Universal Entertainment Colombo has withdrawn from a proposed integrated resort development at Sri Lanka’s Colombo Port City after conducting due diligence on a 10-hectare site, according to officials from the Colombo Port City Economic Commission (CPCEC). The departure was disclosed by CPCEC Director General Revan Wickramasuriya to parliament’s Committee on Public Finance. “That was another applicant that considered the integrated resort plot… They came in; they, again, withdrew during their due diligence,” Wickramasuriya said according to Asia Gaming Brief. The […]

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Former Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and their employees are reportedly moving operations to Sri Lanka, where Colombo’s Port City Special Economic Zone has become a focus in discussions about the expansion of overseas-facing online gaming businesses. An investigation by MonetaBrief found that some major online gaming groups operating in Sri Lanka appear to be connected to former POGO operators whose activities ended after the Philippines introduced a nationwide ban on the sector. The report said recruiters have been searching for […]

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Sri Lanka has restricted access to 24 online gambling and betting websites accused of operating without local licences, marking one of the first major enforcement actions under the country’s updated gambling regulatory framework. The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) instructed all telecommunications service providers to block access to the identified platforms with immediate effect following a directive issued under the Gambling Regulatory Authority Act No. 17 of 2025. The affected websites include several international betting and gaming operators such as […]

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China and Sri Lanka have expanded cooperation between their law enforcement agencies as both countries seek to tackle online gambling, telecom fraud, and organized criminal networks operating across borders. Authorities say these crimes have become increasingly international in nature, with criminal groups shifting operations between countries and taking advantage of regions viewed as more vulnerable. According to statements issued by the Chinese Embassy in Colombo, recent enforcement efforts have focused on dismantling gambling and fraud centers that authorities believe have relocated […]

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Sri Lankan authorities are grappling with a sharp rise in cybercrime as foreign scam networks relocate from Southeast Asia, raising concerns about the integrity of the country’s emerging regulated gambling industry. Since the start of 2026, police have detained over 1,000 foreigners, primarily from China, Vietnam, and India, for alleged involvement in online fraud. This figure more than doubles the 430 arrests recorded in 2024. Police spokesman Fredrick Wootler said that raids have been extensive, including a sweep in the Galle […]

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The upcoming introduction of Sri Lanka’s Gambling Regulatory Authority Act, No. 17 of 2025, signals one of the most significant restructurings of the nation’s gaming oversight in decades. Following a gazette issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, authorities have confirmed that the legislation will become operational on December 1. With this shift, the country moves toward a unified regulatory framework intended to tighten governance, expand compliance mechanisms, and modernize supervision of both land-based and online gambling. Establishing a Unified Regulator and Overhauling […]

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Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited has reported another strong quarter of growth, with total operating revenues reaching US$1.31 billion for the three months ending 30 September 2025—an increase of 11% year-on-year. The company credited the improvement to higher gaming and non-gaming revenue across its Asian and European resorts, with particularly solid results in Macau and Cyprus. Sustained Growth in Core Markets Operating income climbed to US$184.5 million from US$138.6 million in the same period last year, while Adjusted Property EBITDA rose […]

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Indian fantasy sports powerhouse Dream11 has gone international, unveiling a major expansion across 11 new markets following India’s nationwide ban on real-money gaming. The company, which built its success around paid-entry fantasy contests, has launched its free-to-play fantasy sports platform in the UK, US, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Malaysia, Nepal, Bangladesh, the UAE, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. Expansion Marks New Era After India’s Real-Money Ban Until recently, Dream11 operated exclusively in India, where it dominated the fantasy sports landscape with millions […]

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Sri Lanka is moving forward with plans to create its new Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA), a step that aims to enhance oversight of the country’s rapidly growing gaming industry. The national government has set a target to have the GRA fully operational by June 30, 2026, after recent discussions in Parliament. This milestone follows the passage of the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill in August, which officially laid the groundwork for the creation of the regulatory body. The Need for a Dedicated Gambling […]

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Sri Lanka has introduced significant modifications to its betting and gaming regulations, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s fiscal and regulatory landscape. The Cabinet has approved the 2025 budget proposal that includes raising the betting and gaming levy from 15% to 18%, alongside a doubling of the casino entry fee for Sri Lankan citizens, which will increase from $50 to $100. This move comes after receiving clearance from the Attorney General, ensuring the amendments to the Betting and Gaming Levy Act can proceed smoothly. The […]

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