COPF calls for appointment of Casino regulator 

Chairman of parliamentary Committee on Public Finance (COPF) Dr. Harsha de Silva has directed the Minister of Finance to take steps to regulate online Casinos following a recent finding that they continue to operate openly, depriving the country of revenue.

The COPF, at its last meeting, stressed the need for a Casino Regulator. Officials representing the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank were also of the view that many issues pertaining to Casinos could be resolved if a regulator was appointed.

The Chair instructed the officials present to take immediate measures to establish a regulatory authority.

The COPF took into consideration the Regulations under Section 4 read with section 3 of the Casino Business (Regulation) Act No. 17 of 2010 and an Order under Section 4 read with section 3 of the Casino Business (Regulation) Act No. 17 of 2010.

The Regulation and Order was then approved by the Committee following careful consideration.

State Minister Dr. Suren Raghavan, and MPs Nimal Lanza, Mayantha Dissanayake, Chandima Weerakkody, Dr. Nalaka Godahewa, Harshana Rajakaruna and Madhura Withanage were present at the COPF meeting held in Parliament, sources said.