Sri Lanka’s cabinet approves bill to create Gambling Regularisation Authority

The agency will regulate online gaming as well as floating, offshore and land-based casinos.

Sri Lanka.- The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a draft bill to create the Gambling Regularisation Authority. This new entity will oversee online gambling, ship-based and offshore casinos in Colombo Port City, as well as land-based casinos.

The Gambling Sports Regularisation Act still needs approval from the country’s parliament, according to a statement from the Department of Government Information. The bill was proposed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is also the minister of finance, planning, and economic development.

Currently, Sri Lanka’s casinos follow certain regulations for licensing and entrance fees, but there isn’t a specific act of parliament governing them. In its 2025 budget plan, the government proposed to raise the turnover tax on gaming from 15 per cent to 18 per cent and entrance fees from US$50 to US$100.

City of Dreams Sri Lanka, in Colombo, opened its Phase I in October with 687 rooms, restaurants and entertainment venues, including ballrooms and event and conference facilities. Phase II, with a 113-key Nuwa Hotel and gaming operations, is expected to open in the third quarter of this year. The casino will be operated by Melco Resorts & Entertainment.

Colombo Port City is a new area built by reclaiming land on the western edge of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital. The main developer is China Harbour Engineering Co, which invested US$1.4bn.