Sri Lanka’s Finance Ministry pushes Gambling Regulator Bill for tax gains
As Sri Lanka moves closer to setting up a Gambling Regulatory Authority, officials from the country’s Ministry of Finance this week briefed the Parliamentary Committee on Public Finance (COPF) on the draft legislation. The meeting was attended by COPF chairman MP Harsha de Silva, Deputy Minister Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, and other committee members.
COPF chairman Silva urged a faster passage of the legislation and said that expediting the passage of the proposed legislation to establish the Gambling Regulatory Authority would enable the Government to recover a significant amount of revenue currently being lost in taxes.
Regulating land-based and online gaming
Sri Lanka recently tabled the draft law to regulate both physical and online gambling, including 바카라s. The bill also proposes licensing junket operators — intermediaries who introduce wealthy gamblers to 바카라s — in a move officials say will formalise an often-opaque part of the industry.
“This has been promised for a long time, but the current administration has finally done it,” said Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Harshana Suriyapperuma, who told parliament that the bill was developed after studying international models. “The bill has been prepared by examining practices in other countries, not only in Singapore, but other jurisdictions,” he added.
Opening of City of Dreams
The introduction of the draft law comes as Sri Lanka continues to grow its 바카라 and entertainment industry. Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited, along with local partner John Keells Holdings, is developing City of Dreams Sri Lanka — South Asia’s first integrated resort — in Colombo.
The USD 1 billion project opened its first phase in October, featuring 687 rooms, restaurants, ballrooms and event venues. The second phase, due in the third quarter of 2025, will add the 113-room Nuwa Hotel and 바카라 gaming operations. Bluehaven Services, a Melco subsidiary, holds a 20-year 바카라 licence that took effect on 1 April 2024.
Broader reforms
The government’s plan follows its move in May to ease restrictions on importing gaming equipment. Some sporting equipment for tourist venues is also permitted. The , under the guidance of President and Finance Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The Attorney General approved it last April after Cabinet initially cleared the draft in February 2025.
Once passed, the law will repeal three outdated acts — the Horse Racing Betting Ordinance, the Gambling Ordinance, and the Casino Ordinance.
A dedicated authority
The new Gambling Regulatory Authority will have a board comprising the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, the Commissioner General of the Inland Revenue Department, the Head of the Financial Intelligence Unit, and the Inspector General of Police, or their representatives. Three additional qualified members will be appointed by the finance minister. Board members will serve three-year terms.
Impact on tourism and the economy
The government hopes the new law will help grow tourism, create jobs and strengthen the economy. By making the gambling sector clearer and better run, they believe it will encourage serious international investors and build greater public trust. The law will also require operators to improve customer experience, safety, and hygiene — all key to drawing tourists and high-rollers.
Changes to support regulation
In line with the new regulatory framework, the government has proposed changes to gambling taxes as part of the 2025 national budget. The 바카라 entrance fee is set to increase from $50 to $100. The turnover tax on gambling businesses will also rise from 15 percent to 18 percent.
Once approved, the Gambling Regulatory Authority Act will create a single legal framework to regulate all gambling in Sri Lanka. It aims to bring the country’s laws in line with international standards, improve oversight, increase public trust, and ensure that gambling operations are conducted responsibly and legally.
