Advocata flags flaws in Sri Lanka’s proposed gambling bill, urges overhaul
Think tank highlights need for independent regulator and stronger oversight mechanisms.
Key points:
– Advocata warns proposed bill grants excessive control to Finance Minister
– Draft law excludes online gambling and lottery sectors from key oversight
– Calls for redraft to align with global regulatory standards
Sri Lanka’s proposed Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill has drawn criticism from the Advocata Institute, which has called for the draft to be withdrawn and revised.
As reported by The Island, the think tank raised concerns over the concentration of power in the hands of the Finance Minister, arguing it undermines regulatory independence.
Under the bill, the Minister would appoint the Director General and board members, issue binding directives and unilaterally make regulations. Advocata contends that such control compromises impartial oversight and fails to meet international standards.
Other concerns include the exclusion of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority from board representation and the absence of hospitality sector qualifications. Despite lotteries being a form of gambling, the National and Development Lotteries Boards are left unregulated.
Online gambling is also overlooked, with no patron registration or controls for foreign digital platforms. Advocata recommends specific provisions to address the rise of cross-border betting.
Good to know: The current draft aims to create a formal regulator for gambling, but critics say it lacks basic checks and balances required for good governance.
Revenue oversight is flagged as weak, with no mechanism to track operator income or enforce tax compliance. Penalties for breaches are also seen as inadequate, with fines as low as LKR 100,000 (US$333.57) and a maximum prison term of two years.
While Advocata supports the idea of a gambling authority, it insists the bill must be restructured to ensure independence, accountability and effective regulation.
The group has urged the Government to conduct public consultations and expert reviews before reintroducing the legislation.
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