🛑 Govt Blocks 24 Unlicensed Online Gambling Platforms

• Enforcement Action: The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has blocked access to 24 online betting websites operating without valid licences in Sri Lanka. • Legal Framework: The action was taken under Sections 15, 16, 18, and 44 of the Gambling Regulatory Authority Act, No. 17 of 2025, which makes operating or promoting unlicensed gambling services a legal offence. • Execution via Telecoms: The Gambling Regulatory Authority issued directives to the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL), instructing all telecommunications operators to restrict access with immediate effect. • Blocked Websites: The restricted portals include 1xbet.com, [betway.com/en-lk](https://betway.com/en-lk), 22bet.com, melbet.com, unibet.com, betfair.com, dafabet.com, bet365.com, 1win.com, spinbetter.com, 10cric.com, bc.game, megapari.com, pin-up.bet, stake.com, mostbet.com, parimatch.com, betwinner.com, linebet.com, 4rabet.com, rajabets.com, dbbet.com, coldbet.com, and WinWin. • Public Advisory & Future Regulation: The Ministry warned the public against financial risks linked to unlicensed platforms and announced planned collaborative enforcement steps to strengthen gaming & regulatory governance and protect national financial security.