The tiny North-Eastern State of Sikkim is all set to roll its roulette and is gearing up to give Nepal a run for its money, literally. Along with its virgin forests, lofty mountains, mystic valleys, lush green landscapes and spectacular mountain rivers, the Himalayan kingdom is now all set to welcome visitors with state-of-the-art world class casinos.

“The state government has given nod to Park Sarovar Plaza Group of Hotels to set up a five-star hotel-cum-casino in Gangtok. The project is likely to be completed in this year only,” says G P Upadhyaya, Commissioner-cum-secretary of the Department of Tourism, Sikkim. Set against the backdrop of scenic mountains, the casino would become a major tourist attraction in the northeastern state.

“We are very excited about the project,” says Pankaj Saxena, General Manager, The Royal Plaza, Sikkim. In a major boost to the state tourism, Sikkim Government had passed Sikkim Casino Games Act in 2004 and the rules regulating their operation were framed last year through the Sikkim Casino Games (Control and Tax) Rules, 2007 paving a way to set up casinos in the state.

The Act has created ripples in the State’s hospitality industry. “The legalisation of casinos is definitely a major boost to the tourism sector,” says Upadhyaya.

“It would give impetus to high-end tourism. The state can expect tourists who would not mind spending big moolahs,” says the commissioner.

The tourism industry is eyeing not only domestic tourists but big spenders from abroad too. “With unrest in Nepal, we are expecting to divert traffic from Kathmandu, which houses the nearest casino in the region and has been a favourite for gamblers for years,” says Upadhyaya.

The State will get 25 per cent of the stake money from the casino. Besides the Sarovar group, other real estate developers are also in the fray to grab the opportunity. “Talks are going on with the country’s bigwigs in real estate developers including DLF to build a five-star resort housing a casino in the state,” says Upadhyaya. “Other big names like Ambuja and many others have also shown their interest in this matter,” he adds. With passing of the Act, Sikkim has become the second state after Goa to allow operation of casino in the country.

“Talks are going on with the Sikkim government to set up a five star hotel-cum-casino in the state. Though nothing has been finalised as yet, but there are hope for a positive outcome,” says Rajeev Talwar, Group Executive Director, DLF. Strict norms have been laid down to open a casino in the state. Desirous parties shall need to have five star category of facilities and infrastructures.

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