Sri Lanka: Parliament Approves Bill to Establish Gambling Regulatory Authority

Sri Lanka has taken a big step toward reshaping its gambling industry, with parliament passing the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill on its second reading. Once endorsed by the parliamentary speaker, it will become law as the Gambling Regulatory Authority Act.

Good to know

• The new act consolidates casino, horse racing, and gambling laws into one framework.
• The regulator will oversee revenue collection, licensing, and compliance.
• Lawmakers have raised calls for stronger oversight of online gambling.

The new legislation replaces three long-standing measures — the Horse Racing Betting Ordinance, the Gambling Ordinance, and the Casino Ordinance. By consolidating them, Sri Lanka aims to create a single, clearer framework for the gambling sector.

Deputy Economic Development Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando told parliament that the new regulator would not only ensure casinos operate within the law but also help address money laundering risks.

Under the act, the Gambling Regulatory Authority will have broad responsibilities, including:

• Collecting gambling-related revenue for the government
• Ensuring transparency and good governance in the industry
• Licensing and standardising betting and gaming establishments
• Tackling illegal gambling operations
• Minimising social harm linked to gambling activities

The regulator is also tasked with balancing industry oversight with economic opportunities, including tourism growth.

During the debate, some opposition lawmakers urged the government to go further by introducing stricter mechanisms to regulate online gambling. With digital platforms growing rapidly, calls for stronger controls reflect concerns about consumer protection and money laundering risks in the online space.

What Does the Future Hold?

The bill’s passage comes shortly after the Committee on Public Finance approved it, and the body also presented foreign exchange regulations relating to gaming. Once the speaker signs off, the Gambling Regulatory Authority will officially take shape, setting the stage for a more structured and transparent gambling environment in Sri Lanka.

Supporters argue the law could help curb illegal operators while creating a safer, more accountable industry that contributes to national revenue and tourism. Critics, however, say the true test will be whether the authority can enforce compliance across both physical casinos and the rapidly expanding online market.

The post Sri Lanka: Parliament Approves Bill to Establish Gambling Regulatory Authority appeared first on iGaming.org.