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Online betting in Sri Lanka might not be legal, but due to the lack of a legal framework, it's also not illegal. That's just one thing that makes the online betting scene in Sri Lanka unique, and in this article, we'll take a deeper look at it while answering critical questions:
- Where to find the best betting sites in Sri Lanka?
- How can you bet in Sri Lanka?
- What can you wager on Sri Lanka?
Full List of the Best Sri Lanka Betting Sites
Even though online betting in Sri Lanka isn't legalized, it's also not mentioned in any gambling law. Moreover, the government does nothing to prevent international bookmakers from operating in the country, which leads to a situation where any sportsbook that wants to offer sports betting in Sri Lanka is free to do so. The locals can quickly sign up for an account with any website that offers its service.
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Many bonusesFast payoutsPrematch lineIt creates a similar situation in most African countries, where locals can access many betting sites in Sri Lanka, including top international sportsbooks such as Bet365 or 1xBet. The wide selection of free betting sites in Sri Lanka has its advantages, mainly since it includes some of the world's top bookmakers.
The only catch is to know where to find them, but we'll cover that and more in this article.
Best Betting Bonuses & Offers for Sri Lankan Bettors
The large selection of Sri Lanka betting sites also means that locals can access many bonus offers and promotions. The option to sign up for an account with dozens of bookmakers makes it not hard to find the best free bet offers in Sri Lanka and other great promotions.
Besides the free bets promotions, all bookmakers will have a welcome bonus – which can come in the form of free bets, or a matched deposit bonus, with the latter far more common. Besides that, most Sri Lankan bookies will also have other offers in deposit bonuses, reload bonuses, odds boosts, and promotional offers during significant competitions.
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While all sportsbooks will have some promotions and bonuses, international sportsbooks like Bet365 tend to have much better offers, which also explains why more reputable bookies are considered the top betting sites in Sri Lanka.
Any bettor should sign up for an account with a sportsbook that offers solid bonuses, as they're the best and easiest way to get extra value for your money. And most don't require you to do any extra work besides login and opt-in for the bonus – except for deposit bonuses, which will require you to make a minimum qualifying deposit.
Sri Lanka Sports Betting Market Overview
| 📅 Sports Betting Legal Since: | 2010 |
| 🏢 Regulatory Body: | Ministry of Finance (Sri Lanka) |
| ⚖️ Legal Acts: | Casino Business Licensing Regulation No. 1 of 2022 |
| 🧾 Taxation: | Winnings are not taxable |
| ⚽ Favorite Sports to Bet on: | Cricket, football, badminton, basketball, tennis |
| 🏅 Widespread Tournaments\Competitions to Bet on: | Lanka Premier League, Asia Cup, Dialog Champions League, SLC Super Provincial Twenty20 |
| 🎰 Other Popular Gambling Markets: | Online casinos, blackjack, roulette, slots |
| ⭐ Most Popular Sportsbooks: | 22Bet, Megapari, BetWinner |
Bet of the Day for Sri Lanka
With so many operational betting sites in Sri Lanka, you can rest assured that plenty of betting options will be available. So if you want to bet on big competitions like the Serie A, NHL, or the NBA, markets will be open, especially on prominent international sportsbooks and on most new online betting sites in Sri Lanka.
WHAT IS THE BEST BET FOR TODAY?
But besides the availability of betting markets on global competitions, betting sites in Sri Lanka also offer markets for local tournaments and sports competitions. Moreover, some bookies might provide bettors special promotions for betting on Sri Lankan teams and players. So there's always something to bet on.
Bet on Sports
Sports are top-rated in Sri Lanka, and even though the Sports Ministry named volleyball the national sport, cricket is by far the most popular sport in the country, followed by rugby. And not only do locals enjoy watching various sports competitions, but the majority also like to bet on them – even though gambling and sports betting are illegal.
But since online betting is not regulated, locals can access various betting sites and place Sri Lanka bet on any sport they desire. It is particularly cricket, which is well covered by best-betting sites for Sri Lanka, who are well aware of its popularity.
