November 18, Colombo (LNW): A fresh gazette notice has confirmed that the Gambling Regulatory Authority Act, No. 17 of 2025, will officially come into operation on December 01, 2025.
The announcement, dated November 16 and signed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, marks the final step in bringing the long-debated legislation into force.
Parliament approved the bill with amendments during its Second Reading on August 19, 2025, paving the way for a comprehensive overhaul of Sri Lanka’s gambling framework.
The new Act effectively dissolves several long-standing laws, including the Betting on Horse-Racing Ordinance, the Gaming Ordinance, and the 2010 Casino Business Regulation Act.
Under the new regime, the Gambling Regulatory Authority will serve as a centralised, independent body responsible for supervising all gaming activity in the country. Its mandate extends to issuing binding social-responsibility guidelines, particularly targeting online platforms, offshore gaming operations, and activities conducted aboard vessels or within the Colombo Port City.
