By: Staff Writer
August 07, Colombo (LNW): Online gambling is fast becoming a major concern in Sri Lanka, with increasing numbers of local youth being drawn into unregulated betting platforms—many linked to international operators and criminal syndicates. With easy access via smartphones and targeted advertising, young Sri Lankans are falling prey to the promise of fast cash amid tough economic conditions and limited job opportunities.
The rise of websites such as 1xBet, FairPlay, Lotus365, and SkyExchange—all of which offer easy access to casino games, sports betting (especially on cricket), and digital slot machines—has made online gambling a normalized yet dangerous habit among Sri Lanka’s tech-savvy younger generation. These platforms, operating with little or no regulation, often use pop-up ads and influencer marketing, sometimes disguised as cricket sponsorships, to attract new users.
Just yesterday (August 5), the growing concern translated into action, as Thalangama Police raided a location in Akuregoda, arresting eleven Indian nationals allegedly involved in online gambling operations. The suspects—eight males and three females aged between 22 and 43—were found using laptops, tablets, and 20 mobile phones to manage gambling activity. They were remanded by the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court until further investigation.
This is not an isolated case. In 2024, police dismantled two major operations in Hanwella, arresting over 50 foreign nationals, including 30 Chinese, six Thai, and four Indian citizens. The raids uncovered over 500 mobile phones, dozens of laptops, and a range of communication and digital devices allegedly used in cyber scams and financial fraud.
Experts warn that the spread of online gambling poses deeper threats beyond addiction. According to global studies, including from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the Southeast Asian online gambling industry has become a hotbed for transnational crime, money laundering, and digital fraud. Criminal networks exploit the vulnerabilities of addicted users—including public officials, law enforcement personnel, and even military staff—potentially compromising national security.
In Sri Lanka, where cybersecurity laws remain weak and public awareness minimal, these gambling operations are thriving in the shadows. The country is yet to implement robust regulations like those seen in Singapore, Indonesia, or Laos, where governments are cracking down on illegal digital betting. In contrast, Philippines and Cambodia have turned into online gambling hubs, attracting both revenue and controversy.
The Sri Lankan government now faces the urgent task of crafting policy, strengthening cyber regulations, and launching public education campaigns to stem the growing tide of gambling addiction and financial exploitation. Without immediate action, the unchecked rise of online gambling could spiral into a national crisis—particularly for the country’s younger generation, already bearing the brunt of economic hardship.
