Casinos in Kathmandu offer a unique mix of gaming, nightlife, and luxury hotel entertainment designed mainly for international visitors. The most popular casinos in Kathmandu include Casino Mahjong (Soaltee Crowne Plaza), Casino Royale (Hotel Yak & Yeti), Bally’s Casino (Thamel), Casino Everest (Hotel Everest), Casino Rad (Radisson Hotel), and Millionaire’s Club & Casino (Shangri-La Hotel) all offering a combination of table games, slot machines, food, drinks, and live entertainment experiences.
Top 7 Casinos in Kathmandu Nepal (Expert Picks)
These casinos are selected based on popularity, accessibility, real experience, and overall value for international visitors. The top casinos in Kathmandu include Casino Mahjong, Casino Royale, Bally’s Casino, Casino Pride Nepal, Casino Rad, and Millionaire’s Club & Casino, all located inside premium hotels and operating mainly for foreign tourists.
1. Casino Pride Nepal
Casino Pride Nepal, located inside the 5-star Hyatt Regency in the Boudha area, sits between two major UNESCO sites Boudhanath Stupa (about 500m away) and Pashupatinath Temple (around 2 km). It is one of the largest casinos in Kathmandu, covering approximately 18,000–21,000 sq ft, and operates 24/7. Entry is completely free, making it one of the most accessible casinos in the city.
The casino uses Indian Rupees for betting and accepts INR 100 notes, but INR 500 notes are not allowed due to regulations. Games include blackjack, roulette, baccarat, Casino War, Texas Hold’em, Paplu, Andar Bahar, Tai Sai, and slot machines. It also offers unique features such as live dance performances every night, Bollywood music, massage services while playing, and a multi-cuisine restaurant with snacks and food coupons.
There are also package options like INR 20,000 for gaming credits or hotel packages that include stay, meals, and transfers. Free pickup and drop services are available within Kathmandu. The casino has a luxury, international vibe with a large space and mostly Indian and Chinese visitors. It is best for those looking for a full-scale premium experience, but visitors should remember to carry a passport for registration at entry.
2. Casino Mahjong
Casino Mahjong, located inside Soaltee Crowne Plaza in Tahachal, is the largest casino in Kathmandu, with a gaming space that forms part of a 60,000 sq ft property. It carries the legacy of one of Nepal’s oldest casinos and has won awards like “Nepal’s Best Casino 2018” and “Best Casino South Asia 2019.” It operates 24/7 and offers free entry, though some optional packages may include food, drinks, and gaming credits.
The casino uses INR-based chips and provides currency exchange inside. Games include baccarat, blackjack, roulette, Texas Hold’em, Paplu, and 60–70 slot machines across around 10 gaming tables. The environment is lively and becomes very crowded after 9–10 PM, with themed nights, live music, dance shows, lucky draws, and buffet dinners.
It also offers strong hospitality with multiple restaurants such as Al Fresco (Italian) and China Garden (Asian cuisines), along with free rides back to hotels after 8 PM. The vibe is energetic and international, making it ideal for first-time visitors and those looking for a complete entertainment experience. The dress code requires proper shoes, as slippers are not allowed.
3. Casino Royale
Casino Royale is located in Hotel Yak & Yeti on Durbar Marg, right in the center of Kathmandu, within a historic Rana palace known as Lal Durbar. This gives it a unique heritage feel with antique fountains, gardens, temple-style décor, and a red-carpet entrance. It was the first casino to reopen in Nepal after the government shutdown in 2015.
The gaming floor is around 12,000 sq ft and operates 24/7. It uses Indian Rupees for betting, with minimum bets starting at INR 100. Games include blackjack, roulette, baccarat, Pontoon, Kitty (Indian Flush), poker, slot machines, and even a unique fish-shooting arcade-style game.
Guests can enjoy free buffet dinners, live dance performances every 20 minutes, and multiple dining options like Sunrise Restaurant and The Chimney. The casino offers a premium yet relaxed experience, best for those looking for a luxury environment with cultural character. Dress code is enforced, and shorts or flip-flops are not allowed.
