In a perfectly timed move, the first day of SiGMA South Asia opened to the news that the government of Sri Lanka has officially launched its Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) – which begins operations as of today.
The Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill – which seeks to create a single, independent authority to oversee all gaming and gambling activities – was passed in Parliament on 19 August 2025 and later certified by Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne on 3 September 2025, finalising its passing into law as Act No. 17 of 2025.
The news comes just two months after President Anura Kumara Dissanayake first introduced plans for the regulatory body, a move that shows a keen interest for the country to develop a strongly regulated and responsibly managed gaming industry.
Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Anil Jayantha Fernando, was clear that responsible, safe gaming is at the forefront of its mandate – “The focus is on regulation. That regulation will define which gambling activities are permitted, the restrictions that apply, and matters such as the revocation or cancellation of licenses,” he stated.
Its main aim will be to amalgamate all gambling-related laws under a single, unified framework, replacing older, outdated pieces of legislation – such as the Betting on Horse Racing Ordinance, the Gaming Ordinance and the 2010 Casino Business Act. The Deputy Minister also highlighted that gambling in Sri Lanka carries “significant social and cultural implications.” Assessing its impact, alongside economic considerations, will be top of the priority list for the new regulator.
Colombo – the country’s financial hub – is already home to several brick and mortar casinos, with the newly launched City of Dreams Sri Lanka a gleaming feather in its cap. The integrated resort – which is also hosting SiGMA South Asia this week – features a 16,725-square-metre gaming floor, while the luxury hotel offers 427 apartments, 800 rooms and twenty restaurants and bars – including six speciality eateries. A five-storied shopping mall also connects to the hotel – making it an attractive hub for MICE tourism.
SiGMA – Leading the global industry
That SiGMA South Asia’s Day One is also the first day of regulated iGaming in Sri Lanka is no coincidence. SiGMA has long positioned itself as a catalyst for sustainable market growth.
With eight strategically located summits taking place next year in regions showing tremendous promise, the events are well placed to kickstart important dialogue on the implementation and importance of safe, responsible regulation.
In his opening remarks this morning at the first day of SiGMA South Asia’s two-day conference, SiGMA Founder Eman Pulis, highlighted the sheer scale and immense potential of the South Asian market.
They told us it cannot be done in Sri Lanka – but here we are – the first real gaming expo in the region. It’s a booming market and between five countries a quarter of the world’s population is thriving in gaming here. It fills us with joy to steer the industry, to bring them with us, so that we can learn from each other and watch this industry grow sustainably. We will not stop raising awareness that regulated gaming is the way to go.
SiGMA South Asia is taking place this week in Colombo at the recently opened integrated resort – Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams. 5,000 delegates are expected to attend, while its conference has attracted a top-tier line up of over 1,000 exhibitors and sponsors and 100 speakers to it its stage.
