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A stricter compliance era is taking shape in Nepal as regulators move to close loopholes and raise AML standards across the country’s casino sector.
Nepal has issued a new 12-point compliance directive, reshaping how casinos document, monitor and report their activity. The move comes from the Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, marking one of the toughest oversight updates since the introduction of Casino Regulations 2082.
A directive designed to close old gaps
The new rules aim to bring every licensed casino into a unified compliance structure.
Operators must now submit detailed AML and CFT documentation regularly, proving adherence to the Money Laundering Prevention Act, the Tourism Act, and all casino-specific regulations. The Tourism Department said this documentation will be mandatory, not optional, and failure to submit will trigger enforcement measures.
Regulators also issued a renewed warning: foreign currency transactions remain strictly prohibited unless explicitly authorised by Nepal Rastra Bank. The government has flagged these transactions as a major risk area, especially for cross-border cash flows and high-value play.
New KYC rules reshape how casinos identify players
Customer verification is about to become much more demanding.
Under the directive, casinos must build and maintain upgraded Know Your Customer systems, including biometric identification. These records must be kept updated and provided to regulators whenever requested.
This marks a significant change for the sector, which previously relied heavily on manual checks and less formal documentation.
Surveillance and record-keeping reach a higher benchmark
Casinos will need to tighten physical and digital monitoring across their floors.
Regulators now require continuous CCTV coverage across all gaming areas. Footage must be stored securely for at least six months, creating a longer audit trail that investigators can access during reviews or AML investigations.
No more operational loopholes or informal arrangements
The directive directly targets practices that the government believes weakened oversight.
Casinos may no longer operate through third-party companies or from locations not listed in their licences. All activity must take place within approved premises and under the direct control of the licensed operator.
Payout procedures have also been updated. Before releasing winnings, casinos must:
- withhold the legally required profit tax
- issue a formal certificate
- submit that certificate to both the Inland Revenue Office and the Tourism Department
The government said this process is intended to prevent hidden payouts and create a traceable record of all high-value wins.
Government reinforces the ban on online casinos
Digital gambling remains off-limits under Nepalese law.
The directive repeats the national ban on online casino games, citing risks linked to cross-border transactions, AML exposure and difficulties in verifying customer identity. The government said illegal online gambling has been growing and that the new rules aim to close any remaining pathways operators may use.
A step signalling a tougher regulatory future
Nepal’s casino industry is being pushed toward higher transparency, stricter controls and tighter reporting systems.
The 12-point directive shows a shift toward more formal governance, where AML/CFT systems must match international expectations and regulators have clearer visibility over physical and financial activity.
As Nepal increases pressure on oversight, how will casino operators adapt to a more demanding compliance environment that continues to evolve?
Source: Focus Gaming News
