Sri Lanka Blocks 24 Unlicensed Gambling Websites Under New Regulatory Act
TL;DR — Sri Lanka blocked 24 unlicensed sites including Stake, bet365 and 1xBet after the Gambling Regulatory Authority Act took effect on 1 December 2025. The TRCSL ordered immediate telecom blocks while the GRA missed its 30 June 2026 operational deadline. Enforcement targets offshore activity and lost tax revenue.
Sri Lanka has restricted access to 24 online gambling and betting websites operating without local licences. This represents one of the first major enforcement steps under the country’s updated gambling rules.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) directed all telecommunications service providers to block the sites immediately under the Gambling Regulatory Authority Act No. 17 of 2025. The blocked platforms include Stake, bet365, Betway, 1xBet, Betfair, Unibet, Dafabet, 22Bet, Melbet, BC.Game, Parimatch, Mostbet, 1Win and BetWinner. Authorities targeted the sites for offering services to Sri Lankan users without required approvals.
The Act took effect on 1 December 2025 and created the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) under the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. It sets a unified system for land-based and online gambling. Operators must obtain a separate digital gambling licence and register under the Companies Act. Advertising of non-compliant services is prohibited. Online gambling remains permitted when licensed, but violations can trigger penalties including under Section 44. The ministry stated: “All telecom service providers have been ordered to implement the ban with immediate effect.” Consumers were advised to avoid unauthorised platforms and not deposit funds with them.
Challenges in Regulatory Implementation
The GRA missed its parliamentary deadline of 30 June 2026 to begin full operations because recruitment for the Director General and other senior roles was incomplete. Regulations for broader licensing and enforcement are still being developed, with completion expected around October after expert review. The first phase addresses licensing procedures, permitted activities, online requirements and anti-money laundering measures. Earlier reports noted more than 40 local payment channels used by offshore platforms, with associated tax revenue remaining outside government control.
The Enforcement Signal for Operators
This action captures Sri Lanka’s push to supervise offshore gambling and related financial flows. Such moves often mark an inflection point where jurisdictions assert control while leaving the door open for compliant entrants. Access via VPNs may persist, yet the clear message is that international operators must secure local approval to avoid blocks and penalties. Client-partners should monitor GRA licensing timelines closely as the framework matures.
Reporting: World Casino News
Sri Lanka is signaling enforcement before licensing is ready — classic emerging-market scramble to control revenue leakage and establish regulatory credibility.
We track every market that transitions from block-first to license-later — Sri Lanka just flipped the switch on 24 major operators while the licensing framework is still months away. That gap creates both risk and opportunity for operators who can navigate compliance early. The ministry missed its own June deadline, but enforcement came first — classic revenue protection.
- TRCSL blocked Stake, bet365, 1xBet, Betway, 22Bet, Melbet and 17 others for operating unlicensed
- Gambling Regulatory Authority Act live since 1 Dec 2025; licensing regs due October 2026
- GRA missed 30 June operational deadline; enforcement outpacing regulatory infrastructure buildout
SCCG angle: SCCG has worked market-entry strategy in 30+ jurisdictions where enforcement preceded licensing frameworks. We help clients assess whether to engage early with Sri Lankan authorities, map local payment and partner landscapes, and decide if the juice is worth the squeeze before the October reg drop. Our network includes regional compliance advisors who've navigated similar timelines across Asia.