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Gambling Regulatory Authority with sweeping powers: Bill in Parliament soon
View(s):Conducting gambling without a valid licence would be an offence liable to a fine not exceeding Rs 10 million, to an imprisonment for not exceeding two years or both the fine and imprisonment, under the proposed Gambling Regulatory Authority bill to be presented to Parliament shortly.
The bill envisages the setting up of a Gambling Regulatory Authority with wide powers to impose heavy penalties for violating the laws.
Among the other offences are obtaining a licence with false, misleading or inaccurate information; advertising any gambling carried out in contravention of the Act; carrying out gambling in a premises not registered; organising or managing any gambling activities in contravention of the Act; financing unlawful gambling; being present in an unlawful gambling premises; using unapproved gambling machines; gambling with underage persons (below 18 years); and employing persons below 21 years.
Each of the offences carries a penalty of Rs 100,000 or an imprisonment of two years or both, the fine and imprisonment.
Publishing, broadcasting or disseminating any advertisement for gambling with false, deceptive or misleading information also is an offence.
A penalty of Rs 10 million could be imposed after being convicted by a magistrate for violating any regulations or rules issued under the proposed act.
The bill also repeals certain provisions in the Betting on Horse-Racing Ordinance, Gaming Ordinance, and the Casino Business Regulation.
Among the main tasks of the Authority would be to regulate and control gambling activities, ensure collection of revenue in relation to gambling, promote tourism, employment and economic development through related operations of gambling activities and to promote confidence in the integrity of the gambling industry.
Preventing unlawful activity in gambling, minimising social harm associated with gambling, preventing gambling activities or related activities from being misused to launder proceeds of crimes and protecting children from gambling are among other responsibilities of the Authority, according to the bill.
The Authority will be empowered to enter, search, and inspect any gambling place or premises or any building and to allow any officer authorised by the Authority to access online portals that are engaging in online gambling or enter such portal websites.
The Authority will have a board of management consisting of the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, the Commissioner General of the Department of Inland Revenue, the Head of the Financial Intelligence Unit, and the Inspector General of Police or their nominees and three persons with relevant qualifications appointed by the minister. They can hold office for a three-year term.
Under the proposed law, no person can carry on gambling except under the licence issued by the Director General of the Authority.
The proposed law specifies that developing, distributing, or operating gambling software, except under the licence issued by the Authority, is illegal.
The laws cover gambling on ships, both registered in Sri Lanka and not registered in Sri Lanka.
The licence is required to arrange or facilitate transportation, accommodation and entertainment for gamblers.
In June 2023, the then-Cabinet of Ministers had approved the establishment of a Gambling Regulatory Authority as an independent establishment.
Following Cabinet approval on February 24, 2025, on a proposal made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as finance minister, the Attorney General also approved the proposed bill.
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