Kathmandu: Casino Mahjong, located within the premises of the Soaltee Hotel, has once again been recognized as the ‘Best Casino in South Asia’ for the fifth time. The award was presented during the 20th Tourism, Travel and Hospitality Awards ceremony held on October 24 at Hotel The Ashok in New Delhi, India.

Managing Director of Casino Mahjong, Binod Shrestha, received the award from Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, India’s Minister for Culture and Tourism. Shrestha, who has been active in the tourism industry for the past 27 years, has investments in casinos, hotels, resorts, and travel businesses. Under his leadership, Casino Mahjong has become Nepal’s No. 1 casino, attracting hundreds of thousands of foreign tourists every year.

At the same ceremony, Casino Mahjong Nepalgunj was also honored with the title of ‘Best Casino in Nepal’. Similarly, Niraj Kumar Pradhan, General Manager of Casino Mahjong Nepalgunj, received the ‘Best Casino General Manager in South Asia’ award. Pradhan had also won the same title last year. In 2023, Amulya Rana, General Manager of Casino Mahjong Kathmandu, had received the same honor.

Over the years, Casino Mahjong Nepal has consistently been recognized at the Hospitality Awards, winning ‘Best Casino in South Asia’ in 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2024, and ‘Best Casino in Nepal’ in 2018. Likewise, Casino Mahjong Nepalgunj bagged the ‘Best Casino in Nepal’ award in 2023 and 2024. Organized by Hospitality India Publications Group, the awards recognize excellence in the global hospitality sector, honoring leading hotels, casinos, travel operators, spas, restaurants, and innovation-driven companies.

The selection process involves an in-depth study by Hospitality India, evaluating factors such as business performance, visitor numbers, popularity, and market reputation. The group works in collaboration with the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), Indian Tourism Board, and other officials from India’s Ministry of Tourism.

Currently, the two Casino Mahjong branches in Nepal employ around 1,000 workers, and the management has announced plans to open a third casino in Birgunj in the near future.