Sri Lanka’s parliament has passed the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, which will consolidate existing casino, horse racing, and gambling laws into a single regulatory framework once enacted. The new Gambling Regulatory Authority will oversee licensing, revenue collection, compliance, and efforts to combat illegal gambling and money laundering, while also promoting transparency and minimizing social harm. This unified approach aims to create a clearer, more accountable gambling industry that supports economic growth and tourism.

Despite broad support, some lawmakers have called for stronger regulations specifically targeting the rapidly expanding online gambling sector, citing concerns over consumer protection and financial crimes. The bill’s passage marks a significant step toward a structured and transparent gambling environment, but its effectiveness will depend on the authority’s ability to enforce rules across both physical and digital platforms.