Nepal’s Supreme Court has upheld a slate of new casino fees promulgated by the government last year as part of a bid to regularize the market through formal licensing.
The fees, totaling up to US$200,000 for a license plus annual renewal and royalty duties of up to $500,000, were challenged by the industry, which numbers some 10 foreigners-only casinos in tourist destinations across the small state nestled in the Himalayas between India and China.
The casinos also owe the government some 1 billion Nepalese rupees (US$10 million) in back duties, according to news reports.
The high court ruling required all operators to renew their licenses by 21st of March or be declared illegal and subject to possible closure.
The industry employs around 15,000 people.
