Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
Wednesday, 15 October 2025 00:26 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Parliament Secretariat yesterday said that around 60-70% of Sri Lanka’s casino-related activity now occurs through online platforms, while the State earns no tax revenue from these operations, according to findings presented to the Committee on Public Finance (CoPF).
At a meeting chaired by SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva, the committee found that that only 30-40% of casino activity takes place in licenced physical establishments, highlighting a growing gap in regulation and revenue collection.
The CoPF urged the immediate establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) to oversee both physical and online gambling and to develop a mechanism for taxing online casinos.
Finance Ministry and Inland Revenue Department officials said they have agreed to implement CoPF’s recommendation to set up the authority and begin operations by 30 June 2026. They also confirmed that nominations have been called for a seven-member board, which will appoint a Chief Executive Officer to lead the process.
Dr. de Silva noted the urgency of launching the Authority, noting that effective regulation of gambling, particularly online platforms, is critical for compliance with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards on anti–money laundering and counter-terrorism financing.
He added that the absence of oversight allows significant revenue loss, as none of the six licensed casinos in Sri Lanka are permitted to operate online, yet unregistered digital casinos continue to function without contributing taxes.
Officials told COPF that the new Authority will establish procedures to regulate online casinos and collect taxes, a move expected to enhance State revenue and strengthen financial transparency.
