Sri Lanka has delayed the rollout of the first regulations under its unified gambling framework after missing its June 30 deadline. Authorities have not yet announced a revised implementation timeline.
The regulations remain under expert review before they can proceed through the remaining stages of the legislative process. These stages include approval by the Attorney General’s Department, Cabinet, and Parliament.
Draft Regulations Still Under Review
The first set of regulations will establish rules covering licensing and fees, online gambling, anti-money laundering requirements, and the types of gambling permitted. These regulations fall under Section 19 of the Gambling Regulatory Authority Act.
An international consultant prepared the initial draft, but additional expert reviews have extended the timeline. Authorities said the regulations are currently being examined by a Cabinet-appointed expert committee before moving to the next approval stage.
Stakeholder Consultation Raises Concerns
Officials from the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) acknowledged that existing gambling operators have not yet been consulted on the proposed regulations.
During a meeting of Sri Lanka’s Committee on Public Finance, lawmakers warned that postponing industry consultations could further delay implementation. The authority also confirmed that it expects to appoint a permanent Director General in early August.
International Support Planned
Sri Lanka is expected to receive support from international regulatory specialists as the framework continues to develop.
Representatives from the UK Gambling Commission are scheduled to visit the country in August. Meanwhile, experts from the European Union Global Facility on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism are also expected to provide technical assistance during the month.
The Gambling Regulatory Authority Act came into force in December 2025. It created a single regulator for land-based casinos, online gambling, offshore gaming, and betting activities. However, many of the law’s provisions cannot take effect until the supporting regulations are finalized and approved.
