The Sri Lankan government has mandated that telecommunications companies block access to 24 gambling websites operating without the required licenses. This action follows a request from the newly formed Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) and was officially communicated by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL).
Among the domains being blocked are several notable international betting platforms, including Bet365, Stake, Betway, 1xBet, Unibet, Betfair, and Dafabet. Additionally, other sites affected by this directive include 22Bet, Melbet, 1Win, BC.Game, Megapari, Pin-Up, Mostbet, Parimatch, Betwinner, Linebet, 4rabet, Rajabets, and DBBet.
According to officials, these websites were providing gambling and betting services to Sri Lankans without obtaining the necessary local authorization. While online gambling is not prohibited in the country, operators must adhere to the nation’s licensing framework. Violating this framework prompts penalties under Section 44 of the relevant legislation.
Authorities have cautioned consumers against engaging with unauthorized offshore gambling sites and warned them of the risks associated with depositing funds with operators lacking compliance. This blocking order signals a significant enforcement step as Sri Lanka undertakes reforms in its gambling regulatory framework.