4. Bally’s Casino
Bally’s Casino, located inside Hotel Malla in Lainchaur near Thamel, is one of the most centrally positioned casinos in Kathmandu, within walking distance of major areas like Thamel, Durbar Marg, and the former Royal Palace. It operates 24/7 and offers free entry, where visitors must show a passport and get a temporary photo ID at the entrance.
The casino features a variety of games including roulette, blackjack, baccarat, poker, Paplu (Indian Rummy), and slot machines. It is especially popular among Indian visitors and follows INR-based gaming like most casinos in Kathmandu. One of its biggest highlights is its hospitality guests are offered free alcoholic drinks and unique complimentary snacks such as pani puri, which is rarely found in other casinos.
Entertainment is a strong focus here, with regular Bollywood-style dance performances that are often considered more energetic than other casinos in the city. The casino also provides free shuttle or drop services for guests, adding to its convenience. The overall vibe is lively, social, and slightly crowded during peak hours, making it ideal for casual players and those looking for a fun nightlife experience. However, entry experiences can sometimes vary depending on crowd and timing.
5. Casino Rad
Casino Rad, located inside the Radisson Hotel in Kathmandu, offers a well-balanced gaming environment in a central location surrounded by restaurants and recreational spots. The casino has a gaming floor of around 12,000 sq ft and operates 24/7, making it accessible at any time of day.
It includes around 24 gaming tables and 16 slot machines, offering games such as roulette, blackjack, baccarat, Caribbean Stud Poker, and other poker variants. The setup is suitable for both beginners and experienced players, with skilled staff available to assist.
Compared to larger casinos like Mahjong or Pride, Casino Rad provides a more relaxed and less crowded atmosphere, which many visitors prefer. The environment is comfortable and straightforward, without overwhelming noise or crowd levels. However, recent updates suggest that its operational status may be uncertain or limited, so it is advisable to check availability before planning a visit.
6. Casino Everest
Casino Everest, previously located inside the 5-star Hotel Everest in New Baneshwor, was known for its quieter and more peaceful casino experience. It was one of the closest casinos to Tribhuvan International Airport, located approximately 10 km away, making it convenient for travelers in transit.
The casino had a smaller gaming floor of about 4,300 sq ft, featuring around 20 table games and 29–30 slot machines. It offered games similar to other casinos, along with a strong focus on hospitality. One of its most popular features was free food and drinks, especially its BBQ offerings, along with entertainment such as dance performances, live music, gazals, and even fashion shows.
Unlike the more crowded casinos in central Kathmandu, Casino Everest was known for its calm and less busy environment, making it ideal for those who preferred a relaxed experience. However, the casino is currently permanently closed due to government actions and regulatory issues. There are indications that a new casino may replace it in the future, so it still holds historical importance in Kathmandu’s casino scene.
7. Millionaire’s Club & Casino
Millionaire’s Club & Casino, located inside the Shangri-La Hotel in Lazimpat, is situated in Kathmandu’s diplomatic area, just about 7 km from the international airport and within walking distance of Durbar Marg and Thamel. It was designed as a premium, business-class casino with a more refined and quieter environment compared to others.
The casino had a gaming floor of approximately 5,000 sq ft, offering around 22 live gaming tables and 36–40 slot machines. It included games such as blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker, and several premium slot titles. A key difference is that this casino used Nepali Rupees (NPR) instead of Indian Rupees, making it unique among Kathmandu casinos. Minimum bets started from around NPR 100 for roulette and NPR 500 for outside bets.
The casino also offered high-end facilities through the Shangri-La Hotel, including a spa, swimming pool, fitness center, business center, and multiple restaurants serving Indian, continental, and Asian cuisines. Guests could also enjoy free drinks and complimentary transport services when actively playing.
