CoPF urges fast-tracking of Casino Regulatory Authority

Monday, 10 March 2025 05:31 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Highlights gaps in casino taxation, especially in booming online gambling sector
Says though established casinos taxed, online gambling remains largely unregulated
CoPF Chair Dr. Harsha de Silva stresses urgency in bringing online casinos under financial oversight
Notes Attorney General’s Department tasked with expediting necessary legislation

The Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) last week renewed its call to expedite the establishment of the Casino Regulatory Authority, citing major loss of revenue to the State coffers. The matter was discussed during a session in Parliament on 6 March, chaired by Dr. Harsha de Silva, where lawmakers highlighted issues related to casino taxes.

The Committee Chair highlighted a major regulatory gap, where the CoPF had been working for years to establish a Casino Regulatory Authority

Dr. de Silva pointed out that despite physical casinos being taxed, the booming online gambling industry remains largely untouched.

He called for swift action to bring online casinos under financial oversight and reiterated the need to establish a long-awaited Casino Regulatory Authority.

It was noted that the Attorney General’s Department has now been tasked with fast-tracking the necessary legislation.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Ministers Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma and Chathuranga Abeysinghe, along with Members of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake, Harshana Rajakaruna, Dr.Kaushalya Ariyaratne, Nimal Palihena, Wijesiri Basnayake, and Lakmali Hemachandra.