Casinos: Economic imperatives amidst moral/social concerns

The topic of casinos – a form of gambling – has always been a divisive issue within the Sri Lankan society. In a country where lottery tickets are sold in every street corner, casinos remain a moral taboo. The media as well as the clergy relate casinos with vices like prostitution and drug trading. Buddhism, the main religion of the island state, views gambling negatively and recognises it as a habit which leads individuals into ruin. The Islamic faith, which too has a considerable following in the country, strictly prohibits gambling.

The resentment towards casinos is mainly driven by the middle-class Sinhalese Buddhist families who fear the prospects of their offspring patronising casinos once they become elders, which could ultimately lead their lives into devastation. In contrast, horse race betting centres that primarily attract the underprivileged and less-affluent individuals, function sans any visible public outcry

Having recognised the apprehensions of the middle class towards casinos, politicians have exercised a sense of caution in promoting the gaming industry. Whenever attempts have been made in the past to establish gaming houses with the involvement of foreign investors, politicians in the opposition have made use of the opportunity to appeal to the middle class who are averse to sparkling and flashy gaming facilities.

Few weeks ago, at the opening of the City of Dreams (COD) – a luxury, integrated resort which features a world-class casino – Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe had told the media that the government was not promoting casinos to locals, while stressing that the newly opened venues like the COD mainly target tourists. The Deputy Minister’s remark is reflective of showing concern towards middle-class sentiments on casinos. 

Interestingly, before assuming power, the NPP, particularly when it functioned in the JVP version, was vehemently opposed to casinos and gambling in general. Not only gambling, all types of activities that are traditionally considered immoral in the Sri Lankan social framework – prostitution, homosexuality, adultery, boozing, smoking, and clubbing – were frowned upon by the political outfit whose origination was based on Marxism. In contrast, the NPP dispensation espouses a modernist and liberal outlook with the presence of the likes of Harini Amarasuriya and Vraîe Balthazaar, who are known sympathisers of the island’s LGBT community.

Irrespective of the numerous moral and religious/cultural standpoints, it has been widely acknowledged by the experts that the island needs top-notch, world-class gaming facilities to woo high-spending travellers. Casinos are also considered as a critical element of the strategic direction that needs to be pursued to significantly enhance the per-day visitor earnings apart from positioning the country as an up-market tourist destination.

Sri Lanka is currently home to six legal casinos, but none of them are located in hotels. The casino which was recently opened at Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort by Melco Resorts & Entertainment – a Hong Kong-based company which owns a number of casino gaming facilities in Europe and Asia – would undoubtedly transform the casino landscape in the country besides having the potential of becoming a game changer which could elevate the profile of the tourism industry. Melco Chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho had opined that Sri Lanka can become to India what Macau is to China by tapping into its enormous population base and growing economy. 

Even the UAE, despite being an Islamic state, became the first Gulf country to legalise commercial gaming last year and its first casino – Wynn Al Marjan Island – is to be launched in 2027. Societies need to evolve with the changing demands of time without being constrained by the dogmas of religion and culture. A well-regulated casino industry would significantly contribute towards Government revenue and overall economic development of the island. Sri Lanka cannot afford to turn away from industries that can elevate it into the premium tourism league on the basis of arguments of morality and religion.