Experts call for comprehensive gambling regulation framework in Sri Lanka

An in-depth review of gambling activities across Sri Lanka has identified significant regulatory gaps that require urgent government attention. The investigation spans multiple gambling environments, including licensed casinos operating in Colombo's commercial districts, informal card games conducted in residential areas, and increasingly popular digital trading applications accessible to minors.

The findings underscore the growing accessibility of gambling in Sri Lankan society, particularly through unregulated digital channels. Young people increasingly access trading and betting applications from their personal devices, often without parental oversight or age verification mechanisms. Meanwhile, established betting operations such as racecourse gambling have been documented to employ practices that systematically disadvantage consumers.

Regulatory experts emphasize that current legislation fails to address the evolving nature of gambling in the digital age. Most existing regulations were designed for traditional gambling venues and do not adequately govern online platforms or informal betting networks operating throughout the country.

Stakeholders are calling for a comprehensive regulatory framework that would establish consistent consumer protections, enforce age restrictions, and require transparent odds disclosure across all gambling sectors. Such measures, they argue, would protect vulnerable populations while generating tax revenue through legitimate channels. The proposed reforms would bring Sri Lanka's gambling regulations in line with international best practices observed in comparable regional markets.