Nepal, Dec. 7 -- Business owners in Nepal's southern and eastern border towns widely agree that casinos have increased tourist flow, especially from India, giving a much-needed boost to the tourism income and growth in the luxury hotels outside the Kathmandu valley.

But they also warn that the surge comes with rising legal and security concerns.

They say Indian visitors should be able to travel safely to play in casinos, but checks are necessary to ensure they bring only money-not other prohibited items. For that, they argue, casino operators must follow all state-mandated provisions, standards and conditions.

"Casinos have increased tourist activity in Bhairahawa and other border cities, which has helped protect surrounding businesses...