Sri Lanka’s government is aiming to get the most out of its casino industry, upping its betting and gaming tax to 18 percent (a 3 percent increase) and doubling the casino entry fee for locals.
According to local media reports, the changes were implemented in the 2025 budget proposal and were approved by the nation’s Cabinet.
The new fees for local entries rise to $100 from $50, while the betting levy increases from 15 percent to 18 percent.
Authorities have drafted the bill to amend the Betting Gaming Levy Act to include the changes.
The nation’s Media and Health Minister told the press that “Clearance of the Attorney General too has been granted for the draft bill. The Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal to publish the draft bill in the government’s gazette notification and subsequently to forward it to the Parliament for its approval”.
Sri Lanka has been aiming to increase its oversight and tax collection from gaming operators in the nation, as it gains more international exposure due to new casino openings – such as City of Dreams Sri Lanka, which opened in August.
The nation passed legislation to establish its Gambling Regulatory Authority in August, as it aims to capture up to 10 percent of its GDP from tourism, with a casino focus.
Primarily in its sights are Indian punters, with Melco’s Chairman Lawrence Ho (behind City of Dreams Sri Lanka’s casino) noting that the nation could become “India’s Macau”.
The nation has targeted half a million Indian tourist visitations this year, a 20 percent increase from the nation’s largest source market.
