Sikkim Government opens first casino to lure tourists to the state

The Sikkim government recently opened the first casino in the state at Royal Plaza Hotel in Gangtok and named it ‘Casino Sikkim.’ The casino was opened in order to improve tourists’ inflow in the state. With an annual increase of 20 per cent in tourist arrivals in recent years, it is the only state in the country offering land based live casino facilities and complete casino gaming to tourists. According to an ANI report by Tashi Pradhan, the state government aims to attract high-end domestic and foreign tourists with the casino bid, which has already created ripples in the hospitality sector both national and international.

Naresh Subba, Chief Executive Officer, Casino Sikkim, said the state government's assistance had made it possible to open the casino in the state. “The Sikkim government has trusted us and given me the responsibility to come up with the casino and then attract tourists. With the foundation stone ceremony for the airport completed recently, I see a nightlife market for tourists,” opined Subba. Besides boosting the economy of the region through tourism, the opening of casino will also create employment opportunities for the youth.