Gambling Law in Sri Lanka
Plain-English explainers on the Gambling Regulatory Authority Act No. 17 of 2025, online gambling and casino rules.
Gambling in Sri Lanka is governed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority Act No. 17 of 2025, in force since 1 December 2025. It repealed the Casino Business (Regulation) Act of 2010, the Gaming Ordinance and the Betting on Horse-Racing Ordinance.
Six casino operators are licensed and five operate. No online casino operator is registered, and the telecoms regulator has ordered unlicensed sites blocked. The supplementary regulations that make the Act fully operational were delayed from 30 June 2026 and were expected around October.
These pages explain the rules in plain English. They are information, not legal advice, and each shows a last-verified date.
Last verified: 16 Oct 2026. By Alston Antony.
- Is Gambling Legal in Sri Lanka? The GRA Act 2025 Explained
Is casino gambling legal in Sri Lanka? Licensed casinos are legal under the Gambling Regulatory Authority Act No. 17 of 2025. Online gambling has no licence yet.
- Is Online Gambling Legal in Sri Lanka?
Online gambling has no licensed operator in Sri Lanka yet. What the GRA Act 2025 says, TRCSL blocking, the risks of casino apps and APKs, and what to do instead.