The Cabinet has approved a 2025 Budget proposal to increase the tax levied on betting and gambling and double the casino entry fee for local individuals.
Addressing the media briefing at the weekly Cabinet meeting after the 2025 Budget, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said that under the measures proposed in the 2025 Budget, the gross total tax on betting and gambling operations will increase from the current 15% to 18%, and the casino entry fee for Sri Lankans will double from $50 to $100.
He said that the legal drafter has finalized the draft to amend the Betting and Gambling Tax Act No. 40 of 1988.
The new law imposes both an annual tax on bookmakers and operators of gambling businesses and a gross collection tax, which is a percentage levied on the total turnover or receipts from such operations.
A casino entrance tax is also imposed, and persons entering gambling establishments must pay a fixed fee. The proposal, submitted by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, has been approved by the Cabinet.