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Quick answer
Sri Lankan citizens pay a US$100 casino entrance levy, doubled from US$50 on 1 January 2026. Foreign visitors usually enter free, according to travel sites and reviews, but no official source states it, and some venues push a paid buy-in or membership. Confirm with the venue.
The levy for Sri Lankan citizens
The Inland Revenue Department notice says the casino entrance levy was increased from US$50 to US$100 and applies to Sri Lanka’s own citizens. Operators “shall collect” the US$100, or its equivalent in another convertible currency or in rupees, from a Sri Lankan citizen who enters. The change took effect on 1 January 2026. See the news item.
Fees by venue
| Venue | Sri Lankan citizens | Foreign visitors | Indian visitors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bally’s Colombo | US$100 levy | Usually free per reviews and travel sites; not yet confirmed | INR packages; entry fee not yet confirmed |
| City of Dreams | US$100 levy | Not yet confirmed | Not yet confirmed |
| Bellagio | US$100 levy | Not yet confirmed | Not yet confirmed |
| Casino Marina | US$100 levy | Not yet confirmed | Not yet confirmed |
| Majestic Pride | US$100 levy | Not yet confirmed | Not yet confirmed |
The levy is a legal requirement for citizens at any licensed casino, so we show it for all five. Venue-set fees for visitors are not published on the sites we scraped.
Buy-in packages for Indian visitors
Bally’s lists INR packages from a INR 500,000 buy-in up to INR 20,000,000. Perks grow by tier and include five-star hotel accommodation (or reimbursement) and air-ticket reimbursement, all with conditions. These are gaming buy-ins, not entry fees. See India trips.
Before you go
Check the age limit and dress code, and carry your passport.
Frequently asked questions
Do foreigners pay to enter a Sri Lankan casino?
Usually not. The government levy applies to Sri Lankan citizens, and travel sites (Thrillophilia, PickYourTrail) and Tripadvisor reviews say entry is usually free for tourists. A visitor video reports being told entry was free but that a package with dinner cost INR 5,000. No venue publishes an official fee, so confirm (not yet confirmed).
How much is the entry fee for locals?
US$100 or the equivalent in another convertible currency or in Sri Lankan rupees, from 1 January 2026, according to the Inland Revenue Department.
What is the entry fee in INR?
Not yet confirmed. Bally's publishes INR buy-in packages from INR 500,000, which are packages and not an entry fee.
Why do Indian visitors get asked for a passport?
One reviewer says guards may ask Indian visitors for a passport because they can be mistaken for locals. Bring your passport.
Sources
- https://igamingbusiness.com/casino/sri-lanka-doubles-casino-entry-fee/
- https://www.ggrasia.com/from-jan-1-sri-lanka-doubled-locals-casino-entry-fee-upped-gaming-gross-collection-levy
- https://www.ballyscolombo.com/inr-packages
- https://www.thrillophilia.com/casinos-in-colombo
- https://pickyourtrail.com/attractions/sri-lanka/ballys-casino-colombo
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g293962-d6697019-r334356414-Bally_s_Casino-Colombo_Western_Province.html
Alston Antony, Founder & Editor, Sri Lankan local. Part of Casino Entry Guides for Sri Lanka.