Sri Lanka’s budget increases casino entry fees

In an effort to boost national revenue and stabilize the economy, Sri Lanka has doubled its casino entrance fee to $100 per person and increased the turnover tax on gaming establishments from 15% to 18%. These measures were unveiled in President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s first budget since taking office last year, with a strong focus on regulating the gaming industry.

The revised fee applies to the country’s two licensed casinos and is part of a broader strategy to increase tax revenue. The budget also includes various reforms aimed at enhancing the financial contribution of the gaming sector.

One notable development in the sector is the City of Dreams Sri Lanka, the country's first integrated resort, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s gaming landscape.

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Sri Lanka’s tax revenue, which stood at 7.3% of GDP a few years ago, needs to increase significantly—ideally quadrupling—to support economic recovery.

Meanwhile, similar regulatory changes are underway in Thailand. A draft bill outlining new requirements for local residents to access casinos has been introduced. The proposed legislation, passed in January, includes strict financial criteria: residents must hold at least ฿50 million (approximately $1.48 million USD) in fixed deposits for a minimum of six months. The proposed maximum casino entry fee is set at ฿5,000.