Govt collects Rs 810 million in royalties from casinos

KATHMANDU: FEB. 21 – The government has collected Rs 810 million in royalties from various casinos operational in Nepal. The collection of royalty amounts followed the direction of Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Prem Bahadur Ale to this effect.

While license of Kathmandu-based Yak and Yeti Hotel to operate casino was scrapped for defaulting royalties, he warned of following suit in case of others failing to pay royalties.

“Now casinos have been in rush to pay royalties. So far, Rs 810 million in royalties has been collected. Some other casinos have gone through documentation to clear dues,” said Khem Raj Joshi, officer at the Department of Tourism.

According to the Department, so far, 17 casinos including Golden Finger Gaming Zone Pvt. have paid royalties. Now, arrears amounting to over Rs 1.11 billion have remained to be paid in royalties, it said.