How does Sri Lanka regulate its online gambling industry?

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Sri Lanka Regulates Online Gambling Through Licensing and Blocking Unlicensed Operators

Sri Lanka regulates its online gambling industry by requiring operators to register with authorities and pay a licence fee. Concurrently, the government is implementing a crackdown on unauthorised gambling by blocking access to unlicensed online betting sites. This regulatory approach involves identifying and blacklisting platforms that fail to comply with licensing requirements.
Licensing and Registration Requirements for Operators

In Sri Lanka, online gambling is a legal activity, but it is contingent upon operators adhering to specific governmental regulations. These regulations mandate that all entities wishing to offer online gambling services must first register with the relevant authorities. Furthermore, successful registration requires the payment of a licence fee to the government, ensuring a revenue stream and a degree of oversight.
Blocking of Unlicensed Online Betting Platforms

Authorities in Sri Lanka are actively expanding a blacklist of online betting sites that are operating without the necessary licences. Recently, an additional 98 websites were added to this list of blocked portals. This action follows a previous ban on 24 major gambling sites, indicating a widening crackdown on non-compliant operators within the digital economy.
Prohibition on Investment in Unlicensed Gambling Sites

The Sri Lankan government has issued a clear warning to its citizens regarding investments in unlicensed online gambling platforms. Investing in or engaging with such sites is explicitly deemed illegal for Sri Lankans. This measure aims to protect individuals from potential risks associated with unregulated gambling operations.
Enforcement Measures and Accessibility Challenges

All telecommunications service providers in Sri Lanka have been instructed to implement the ban on blocked websites with immediate effect. This directive ensures that access to the identified unlicensed platforms is curtailed across the network. However, it is noted that internet users in Sri Lanka can still circumvent these bans by utilising Virtual Private Network (VPN) software.

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How does Sri Lanka regulate its online gambling industry?

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