Sri Lanka has moved swiftly to block access to 24 unlicensed gambling platforms, including major international operators such as Stake, bet365, Betway, and 1xBet. The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka issued directives to all service providers to implement the blocks immediately, enforcing provisions of the newly enacted Gambling Regulatory Authority Act No. 17 of 2025.

Enforcement of New Regulatory Framework

The island nation's regulatory authorities have made clear that compliance with licensing requirements is non-negotiable. The affected platforms, which also include Betfair, Unibet, Dafabet, 22Bet, Melbet, BC.Game, Parimatch, Mostbet, 1Win, and BetWinner, were operating without the dual licenses now mandated under the new legislation.

The Gambling Regulatory Authority Act, which came into force on 1st December 2025, represents a significant consolidation of Sri Lanka's gambling oversight. Previously, online and land-based gambling operated under separate regulatory frameworks. Now, the unified legislation establishes clearer licensing pathways whilst substantially strengthening the enforcement powers available to regulators.

Dual Licensing Requirements

Under sections 15, 16, and 18 of the Act, operators must hold a valid general gambling license and, critically, a separate digital gambling license to offer online services. Applicants must also be incorporated or registered under Sri Lanka's Companies Act. The legislation further prohibits advertising unlicensed gambling services, creating a comprehensive compliance framework.

The blocking of these 24 sites sends a clear signal. Sri Lanka's regulatory authorities are prepared to enforce these requirements robustly. This represents one of the first major public enforcement actions since the new framework took effect.

Market Signal

The move underscores a broader trend across Asian markets toward stricter licensing regimes and formal regulatory structures for online gambling. For operators seeking to serve Sri Lankan customers legitimately, the path forward is crystal clear: obtain the required licenses or face access restrictions. For the regulator, the action demonstrates commitment to controlling the market and ensuring only compliant operators can reach local users.