Sri Lanka Delays Casino and Online Gambling Rules to December 31

Sri Lanka has pushed back its target for publishing casino and online gambling regulations to 31 December, according to a report dated 3 November 2026. For other Asian markets, start with our Singapore casino hub.

The deadline has slipped again

The Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) missed an earlier 30 June target for publishing the rules, and it did not become fully operational by 30 November. The 31 December date is a revised target for publication only. Under the GRA Act, the regulations must also go to Parliament for approval within three months of publication.

What the first package covers

The first package covers licensing and fees, online gambling, and anti-money laundering controls. It also includes a ministerial order listing the gambling types that are authorised. The minister responsible for finance can issue a gazette order specifying those types.

The licensing picture

As of July, Parliament was told that Sri Lanka had six licensed casino operators, five of them operating, and 37 licensed sports betting and horse-racing operators. Inland Revenue Department officials said no online casino operators were registered with the department at that time. That refers to IRD registration, not to total licensing.

Under GRA Act No. 17 of 2025, which took effect on 1 December 2025, digital gambling operators need a separate licence. About LKR 14.91 billion, roughly $50 million, was collected in 2024 from the betting and gaming levy and casino licence fees.

Political pressure

Harsha de Silva, chairman of Parliament’s Committee on Public Finance, criticised the government for not introducing the regulations. He said the delay leaves potential tax revenue uncollected. He also alleged that foreign-linked online gambling businesses operate without adequate financial supervision. The report does not verify those allegations. GRA Director General Wickramasinghe told The Sunday Morning that the rules are still being completed.

What to watch

The key questions are whether the GRA publishes by 31 December and whether Parliament takes up the regulations within three months. Until then, the position for operators and affiliates is unsettled. For the regional enforcement picture, see our report on Malaysia’s blocked gambling domains.

Do you think Sri Lanka’s licensing process will meet the December 31 date? Tell us in the comments.

Source: iGaming Today, 3 November 2026.

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