If it weren't for personal experience, I might also think that the external claims about the risks of the gambling industry in Sri Lanka are a bit exaggerated.
But having been here for nearly a year, I can responsibly tell everyone: There are indeed opportunities here, but the risks are much greater than imagined.
My first encounter with Lanka was after the Philippines' POGO tightened up completely. Many colleagues moved to Thailand, Laos, and many mentioned Sri Lanka, saying that the salaries here are high, the environment is good, and it's mostly regular offices.
When I heard this, I was tempted and followed the crowd here.
When I joined the company, they guaranteed: a base salary of at least twelve thousand, including food, accommodation, plane tickets, and visas, plus an attendance bonus, which is more reliable than many places in Southeast Asia.
When I first arrived in Colombo, I really thought the city was better than I imagined. The seaside scenery is beautiful, the cost of living is low, and the company is quite formal. At that time, I really thought I had finally found a safe path for development.
1️⃣The first time I almost lost my life
But it wasn't long before I encountered my first nightmare.
At that time, someone added me on TG, saying they could help exchange the Us I had for cash at a good rate. Since my salary was paid in Us, I thought it was a recommendation from a friend and didn't think much about it, so I arranged a meeting.
Little did I know, three people directly forced me into a car, stole my phone, and threatened to harm me 🔪. In the end, my friend urgently transferred money, and I barely saved my life. That night, I was completely shocked.
Later, I found out that I wasn't the only one tricked; many colleagues who exchanged Us also encountered similar situations. The kidnappers specifically targeted us foreign workers, knowing we had financial transactions.
2️⃣The other face of the police 👮🏾♂️
You think just avoiding kidnappers is enough? Wrong! The police here can be just as harsh.
In Colombo, especially at night, we are often stopped for checks, passports and phones thoroughly searched, and they threaten to take us to the station if we don't pay up. Once, my friend stubbornly refused to pay, and he was detained all night until company leaders paid to get him out.
What's more outrageous is that the police often come to "sweep the building" at our company. They say it's for inspection, but it's actually for protection money. Can you imagine? Police kicking in the door while you're at work. Although I've heard about it in the Philippines, this was my first encounter.
3️⃣The opportunities in Lanka
Of course, it's undeniable that the gambling industry in Sri Lanka is indeed developing rapidly. I heard that by 2024, the industry's tax revenue will be nearly 100 million US dollars, and the government has issued a 20-year casino license to Melco Resorts. Lanka replacing the Philippines is almost a certainty.
For us at the bottom, the salary and benefits are indeed high, and if you can get a long-term formal contract, it's an opportunity to save money. However, issues with visas, residency, and compliance are not truly reliable with any company.
After experiencing being scammed and extorted by corrupt police, I understand: the high salaries here are not "free."
I write this not to discourage everyone, but to remind you: if you really decide to come to Sri Lanka, be prepared for the worst. Don't trust strangers easily, and especially don't meet offline without clear information.
The gambling industry in Lanka is still a "battlefield" where opportunities and risks coexist. Listening to the experiences of someone who has been through it might help you avoid some pitfalls.
