Sri Lankan gov’t receives ten applications for new casinos

The Sri Lankan government reportedly received ten proposals for new casinos, but none of them were approved, according to current sources.

In response to a question from a member of parliament, State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya gave this information.

When granting a five-year casino license, the government plans to charge Rs. 500 million, or around $1.55 million, in accordance with current casino regulations. Additionally, to discourage locals from gambling, proposals exist to increase the cost of casino admittance.

Siyambalapitiya underlined the importance of creating casinos to attract tourists, which would assist in raising state revenue. He went on to say that in the absence of this source of funding, the state could have to rely more on local taxation.

Remarkably, the government has already granted licenses to two new casinos, one of which is located in Kandy, the holy city. The initiative has been met with criticism from the government, as Lakshman Kiriella, the MP for Kandy District, voiced his disapproval of the idea of bringing casinos to Kandy and other cities that have sacred sites.

Original story by: Asia Gaming Brief