Cricket
The Sports Ministry might have concluded that volleyball is Sri Lanka's national sport, but if you were to ask locals which sport they prefer to watch, the majority would agree on cricket. Cricket is a big sport in the country due to the national team's success in various international events.
And due to the sport's popularity among the fans, it's also not surprising to learn that cricket betting in Sri Lanka is prevalent. Since we're talking about one of the world's biggest sports, you can also rest assured that all websites that offer sports betting in Sri Lanka will provide cricket betting markets for either local competitions or international events.
Esports
Esports betting is still a relatively new concept, but over the last decade, it has become a vast hit among fans and online bettors. Nowadays, you can find Esports betting markets on any sportsbook you visit, including betting sites in Sri Lanka.
Even though Sri Lanka does not have an Esports scene, nor is it home to a single high-profile Esports player, locals have become increasingly fond of the Esports scene and its online betting world. So if you intend to bet on Esports, there will be many options, especially on big international betting operators such as Bet365.
Bet on Competitions
Sri Lanka betting sites have no limitations on which sports or competitions you can bet on. The offer is just as fast as a bettor from Europe or the USA would have, especially if you're using established international sportsbooks.
But betting sites in Sri Lanka not only offer betting markets on more significant competitions. They also offer betting options on local sports events such as the Sri Lanka Super League, Sri Lanka Champions League, and the Lanka Premier League.
How to Choose the Best Bookmakers in Sri Lanka
Due to the lack of a legal framework regulating online sports betting, Sri Lanka is home to dozens of online betting sites, which are free to operate in the country without a licence. Although they don't work legally, no bettor will be prosecuted for using them.
It creates a situation where local bettors have plenty of options when picking bookmakers in Sri Lanka, which has advantages. But the sheer number of sportsbooks makes it hard to choose the right one. Luckily, there's a simple process of recognising the best online betting sites in Sri Lanka.
- Since there is no regulation of online betting, you must sign up for an account only with reputable bookmakers and brands. And the best way to figure out which bookmakers that might be is to check which brands have been around for a long time, have a solid reputation among bettors, and are legal in other countries.
- Besides ensuring that you're picking a reputable and safe bookmaker, you should check the quality of its offer. By that, we're primarily referring to the quality of the betting odds and the variety of betting markets.
It would help if you strived to use only betting sites with the best odds and as many betting markets as possible, as only this way will you be able to place bets with fair prices and on whatever you like.
- It also helps to check which deposit methods the bookmaker you want to sign up for has. Although this is rarely a problem nowadays, if you want to bet with Neteller, it helps ensure that you register with betting sites using Neteller.
- The availability of live betting, live streams, and a wagering app are all bonus features that all good betting sites in Sri Lanka should have. Even if you don't explicitly need them, it's advantageous to have live betting and a betting app available.
Which Sri Lankan Bookmaker Has the Best Odds?
We've learned that picking a bookmaker with good betting odds is very important. However, you should know that there is no such thing as a bookmaker with the best odds.
The online betting market is very volatile, leading to price discrepancies – where bookmakers offer different odds on the exact match – but you won't find a betting site that will always have the best odds. So in the search for the best online betting sites in Sri Lanka, you should consider registering with multiple sportsbooks.
Having an account with multiple betting sites will help you price shop, i.e., look around several markets to find the best available odds. And this is the only way you can ensure you'll get the best odds on the match you want to bet on.
So rather than registering with one bookie, consider using several Sri Lanka betting sites. That also has other advantages, mainly taking advantage of more bonus promotions.
Payment Methods at Sri Lankan Sportsbooks
Online betting in Sri Lanka is not allowed, but no law would regulate it, so bettors are free to bet online if they wish. And in a similar spirit, there are no limitations on which payment methods you can use when depositing money onto betting sites.
Betting sites in Sri Lanka have several methods available, including bank transfers or credit cards. However, most bettors prefer E-wallets such as Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz, and Sticpay, which is made possible because there are many betting companies with Skrill, Neteller, and ecoPayz deposit options.
E-Wallets are particularly popular because they keep your transactions anonymous, even though the government does not prosecute those who bet online. Alternatively, crypto deposits are a good choice for those wanting to stay anonymous, but crypto payments tend to be available only to a handful of bookmakers.
