Sri Lanka is taking a bold step to reform its gambling industry by drafting a bill that creates an independent Gambling Regulatory Authority. As reported by The Island, the government aims to replace outdated laws with a modern regulatory framework that ensures transparency, accountability, and legal compliance.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who also holds the Finance, Planning, and Economic Development portfolio, leads this initiative. He introduced the bill to establish a centralized authority that will oversee all legal gambling operations across the country. This new body will implement modern compliance standards, enforce legal obligations, and crack down on illegal activities in the sector.
The proposed bill doesn’t just add new rules—it eliminates three outdated laws: the Horse Racing Betting Ordinance, the Gambling Ordinance, and the Casino Ordinance. These decades-old laws no longer meet the demands of Sri Lanka’s evolving gambling landscape.
On April 21, the Cabinet approved the draft bill, clearing the way for debate in Parliament. Once lawmakers pass the legislation, it will become the Gambling Regulatory Authority Act. The Authority will then begin monitoring all gambling activities and holding operators accountable for financial and legal responsibilities.
In addition to stronger oversight, the government plans to use this reform to increase structured revenue from gambling. Officials also want to deter money laundering, prevent unregulated betting, and improve overall enforcement capacity.
This move highlights Sri Lanka’s broader effort to modernize its regulatory approach and ensure that gambling contributes positively to the economy. By introducing clear rules and a dedicated authority, the country positions itself to manage the industry more effectively and responsibly.
