Sri Lanka greenlights gaming machine imports
An ban on the import of gaming equipment will be lifted as casino regulation advances.
Sri Lanka.- The Committee on Public Finance (COPF) has approved the importation of casino gaming machines as Sri Lanka moves forwards with its reforms of gambling regulation. The move comes after the introduction of the 2025 Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, which aims to regulate land-based and online gambling.
Imports of casino equipment were previously banned under the Casino Business Regulation Act No. 17 of 2010. Confirming the new approval, COPF Chairman Harsha de Silva said there would be a mechanism to monitor every machine to be imported.
COPF member Ravi Karunanayake said: “It is not our duty to assess the harmful effects of the move. We could only see how casinos could help the government earn revenue.”
De Silva also raised some concerns with the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, voicing concern over regulatory gaps, particularly in relation to online casinos and junket operators. De Silva highlighted that while the new bill establishes a regulator, it still lacks operational oversight legislation.
This regulatory reforms come ahead of the planned launch of gaming operations under a 20-year licence at Melco Resorts & Entertainment and John Keells Holdings’ City of Dreams Sri Lanka project in Colombo later this year. The first phase opened in 2024.
