SE Asia is rapidly becoming the gambling hub of the world
Sri Lanka is moving closer to reshaping its gambling landscape, with a newly proposed bill that could bring major changes to how betting and gaming are regulated across the country. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake recently published a draft law that, if passed by parliament, would create a Gambling Regulatory Authority to oversee the entire industry.
This proposed legislation would replace three older gambling laws, some of which date back decades. Currently, legal gambling in Sri Lanka is limited mostly to horse racing and a few casinos, such as Bally’s Casino in Colombo. The new bill aims to centralize control and modernize the system, though specific details—like whether betting on sports such as cricket will be allowed—are still unclear.
The move comes at a time when other Asian nations, including Japan, Thailand, and India, are also rethinking how they approach the gambling sector. Sri Lanka’s plan could be part of a broader regional trend to tap into the growing interest in both physical and online gambling, especially with international companies keeping a close watch on emerging markets.
The proposed reforms align with President Dissanayake’s broader political agenda. Since taking office in 2024, he has promised to fight corruption and organized crime. By creating a single regulatory body, the government hopes to crack down on illegal operations and limit the influence of unlicensed offshore betting platforms that currently target Sri Lankan consumers.
Given that the president’s party, the National People’s Power (NPP), holds a strong majority in parliament, the chances of the bill moving forward appear high. Industry observers are already paying attention, with companies like Sportradar identifying Sri Lanka as a market with long-term growth potential.
If passed, this legislation could mark a turning point for Sri Lanka, potentially placing it on the map as a key player in Southeast Asia’s evolving gambling scene.