Mobile Betting Sites & Betting Apps in Sri Lanka
Mobile betting is prevalent in Sri Lanka and has become increasingly popular worldwide over the last few years. As a result, betting sites worldwide started to develop ways for their customers to bet online, which they achieved by either offering a mobile betting app or a mobile betting website.
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Between the 2, mobile betting apps are far better if you're a mobile bettor, as they are more convenient, easier to use, and stabler than a mobile website. So if you intend to bet from your phone, it helps to look through the best online betting sites in Sri Lanka and pick those that offer a mobile betting app.
Admittedly, not all bookmakers in Sri Lanka will have a betting app available, but an excellent portion will. Hence, it's not hard to find a betting app in Sri Lanka, especially if you're using reputable international sportsbooks.
Sri Lankan Live Betting & Streaming
Just like betting apps or at least a mobile betting website have become mandatory for all solid bookmakers, so are live betting options and live streaming, an essential feature all of the best betting sites for Sri Lanka should have.
Unfortunately, not all betting sites offer live betting, and some don't do an excellent job. Conversely, many great betting sites in Sri Lanka will have everything you need to bet in-play, including live betting markets and live streaming options. And once again, your best bet with selecting bookmakers in Sri Lanka for live betting is established, international bookies.
Live betting is not for everyone, but even if you don't plan to live bet from the get-go, it helps to have the option if you change your mind. Especially once you get comfortable betting on pre-match markets, you'll likely want to try in-play betting, which is highly exciting and profitable if done correctly. So there is an incentive for you to pick an excellent live betting site when registering for an account.
Bet Types on the Betting Sites in Sri Lanka
With so many bookmakers operating in Sri Lanka, you can be sure that the betting options available will be wasted. The best betting sites in Sri Lanka do an excellent job covering many sports and competitions while offering generous betting markets, allowing you to bet on games however you like.
Although no bet type has been recognised as the most popular in Sri Lanka, the statistics are probably the same all over the world – most people bet with moneyline as it's the most straightforward bet you can make. Behind it are handicaps and totals, as 2 trendy bet types.
So if you intend to use just the three, you can't go wrong when picking a bookmaker, as all will have those options available. But picking a good bookmaker with deep betting markets is a smarter option if you're into having more options, such as prop bets, outrights, and special half-time bets.
SL Bookies Payouts
- Betway – 95.63%
- William Hill – 95.03%
- Parimatch – 94.56%
- Bet365 – 94.09%
- 22Bet – 93.86%
- 888sport – 93.18%
- 1xBet – 92.48%
The Legal Situation of Sports Betting in Sri Lanka
Sports betting in Sri Lanka is legal, whereas online betting is in a gray area. It's not explicitly illegal, but the government has yet to accept any laws that would regulate the online betting sector – and according to recent developments, it likely won't for a while longer.
Interestingly, the online sector was left relatively untouched as there is no legal framework to limit it. Instead, the government decided to increase taxes, which might be the only reason it tolerates betting. Casinos must pay 15% GGR tax and a $2.2 million licensing fee. That explains why there have been so many new betting sites in Sri Lanka over the years and why so many people prefer online Sri Lankan bookies for their betting needs.
Due to the lack of a legal framework, online bookmakers in Sri Lanka can't obtain a license. But even so, the government does nothing to prevent people from betting online, and there were no instances where bettors were prosecuted for it. So if you decide to bet online, you can do so freely by registering with any top international sportsbook like Sporting Times, Sporting Star, ST Bet, Bet365, or 1xBet.
History and Future of Sports Betting in Sri Lanka
For years, online betting in Sri Lanka was taking place, but without a legal framework, even before Sri Lanka became a republic. Then in 2010, the government accepted the Casino Business Act, which has put some gambling laws in place, but it hasn't changed the gambling scene since people have been betting at betting shops and casinos long before that.
Since the act was implemented, all betting shops had to obtain a license. Moreover, the new law prohibited betting companies from operating in urban areas or near temples and schools. But while betting is allowed, gambling in Sri Lanka remains uncertain.
