By The Pulseline News Desk
Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance (COPF), member of parliament (MP) Harsha de Silva, has called for the immediate appointment of a regulator to oversee Sri Lanka’s rapidly expanding online betting and casino sector, warning that the industry is operating in a regulatory vacuum.
Raising concerns during a recent COPF session, de Silva questioned how online betting and casino platforms continue to advertise openly across the country despite the apparent absence of licences, oversight mechanisms, or clear regulatory authority.
He pointed to the widespread presence of online casino advertisements during live cricket broadcasts, noting that some operators were displaying the Sri Lankan government logo and claiming to be licensed entities.
“Using the government’s logo, they are telecasting online casinos for every ball in cricket matches. If no licence has been issued, then rewind and watch the last overs, you will see advertisements stating ‘licensed’ with the Sri Lanka logo. How is this happening? Who is approving this?” de Silva asked.
The COPF Chairman expressed concern that the unchecked growth of the online gambling industry has created a significant legal and regulatory gap, potentially allowing operators to generate substantial revenues without adequate scrutiny or taxation.
According to de Silva, the lack of a dedicated regulatory framework is not only exposing consumers to potential risks but is also depriving the government of billions of rupees in potential tax income.
During the session, he pressed officials to clarify whether licences for online casinos were being issued and, if so, under what authority. If no such licences existed, he questioned why advertisements claiming legitimacy were being permitted to air without intervention.
His remarks have renewed attention on the need for stronger oversight of Sri Lanka’s digital gambling sector, as policymakers grapple with the challenges posed by the growing popularity of online betting platforms and their increasing visibility in mainstream media.
The issue is expected to remain under scrutiny as COPF seeks answers from relevant authorities and explores measures to strengthen regulation, consumer protection, and revenue collection within the sector.
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