Sri Lanka to finalise gambling regulator by June 2026

• Sri Lanka’s government advances plans to establish a central gambling regulatory authority by mid-2026
• The Gambling Regulatory Authority will oversee all gambling activities, enforce responsible gaming, and support tourism growth
• The new framework replaces outdated laws to unify regulation and promote transparency across the industry

Sri Lanka is set to finalise the creation of a dedicated Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) by June 2026, following significant legislative progress and government approval.

The independent body will regulate all gambling operations in the country, including casinos, online platforms, and betting, aiming to modernise oversight and boost economic development through tourism.

Regulatory framework and mandate

The GRA will have a wide-ranging mandate covering licensing and supervision of gambling operators. It will also enforce responsible gambling practices, prevent money laundering, and ensure compliance with safety and service standards.

The authority is expected to standardise the fragmented industry, minimise social harms, and contribute to tourism and economic growth. This was highlighted by Sri Lanka’s Parliamentary Committee on Public Finance in August 2025 when it approved the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill to proceed to Parliament for debate.​

Replacing outdated legislation

The new law replaces older acts governing gambling activities, including the Horse Racing Betting Ordinance and the Casino Business Regulation Act.

The consolidation under the GRA will unify the regulatory environment and introduce modern compliance requirements such as anti-money laundering (AML) and know your customer (KYC) protocols. It aims to provide clearer rules and accountability mechanisms for operators in both land-based and online sectors, including integrated resorts in Colombo Port City.​

Industry impact and future outlook

The regulator’s establishment follows the opening of Sri Lanka’s first international integrated resort, City of Dreams, which targets the upscale market in the region. The GRA will bring existing casinos under its supervision and ensure they operate according to the new legal standards.

Deputy Economic Development Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando stated that the regulator will also address money laundering concerns, underpinning its role in strengthening oversight.​

The government anticipates that the GRA will increase transparency, foster economic benefits, and help Sri Lanka position itself as a reputable gaming and tourism hub in South Asia.

Completing the regulator’s finalisation by June 2026 will mark a milestone in aligning the industry with international standards and enabling better control over gambling-related social risks.