Is Gambling Legal in Sri Lanka? The GRA Act 2025 Explained

Status as of 16 Oct 2026

The Gambling Regulatory Authority Act No. 17 of 2025 was certified by the Speaker on 3 September 2025 and came into effect on 1 December 2025. It creates the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) and repeals earlier laws, including the Casino Business (Regulation) Act No. 17 of 2010, the Gaming Ordinance and the Betting on Horse-Racing Ordinance. (One law-firm summary carries “No 16” in its web address but “No. 17” in its text. The Act is No. 17.)

The Act needs supplementary regulations to become fully operational. They were due by 30 June 2026 and have slipped. In July 2026 the GRA’s acting director told local media that the first phase would cover the ministerial order defining authorised gambling, licensing, online gambling and anti-money laundering, with finalisation expected around October. We have not seen them issued as of 16 Oct (not yet confirmed).

Who is licensed

A Deputy Commissioner of the Inland Revenue Department said in mid-2026 that there are 37 licensed sports betting and horse racing operators and six licensed casino operators, of which five operate. The five operating casinos in Colombo are City of Dreams, Bellagio, Bally’s, Casino Marina and Majestic Pride.

What the Act says

• Nobody may carry on gambling other than the kinds the Act authorises. A kind can be added by a Minister of Finance order in the Gazette (section 19).
• “Gambling” is defined broadly: betting, gaming, online gaming, casinos, cruise-ship casinos and junket operations, including digital gambling.
• Digital gambling is covered by section 18 and needs its own licence.
• Junket operators need a specific licence.
• The GRA can issue, renew, suspend and cancel licences and issue anti-money-laundering guidelines. The Act sets penalties for offences (exact figures: not yet confirmed from the Act text).

Tax and levy

Operators pay a gross collection levy, which rose from 15% to 18% on 1 January 2026, and casinos charge Sri Lankan citizens an entrance levy of US$100 (up from US$50). See the levy news.

What this means for visitors

Licensed land-based casinos in Colombo are legal for adults. See the casino list, the entry fee guide and the age limit.

What this means online

Read Is online gambling legal in Sri Lanka?.

This page is information, not legal advice.