KATHMANDU: Casino operators in Nepal are now required to report details of any individual who spends over Rs 1 million in a single day to the Financial Information Unit (FIU), as per a new directive issued by the Department of Tourism.
The move comes under the recently issued guideline titled “Directive on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism Related to Casino Operators (Designated Non-Financial Businesses), 2025.”
The regulation mandates casinos to provide transaction details through the FIU’s GoAML system or in a format specified by the Unit within 15 days of the transaction date.
According to the directive, any transaction, either single or cumulative, amounting to Rs 1 million or more in a day must be reported. The provision aims to enhance oversight of potentially suspicious financial activity within the gambling sector.
In addition to reporting high-value transactions, casinos are now required to adopt formal internal policies and procedures to identify customers, assess financial risk, recognize politically exposed persons (PEPs), and determine the actual beneficial owner of the funds used.
Casinos are also instructed to strictly comply with FIU guidelines, including thresholds, orders, conditions, and compliance frameworks to prevent money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
This regulation is seen as part of Nepal’s broader efforts to align with international anti-money laundering standards and tighten control over high-risk sectors such as gambling.
Comment