Govt. to issue new Casino licences

The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved the isuance of new licences under the Casino Business (Regulation) Act No. 17 of 2010.

The casino industry is regulated under the above Act and the Betting and Gaming Levy Act No. 40 of 1988.

The Information Department said that although licences should be issued to maintain Casino businesses within Sri Lanka, under the Casino Business Act, no one has been issued with licences.

It had therefore been difficult to collect taxes from those running casinos.

The Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal submitted by the Prime Minister as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stability and National Policies to issue orders under the Casino Business (Regulation) Act to regulate the industry and recover taxes due for the government.

The Cabinet also agreed to introduce appropriate amendments to the Betting and Gaming Levy Act No. 40 of 1988.