Online bingo is now regulated in Sri Lanka under the Gambling Regulatory Authority Act (No. 17 of 2025), which became law on September 3, 2025, after receiving Speaker certification (1). The Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA), an independent regulatory body, officially commenced operations with the mandate to oversee all gambling and gaming activities, including online bingo platforms (1). The new legislation consolidated three outdated ordinances—the Betting on Horse-Racing Ordinance, the Gaming Ordinance, and the Casino Business (Regulation) Act—under one comprehensive regulatory framework designed to modernize gambling oversight in Sri Lanka (2).
Online bingo operators in Sri Lanka must now obtain authorization from the Gambling Regulatory Authority under the new legal framework (1). The GRA has broad powers to determine which gambling activities are permitted, establish restrictions on operations, and enforce compliance through regular audits and regulatory oversight (2). Licensed online bingo operators are required to implement responsible gambling measures, prevent money laundering, maintain anti-fraud protections, and comply with a revised betting and gaming levy increased from 15 percent to 18 percent effective from the 2025 budget year (1). The GRA is also tasked with examining potential negative impacts of gambling and introducing suitable restrictions to protect vulnerable populations (2).
"The Gambling Regulatory Authority will be responsible for examining the potential negative impacts of gambling and introducing suitable restrictions. In simple terms, this Act seeks to achieve the regulation of gambling and all related activities under one law and through one independent authority."
Players in Sri Lanka can now participate in regulated online bingo through authorized platforms operating under GRA oversight (2). The GRA will enforce the minimum gambling age of 18 years and ensure that operators implement age verification procedures to prevent underage participation (1). According to government data, between 60 percent and 70 percent of Sri Lankan gamblers now participate in online gambling, highlighting the significance of the new regulatory framework (1). Sri Lanka is scheduled to officially establish the complete GRA infrastructure by June 30, 2026, with the Authority governed by a board comprising senior state officials including the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, the Commissioner General of Inland Revenue, and the Head of the Financial Intelligence Unit (2).
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulatory-authority-bill-finally-passed-by-sri-lankas-parliament/
https://sigma.world/news/sri-lanka-gambling-authority-to-regulate-not-issue-licences/
Last updated: 01-11-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
