In a significant move for Sri Lanka’s burgeoning gaming sector, the government has announced that its new Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) will commence operations on 1 December 2025.

This separate group will handle every kind of gaming nationwide – except lotteries and casual games – showing a key move by officials to tighten up and unify betting rules.

A Broad Scope of Jurisdiction

The GRA’s role includes ship, land, and web betting activities – also reaching online casinos in Sri Lanka through broader oversight that blends coastal, regional, and virtual regulation under one umbrella.

The deputy economic minister, Anil Jayantha Fernando, said the new watchdog will handle permits along with tax rules, keep track of income from gaming, also set clear steps to reduce gambling harm. On top of that, it’ll make sure casinos follow anti-money-laundering laws while running their operations.

The rollout of the GRA scraps current laws like the Betting on Horse Racing law, the Gaming rules, or the 2010 Casino Business Act. Merging everything into one authority should improve monitoring while building a smoother system overall.

Regulatory Guidelines and Focus

Sri Lanka isn’t aiming to grow its gaming sector fast right now – or hand out more permits.

According to almost all government communications, the main goals of this move are to regulate the existing landscape, not expand it.

The responsibilities of the regulatory body include overseeing licensing and taxation, managing revenue collection, and standardizing safeguards against problem gambling. Additionally, the GRA will ensure that casinos operate in compliance with regulations aimed at preventing money laundering.

“The focus is on regulation,” Fernando said, pointing out how the government wants things controlled – enough freedom to grow, yet still kept in check.

As part of this regulatory overhaul, a new tax structure has been introduced. From October 1st, the gambling levy went up – from 15% to 18%. On top of that, locals now pay twice as much to enter casinos.

Impact on Online Casino Players

Online casino fans in Sri Lanka now face new changes thanks to the GRA stepping in. Because of this body watching digital platforms, gamers might enjoy better safety online. Standardized safeguards against problem gambling, such as responsible gaming measures and self-exclusion programs, will provide players with greater protection.

Still, a bigger tax load along with tighter license rules might limit how many online games are around. Operators may face higher compliance costs, which could be passed on to players in the form of reduced bonuses or higher fees.

That said, a well-run market might draw trusted global companies, which would improve the standard and trustworthiness of online gaming options for people in Sri Lanka.