Sri Lanka's inaugural Global Gaming Connect Expo recently concluded at the City of Dreams in the capital, Colombo. The two-day event attracted numerous iGaming operators, suppliers, and compliance experts, many of whom came from China's tech industry. The Deputy Minister of Tourism stated in his speech that the government aims to make Sri Lanka a "hub for the next wave of technological innovation and the gaming industry." Simply put, following the economic crisis, the government seeks to attract foreign investment and create jobs through gambling and tourism.
Expo Overview: Targeting nearby growth markets like India
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ruwan Ranasinghe, emphasized to attendees that Sri Lanka has great potential in developing such industries, especially serving rapidly growing nearby markets like India, becoming a platform for growth-oriented businesses. This is the country's first time hosting such an industry expo, marking the government's clear intent to develop the retail and iGaming sectors.
Integrated Resorts: The second project may already be underway
The physical casino sector is also expected to grow. Last August, the first integrated resort in Sri Lanka, City of Dreams Colombo, opened in collaboration between Melco Resorts & Entertainment and John Keells Holdings, becoming the country's largest private investment project. Last month, the Ministry of Finance invited bids to develop the long-stalled Colombo Hyatt Tower, with potential investors reportedly very interested in its integrated resort potential. President Anuradha Kumara Dissanayake supports the industry's development, hoping casinos will attract foreign investment, draw global high-spending tourists, and create jobs.
Tourism Goals: High-end route faces geopolitical headwinds
Ranasinghe has stated that tourism will play a "very important role" in overcoming economic difficulties, with a long-term plan to pursue more sustainable high-end tourism, including casinos. In 2025, Sri Lanka welcomed 2.3 million visitors, setting a record but falling short of the government's 3 million target. Official plans aim for 5 million annual visitors by 2030, partly through the development of the convention and exhibition industry. However, since the conflict in the Middle East erupted on February 28, tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka have dropped by 30%, with 768 flights canceled. Interested in the latest trends in the South Asian gambling market? PASA's official website continues to track.
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