Bhutan

By Josh Pearson , 15 December 2025

Bhutan stands out in the global leisure economy for what it has chosen not to build. While many nations court casinos to boost tourism and tax revenue, Bhutan has maintained a firm prohibition on casino gambling. Rooted in cultural values, constitutional principles, and a development philosophy centered on Gross National Happiness, the ban reflects a deliberate policy choice rather than regulatory inertia.