Casinos in Sri Lanka

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Introduction

Sri Lanka… A lush green landscape bathed in serenity… A heaven nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean historically known as Ceylon and officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. It offers a vibrant and growing land-based gambling scene that attracts both locals and tourists.

Stay tuned and we’ll share with you the most important info about the gambling scene of this paradise on Earth! Our LCB review team will reveal everything you need to know to play it safe.

The casinos of this island nation are concentrated mainly in Colombo, the bustling capital city, providing a mixture of gaming options from traditional table games like blackjack and roulette to modern slot machines.

But first, a little geography and history…

Also called the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is an island nation in South Asia. It’s located in the Indian Ocean, just southwest of the Bay of Bengal. It is separated from the Indian peninsula by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait. The country shares maritime borders with the Maldives to the southwest and India to the northwest. It is divided into nine provinces:

1. Central Province
2. Eastern Province
3. Northern Province
4. Southern Province
5. Western Province
6. North West Province
7. North Central Province
8. Uva Province
9. Sabaragamuwa Province

With a population of approximately 22 million, this island is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and ethnicities. The Sinhalese people make up the majority, while the Sri Lankan Tamils, the largest minority group, are primarily concentrated in the northern region. Both groups have significantly shaped the island’s history. Other established communities include the Moors, Indian Tamils, Burghers, Malays, Chinese, and the indigenous Vedda people.

The territory was first colonized by the Dutch. The British took control of the Dutch possessions, eventually colonizing the entire island. In the early 20th century, a national movement for political independence emerged, leading to Ceylon becoming a dominion in 1948. In 1972, Ceylon was succeeded by the Republic of Sri Lanka. The country’s recent history includes a 26-year civil war, which ended in 2009. Currently, Sri Lanka faces an economic crisis marked by a currency collapse, rising inflation, and a humanitarian crisis due to severe shortages of essential goods.

All these events influenced the gambling industry.

Gambling History

Gambling in Sri Lanka is deeply rooted in the nation’s history. Activities like lotteries, chariot racing, cock-fighting, and even wagering on toddy consumption have long been embedded in the local culture.

The British colonial administration introduced laws such as the Lotteries Ordinance, the Gaming Ordinance, and the Cheetus Ordinance to regulate these activities. Most of these laws, except for the betting on Horse Racing Act, date back to the previous century.

Despite these regulations, gambling remains a prevalent part of Sri Lankan life. While overt gambling has been somewhat suppressed, it persists in various forms. ‘Baby Cutting’ or ‘Buruwa‘ continues to be a favored card game in villages. Games like poker, bridge, tombola, darts, snooker, and billiards are played for stakes in Colombo’s exclusive clubs. ‘American Auctions,’ which have a gambling element, are often held at temple events to raise funds. Non-state lotteries are also widespread, with some banks using them to attract depositors.

For a long time, successive governments have profited from gambling enterprises that operate in a legal gray area. Betting on horse racing is widespread across the island, with the government collecting taxes from these activities, despite the Horse Racing Act remaining in effect.

When it comes to lottery, the only state lotteries operating under an Act of Parliament in Sri Lanka are those run by the National Lotteries Board. Many people are unaware of this fact, mistakenly believing that the Lotteries Ordinance governs these lotteries.

Legislation & Jurisdiction

Gambling in Sri Lanka is regulated by several laws, including the Gaming Ordinance, the Casino Business (Regulation) Act, and the Betting and Gaming Levy.

The Betting and Gaming Levy imposes a tax on those engaged in gaming, whether lawful or unlawful. Anyone operating a gaming business must register with the Department of Inland Revenue, after which the Commissioner General of Inland Revenue issues a certificate of registration.

The Casino Business Licensing Regulation No. 1 of 2022, published on August 31, 2022, details the licensing process. Existing operators must apply for a license within 60 days of the regulation’s publication, and license renewals must be requested six months before expiration. The fee for a new or renewed five-year license is quite high.

The regulation also mandates strict bookkeeping, sets employee requirements, and prohibits activities such as unlicensed moneylending, drunken and disorderly conduct, and illegal betting or gaming within a casino. Additionally, it prohibits individuals under the age of 21 from entering or participating in any casino gaming.

Speaking of online gambling…

Despite the uncertainty surrounding local gambling laws, several offshore gambling companies have made an impact on Sri Lankan residents. These companies offer opportunities to bet on a diverse range of sports and leagues worldwide. Importantly, these online betting sites operate legally in Sri Lanka, allowing residents to sign up and participate in betting activities.

As the landscape evolves, numerous betting firms have established online platforms, emphasizing the need for users to choose reputable ones for an optimal experience.

Popular Spots and Games

The number of casinos in Colombo is steadily rising. While some locals are not fond of gambling, it is evident that a significant portion of casino clientele consists of foreigners.

The city is home to nine major casinos: Bally’s Casino, Bellagio Entertainment, Ritz Club Sri Lanka, Stardust Casino Colombo, Continental Club, MGM Grand Colombo, Kollupitiya Casino, Crown Club, and Tokyo Club. These establishments collectively offer several hundred slots and video poker, along with many table games, making Colombo a notable destination for gambling fans.

When it comes to the most popular games...

... it includes traditional card games like previously stated ‘Baby Cutting’ (Buruwa) and poker, which are widely enjoyed in both rural and urban areas.

The abovementioned casinos in Colombo feature a variety of games, with poker, blackjack, roulette, and baccarat drawing significant attention. Slot machines and video poker are also favorites among casino-goers, providing a mix of classic and modern gaming experiences. Additionally, lotteries and sports betting, particularly on cricket and horse racing, remain prevalent and highly popular across the island.

Banking

Sri Lankan players commonly use credit or debit cards for deposits and withdrawals. Bank transfers are also popular, particularly for larger transactions. Additionally, e-wallet options like Skrill, PayPal, and Neteller are available, offering convenience and flexibility for online gaming transactions.

Overall, they can enjoy world-class gaming, with the official currency being the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). However, for an exchange fee, punters can choose to play with various other currencies.

To Conclude

Sri Lanka’s land-based casinos offer a unique blend of traditional charm and modern entertainment, drawing in both locals and international visitors. With a rich history of gaming that includes a variety of popular games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker, the casinos in Colombo stand out as key attractions.

Despite stringent regulations, the casino industry thrives, supported by a legal framework that ensures proper licensing and operation. As the number of casinos continues to grow, Sri Lanka’s gaming scene promises an exciting and dynamic experience for all who visit!