Sri Lanka clears casino machine imports as new gambling oversight advances
COPF lifts ban with new monitoring directive as Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill progresses.
Key points:
– COPF has approved the resumption of casino machine imports
– A special monitoring system will be introduced for oversight
– Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill aims to modernise industry regulation
Sri Lanka’s Committee on Public Finance (COPF) has authorised the importation of casino machines, reversing a ban imposed during the country’s economic crisis. COPF Chairman Dr Harsha de Silva confirmed the approval, stating that each machine will be subject to a dedicated monitoring system, as reported by Lanka News Web.
The decision coincides with the government’s tabling of the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, 2025, aimed at introducing a unified regulator to oversee both physical and online gambling.
Dr de Silva, however, raised concerns that the bill does not yet provide operational regulations, warning that this could lead to gaps in enforcement.
Good to know: Casino equipment was previously restricted under the 2010 Casino Business Regulation Act. The new approval is intended to boost tourism-linked investment and government revenue
Former finance minister and COPF member Ravi Karunanayake supported the move, describing it as a financial strategy rather than a social policy. The proposed authority will include officials from the Finance Ministry, Inland Revenue, Financial Intelligence Unit and the police, along with independent experts. It will oversee licensing, compliance and anti-money laundering measures.
Meanwhile, the US$1bn City of Dreams Sri Lanka integrated resort by Melco Resorts and John Keells Holdings is set to expand with casino operations this year under a 20-year licence. The government also plans to raise casino entry fees from US$50 to US$100 and increase the gambling turnover tax from 15% to 18% in a bid to enhance state revenue and industry transparency.
Gambling Insider delivers the latest industry news, in-depth features, and operator reviews that you can trust. Our team combines rigorous editorial standards with decades of specialized expertise to ensure accuracy and fairness. We are committed to delivering clear, impartial, and dependable coverage across the global gambling sector.
