By: Staff Writer
July 06, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan authorities have launched a widening investigation into illegal online betting advertisements following mounting evidence that offshore gambling operators are targeting young audiences through sophisticated digital marketing campaigns.
The latest enforcement drive follows directions issued on June 16, 2026, by Committee on Public Finance (COPF) Chairman Dr. Harsha de Silva, who instructed the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (TRC) and several key state agencies to immediately investigate the proliferation of unregulated gambling advertisements across multiple media platforms.
Investigators are examining the domestic production networks responsible for creating promotional material for illegal betting websites. Particular attention is being paid to advertisements allegedly using counterfeit versions of the Sri Lankan Government logo, raising concerns over deliberate attempts to mislead the public into believing that certain operators possess official approval.
The investigation extends beyond betting companies themselves. Television stations, radio broadcasters and digital streaming platforms that continue carrying advertisements for unlicensed gambling operators could face legal consequences if found to have facilitated unauthorised gambling promotions.
Under the Gambling Regulatory Authority Act, No. 17 of 2025, operating a gambling business without a valid licence constitutes a criminal offence. Convictions may result in fines of up to Rs. 10 million, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
Despite the tougher legal framework, enforcement agencies face a formidable challenge. Authorities estimate that between 60 and 70 percent of Sri Lankan gamblers continue using illegal offshore platforms such as bet365, Betway and 1xBet, bypassing the country’s regulatory system.
Industry observers attribute much of this success to aggressive digital advertising strategies. Offshore operators maintain a constant presence on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and WhatsApp channels frequented by young users, often promoting welcome bonuses, cashback offers and instant payouts.
The popularity of cricket has become another valuable marketing avenue. Betting advertisements increasingly accompany live match broadcasts, streaming services and sponsorship promotions, exposing viewers including schoolchildren to continuous gambling messages throughout sporting events.
Educationists argue that repeated exposure risks normalising betting behaviour among children long before they understand its financial and psychological consequences. They warn that sophisticated app designs, game-like interfaces and low-cost betting options make online gambling especially attractive to teenagers with limited disposable income.
The establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority is expected to strengthen licensing, oversight and enforcement. However, regulators acknowledge that combating illegal offshore operators will require cooperation between telecommunications authorities, law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, media organisations and digital platforms.
For policymakers, the investigation represents more than a regulatory exercise. It is an early test of whether Sri Lanka can effectively enforce its new gambling laws while protecting vulnerable young people from increasingly sophisticated online betting networks operating beyond national borders.
The outcome of these investigations may determine whether the country’s regulatory reforms succeed in curbing illegal gambling or whether offshore operators continue exploiting digital media to expand their influence among Sri Lanka’s next generation.