Nepal’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has ordered the shutdown of all online betting websites and has given authorities 24 hours to implement the...
Nepal implements stricter casino regulations
Nepal’s Department of Tourism issued new compliance obligations for casino operators, which include transaction monitoring and customer verification.
The Directive on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism Related to Casino Operators 2025 demands that casinos report anyone who spends NPR 1 million (US$7,400) or more in a single day. This includes chip purchases, VIP room expenses, and substantial cash exchanges. Operators must file the reports with Nepal’s Financial Information Unit within 15 days through the GoAML system.
Casinos are now required to establish internal monitoring systems, perform risk assessments, identify politically exposed persons (PEPs), and check the sources of gambling funds. The measures are to bring Nepal in line with global anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) standards that were set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
However, the updated rules differ for large and small casinos. The minimum paid-up capital for small casinos, primarily operating electronic gaming setups, has been raised from NPR 150 million to NPR 200 million. Larger casinos, which offer a broader range of services including table games, must now increase their capital from NPR 250 million to NPR 300 million. This adjustment aims to ensure that only financially capable operators enter or remain in the market.
The regulation aims to improve financial transparency, operational standards, and tighten regulatory oversight.
Chan Min Ching, chair of Waldo Dynasty Entertainment, which operates the Casino Waldo in Kathmandu, was arrested by Nepal police for gambling fraud at the venue.A...