The overall atmosphere was premium, quiet, and more suited for experienced players or business travelers looking for a less crowded environment. However, due to financial issues, COVID-related closures, and government action over unpaid royalties, the casino’s operational status has remained uncertain in recent years. Visitors are strongly advised to confirm whether it is open before planning a visit.
Important Rules & Entry Requirements
Before visiting a casino in Kathmandu, keep these key rules in mind:
- Foreigners Only – Casinos are open mainly to international visitors; Nepali citizens are restricted by law.
- Passport Required – You must show your passport at entry for registration.
- Age Limit (18+) – Only adults are allowed inside.
- Dress Code – Smart casual is expected; avoid shorts, slippers, or flip-flops.
- Legal but Regulated – Gambling is allowed only inside licensed casinos.
What It’s Like Inside a Casino in Kathmandu?
Walking into a casino in Kathmandu usually starts with a simple entry process where your passport is checked and you are registered at the front desk. Security is present but not overly strict, and the process is generally smooth and quick. Once inside, you enter a well-lit gaming floor filled with table games like blackjack, roulette, and poker, along with rows of slot machines. The atmosphere is lively but varies depending on the casino - some are energetic and crowded with music and performances, while others feel more relaxed and premium.Staff are usually friendly and helpful, especially for beginners, and they often guide you through the games if needed.
One of the most noticeable aspects is the hospitality. Most casinos offer free drinks, snacks, and sometimes even full meals while you are playing. Live dance performances, music, and entertainment are common, making the experience feel more like a nightlife venue than just a gambling space. Overall, casinos in Kathmandu provide a mix of gaming, entertainment, and social experience, where the focus is as much on enjoying the atmosphere as it is on playing.
Cost & Budget Breakdown
Casinos in Kathmandu are generally affordable to enter, with most costs depending on how much you choose to play and spend inside.
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Entry | Mostly FREE in major casinos (some optional packages may cost INR 2,500–20,000 with credits) |
| Minimum Bets | Around NPR 100 (≈ INR 60) for basic bets; higher tables can go NPR 500+ |
| Food & Drinks | Often FREE while playing (snacks, drinks, sometimes buffet); premium items may cost extra |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not carrying a passport → You won’t be allowed inside without proper ID verification at entry
- Overspending → Free drinks and long playing hours can make you spend more than planned
- Wrong expectations → Casinos here focus more on entertainment, food, and atmosphere than high-end gambling
- Visiting at the wrong time → Early hours feel quiet, while late evenings (9–11 PM) can get very crowded
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Conclusion
Casinos in Kathmandu offer a unique nightlife experience that combines gaming, entertainment, and hospitality in a way that is different from traditional casino destinations. With most casinos located inside luxury hotels, free entry, and added perks like food, drinks, and live performances, they provide a complete experience beyond just gambling.
The key is choosing the right casino based on what you’re looking for whether it’s a lively atmosphere, a premium setting, or a more relaxed environment. With the right expectations and proper planning, visiting a casino in Kathmandu can easily become one of the most enjoyable parts of your trip.
👉 Explore wisely, play responsibly, and enjoy the experience.
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FAQs About Casinos in Kathmandu
Do casinos in Kathmandu offer buffet meals?
Yes, many casinos in Kathmandu offer buffet meals and complimentary food, especially while you are playing. Some casinos provide free dinner buffets, snacks, and drinks as part of the experience.
What are the best casinos in Kathmandu?
The best casinos in Kathmandu include Casino Mahjong, Casino Royale, Bally’s Casino, Casino Pride Nepal, Casino Rad, and Millionaire’s Club & Casino, known for their gaming options and overall experience.
Which is the biggest casino in Kathmandu?
Casino Mahjong is the biggest casino in Kathmandu, with the largest gaming area and the highest number of gaming tables and machines.
What is the entry fee for casinos in Kathmandu?
Most casinos in Kathmandu offer free entry, although some may provide optional packages that include food, drinks, or gaming credits.
