Inside Asian Gaming

INSIDE ASIAN GAMING APRIL 2018 20 “We have brought the concept of an integrated resort to the Southeast Asian marketplace and are proud to be the first to open in the region, choosing Nepal to do so,” he says. But getting to this point has also highlighted the many unique challenges that come with operating in such uncharted waters. There were delays, of course, with the original 2017 opening date pushed back by 12 months due in part to the earthquake that struck Nepal in April 2015 and a four-month fuel blockade along the Indian border due to political tensions between the two countries surrounding the promulgation of the new constitution at the end of 2015. Those setbacks saw the cost of completion soar from US$40 million to US$52 million, with Silver Heritage forced to find the extra funds through a mid-2017 entitlement offer to raise US$14 million. Logistics and procurement of materials for the build were also a problem. COVER STORY Plans are underway to launch three private VIP rooms with nine new tables, two separate cages and a private dining experience by the end of 2018. The company hopes these private rooms will allow Tiger Palace to diversify its customer base.