Gambling Regulatory Authority Act No. 17 of 2025 – Investor Brief
Sri Lanka has enacted the Gambling Regulatory Authority Act No. 17 of 2025, creating a modern and unified framework for the gambling industry. The Act repeals outdated laws such as the Betting on Horse-Racing Ordinance, Gaming Ordinance, and Casino Business (Regulation) Act of 2010, replacing them with a single, streamlined regulatory system.
Key Investor Highlights
- Establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA): A central body to regulate, license, and monitor all gambling activities, ensuring transparency, investor protection, and fair play.
- Broad Scope of Gambling Activities:
Includes casinos, online gaming, cruise ship casinos, junket operations, and digital gambling. Traditional games like baccarat, blackjack, roulette, poker, wheel of fortune, and more are officially recognized, opening the market to international standards. - Modernization for Global Markets: The Act explicitly allows digital and online platforms, making Sri Lanka competitive in the fast-growing global iGaming and digital entertainment industry.
- Tourism Integration: Cruise ship casinos and regulated gambling premises within territorial waters provide new opportunities to attract high-net-worth tourists and international gaming operators.
- Flexibility for Expansion: The Minister has authority to approve new gambling formats via Gazette, allowing future innovation and investor-friendly adaptability.
- Charitable & Philanthropic Gambling: Provisions also allow gambling linked to charitable purposes, broadening market applications.
Why This Matters for Investors
This Act positions Sri Lanka as an emerging regulated hub for global gambling and gaming investments in South Asia. With clear legal certainty, central regulation, and openness to both physical and digital formats, the country is creating a favorable climate for international operators, technology providers, and tourism investors.
For more details please contact DPR Investment Consultants
