Sunday Nov 16, 2025
Sunday Nov 16, 2025
Wednesday, 17 September 2025 00:22 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved a 2025 Budget proposal to increase the levy on betting and gaming, while also doubling the casino entry fee for locals, following clearance from the Attorney General.
Addressing the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said as per the move proposed in the 2025 Budget, the levy on the gross total of betting and gaming operations will rise from the current 15% to 18%, while the entry fee for Sri Lankans to casinos will be doubled from $ 50 to $ 100.
He said the Legal Draftsman has finalised draft bill to amend the Betting and Gaming Levy Act No. 40 of 1988, to incorporate the changes.
“Clearance of the Attorney General too has been granted for the draft bill. The Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal to publish the draft bill in the Government gazette and subsequently forward it to Parliament for approval,” Dr. Jayatissa noted.
The Betting and Gaming Levy Act serves as Sri Lanka’s core legislation governing taxes on bookmakers and gaming businesses. The law mandates both an annual levy on bookmakers and operators of gambling businesses and a gross collection levy—a percentage charged on the total turnover or receipts from such operations. It also stipulates a casino entrance levy, requiring individuals entering gaming establishments to pay a fixed fee.
Following the multiple severe fiscal pressures, the Government said the latest amendments are intended to strengthen State coffers while tightening regulation of the industry.
The proposal to this effect submitted by President Anura Kumara Disanayake in his capacity as the Finance, Planning and Economic Development was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.
