By The Straits Times | Created at 2026-08-05 12:21:55 | Updated at 2026-08-05 13:47:54
1 hour ago
COLOMBO - Sri Lanka has blocked access to some of the world’s largest online betting sites as part of a crackdown on unauthorised gambling, the Digital Economy Ministry said on Aug 5.
Online gambling is legal in Sri Lanka, but operators must register with the authorities and pay licence fees.
The government ordered local internet providers to bar access from Sri Lanka to 24 major gambling sites – although VPN software could still bypass restrictions.
The authorities also warned Sri Lankans that investing in those sites was illegal.
The banned sites include stake.com, bet365.com, betway.com and 1xBet.com.
“All telecom service providers have been ordered to implement the ban with immediate effect,” the ministry said in a statement. AFP
