Sri Lanka Moves to Establish Independent Gambling Regulatory Authority Under New Draft Bill

The Sri Lankan Government has taken a major step toward reforming its gambling sector with the drafting of a new bill aimed at creating an independent Gambling Regulatory Authority. As reported by The Island, this proposed body will be vested with wide-ranging powers to oversee legal gambling operations, implement regulatory reforms, and crack down on illicit activities tied to gambling.

The draft legislation is being introduced under the direction of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who also holds the portfolio of Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. If enacted, the bill will repeal and replace three longstanding pieces of legislation—the Horse Racing Betting Ordinance, the Gambling Ordinance, and the Casino Ordinance—all of which are considered outdated and inadequate for addressing the complexities of modern gambling regulation.

The Cabinet approved the move to proceed with the proposed legal framework during its session held on April 21. Following parliamentary debate and approval, the new law will be formally adopted as the Gambling Regulatory Authority Act.

According to the government, the envisioned Authority will operate independently and assume a central role in regulating all forms of gambling within the country. It will be responsible for introducing updated compliance standards, monitoring operator conduct, and enforcing both financial and legal obligations. Officials say the new structure aims to ensure transparency, integrity, and accountability in the sector.

This initiative is part of a broader governmental strategy to tighten control over gambling-related revenues and improve enforcement mechanisms amid mounting concerns regarding unregulated betting. Authorities believe the reform will provide a more structured revenue stream for the state, while simultaneously serving as a deterrent against money laundering and other criminal abuses often associated with the gambling industry.

By fLEXI tEAM