches importance to the smooth functioning of casinos are the second biggest revenue generators in tourism sector after Everest expedition.
A five-member team chaired by Joint-Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Ghanashyam Upadhyay was formed for the inspection of casinos. Ghimire said that casinos being operated in all star-hotels in the country will be inspected before their permits are renewed. According to prevailing laws, big casinos should pay Rs 40 million while mini casinos should pay Rs 10 million in taxes annually. There are altogether 20 casinos, both small and big, in Nepal.
