KATHMANDU, Sep 1: About a dozen casinos are in debt to the government, owing more than Rs 3.5 billion in revenue. Recent data from the Hotel Branch of the Department of Tourism (DoT) reveals that these casinos collectively owe the government a substantial sum of 3.6 billion 1.4 million rupees, as of the last fiscal year in 2022/23.
The casinos that have failed to meet their revenue obligations include The Phulbari, Happy Hour, Nepal Recreation Center, Hotel Yak & Yeti, Soaltee Hotel, Annapurna International, Hotel Everest International, SHL Management Service, Rock International, and Oriental Hotel. Notably, these establishments have neglected to pay their due revenue fees up to the last fiscal year.
Among these casinos, Nepal Recreation Center stands out as the biggest defaulter, with an outstanding revenue fee of Rs 875 million. Following closely behind is Casino Royale, which owes the government Rs 411 million in arrears.
Govt collects Rs 1.34 billion in revenue from casinos
The Phulbari casino is not far behind, with an outstanding amount of Rs 403 million that it owes the government in revenue fees up until the last fiscal year.
Furthermore, Hotel Lakaul Bhairahawa, Hotel Diamond Palace Mahendranagar, and Hotel Dhaka Kakarbhitta, all associated with Happy Hour Pvt Ltd, have combined dues of Rs 391.5 million. Oriental Hotel Casino lags with Rs 364.5 million in unpaid dues.
These arrears are reported up until mid-July of the last fiscal year, 2022/23. Additionally, after Oriental Hotel Casino, Hotel Saathi Dhangadhi by Rock International, Suraj Hotel Birgunj, Bodhi Redson Bhairahawa, and Hotel Riaz Kakadbhita collectively owe the government Rs 230.5 million, according to the latest statistics.
Hotel Yak & Yeti has an outstanding debt of Rs 194 million, while Annapurna International owes Rs 191 million to the government. Hotel Everest International's dues amount to Rs 160 million, Happy Hour owes Rs 113 million, and Soaltee Hotel owes Rs 100 million to the government.
The aforementioned casinos, namely The Phulbari, Happy Hour, Nepal Recreation Center, Hotel Yak & Yeti, Soaltee Hotel, Hotel Annapurna International, and Hotel Everest International, are all situated in proximity to Kumari Chowk and Central Tehsil Office. Likewise, SHL Management Services, Rock International, Oriental Hotel, Happy Hour, and Yak & Yeti Casino are associated with the Department of Tourism (DoT).
