Sri Lankan Casino and Card Room Gaming

In 2010, the Sri Lankan parliament passed the Gaming Special Provisions Bill, providing for the establishment of gaming houses in designated areas. The legislation's goal was to revive Sri Lanka's tourism industry by setting up special zones for gaming. The new casinos could not be close to temples, schools or highly populated areas.

Three casinos were expected to be built under the new legislation, but in 2015 Sri Lanka's new government pulled the plug on the projects, saying the public did not want them.

There are still a number of casinos in Sri Lanka. Under the 2010 Act, casinos may not operate without a valid license issued by the Minister.

In December 2015, the Sri Lankan government passed a bill eliminating the casino entrance levy. Under the old laws, all players were charged USD 100 to enter a casino. The levy was replaced by an increase in gaming taxes and a twofold increase in the cost of gaming licenses.