Nepal lawmakers have proposed a series of stricter casino regulations as the country’s Tourism Bill undergoes parliamentary review.
The Tourism Bill 2081 has received 263 amendment proposals from 58 members of the House of Representatives during its clause-by-clause review, according to Nepal-based news platform The Tourism Times.
One of the key proposals seeks to establish an independent Casino Regulatory Unit under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, replacing the Department of Tourism as the sector’s regulator.
Supporters of the proposal said a dedicated regulator would strengthen oversight, improve tax collection, and enhance enforcement across Nepal’s casino industry.
Other proposed amendments include reducing the maximum foreign ownership in casino businesses to 49%, reinstating a requirement for casinos to be located at least 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) from an international border, and requiring casino operations to be run through separate legal entities partnered with hotels or resorts.
Lawmakers have also proposed requiring casino licensees to disclose ultimate beneficial owners holding at least 10% of the business, with any ownership transfers subject to regulatory approval.
Additional measures include mandatory know-your-customer systems, real-time monitoring by the financial intelligence unit, suspicious transaction reporting, and the appointment of an anti-money laundering compliance officer at each casino.
Industry stakeholders have previously raised concerns that some of the proposed changes, particularly the lower foreign ownership cap, could reduce Nepal’s appeal to international casino investors.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/07/23/125490-nepal-lawmakers-push-tougher-casino-oversight-in-tourism-bill
