While one of the most democratic countries in the world – the US – continues to ban its citizens from gambling online, across the world, a particularly conservative one – Sri Lanka – is opening its doors to gambling expansion. The country passed a law this week allowing the establishing of gambling zones where casinos can be situated. The law comes in a bid to give the tourism industry a boost and is a far cry from its previously strict policies of banning organized betting altogether.
The country’s deputy finance minister stressed that the casinos would not be near to temples, schools or “highly populated areas.”
Surprisingly, the law passed 114 – 33, considering that so many other things are restricted in the country. For example, the consumption of alcohol in public is strictly prohibited, while ‘x-rated’ scenes on TV that include adults kissing and the drinking of alcohol, are censored by the government.
The island-state recognizes its tourist potential due to its strategic position in the Indian Ocean. The government hopes to earn $2 billion in tourism income by 2016.
Gambling is not totally new to Sri Lanka, as there do exist a few small casinos and betting parlors in Columba, although they do not operate with the full cooperation of the law.
The minister told the media that the new law would “enable the government to streamline all casinos, which are now being monitored by various state institutions.”
Gaming investors are fighting for the right to enter a proposed tourism zone in the Beira Lake area, hoping to construct the first planned hotel casino complex to the tune of $100 million.
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