The current government does not hold a friendly stance on gambling, which is reflected in higher taxes and high licencing fees for casinos and betting operators. Still, betting will remain available if the government can collect taxes.
On the other hand, online betting in Sri Lanka is in a different place. Sri Lanka doesn't seem to want to issue any licenses or regular online betting sector, but it's far friendlier to the online betting scene than its neighboring countries. So while people can bet, we wouldn't expect the government to develop it much shorter.
Responsible Gambling Organisations in Sri Lanka
If you are struggling with gambling problems in Sri Lanka, there are several global companies and organizations that can potentially provide assistance and support.
- GambleAware
- GamCare
- Gambling Therapy
- Gamblers Anonymous
- GamStop
- Net Nanny
- CYBERsitter
- GamBlock
- Qustodio
- Gamban
- Betfilter
Sri Lanka Overview
Before we conclude our article, here are some interesting facts about betting in Sri Lanka and sports in the country you might want to know about.
- Colombo is the capital and the biggest city in Sri Lanka, followed by Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Maharagama, Jaffna, Moratuwa, and Negombo.
- The official currency of Sri Lanka is Sri Lankan Rupee, but people also use Euro, USD, and crypto for online betting.
- The most popular payment methods on Sri Lanka betting sites include Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz, and Sticpay.
- Sri Lanka has no legal bookmakers as neither can obtain a license, but the most popular online betting sites include Bet365, 1xBet, William Hill Sports, and ST Bet.
- The most popular sports in Sri Lanka are cricket, football, volleyball, and basketball.
- The most popular sports competitions in Sri Lanka are the Sri Lanka Super League, Sri Lanka Champions League, and the Lanka Premier League.
- The biggest and most successful sports teams in Sri Lanka are Jaffna Kings, Blue Star, and Saunders SC.
- Some of the most popular sports athletes from Sri Lanka are Muttiah Muralitharan, Susanthika Jayasinghe, Marvan Atapattu, Chathura Gunaratne, and W. L. Siriwardhana.
Bottom Line
Our stars of bet world conclude the article on Sri Lanka and its online betting scene, teaching you everything you need to know about the country and how you can bet online. So now you should be ready to find the best bookmakers in Sri Lanka, register for an account, and start betting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I claim free bets at Sri Lankan sports betting sites?Yes. Even though online betting is not legalized in Sri Lanka, many online betting operators offer their services to local bettors, including occasional promotions and bonuses such as free bets. Although not all bookmakers will have free bet offers, most will, especially during important sporting events.
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Which are the best betting sites in Sri Lanka?It's hard to pick the best betting site in Sri Lanka due to the sheer amount of bookmakers that offer their services in the country. But local bettors seem to prefer using Bet365, 1xBet, and ST Bet as the big three sportsbooks in Sri Lanka.
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What's the minimum amount I can deposit at Sri Lankan betting Sites?The minimum amount you can deposit at Sri Lankan betting sites will vary depending on which bookmaker you're using. Most will have limits set at $5 or 1840 Sri Lankan Rupee, while others will have limits double that – $10 or 3680 Sri Lankan Rupee.
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Is betting legal in Sri Lanka?No, betting is not legal in Sri Lanka; however, no law talks about online betting. So while online betting isn't legal, it's also not prohibited, and the government doesn't prosecute anyone who bets online. So technically, online betting in Sri Lanka is legal.
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Can you deposit money in betting sites using Sri Lankan rupees?Yes. You can use Sri Lankan rupees to deposit money into your betting account if you use a bookmaker that accepts the currency. Alternatively, you can use any E-wallet, convert Sri Lankan rupees into another currency, and deposit money this way.
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Is online sports betting in Sri Lanka safe?Online betting in Sri Lanka can be safe if you use reputable bookmakers. Since the local government doesn't issue betting licenses, it's more important to use only reputable bookmakers such as Bet365, as you can keep yourself safe from scam sites.
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What betting offers can I find at Sri Lankan sportsbooks?There is no limit to betting offers you can find at Sri Lankan sportsbooks. Moreover, dozens of betting sites operate in Sri Lanka, further expanding your options and ensuring you'll have more than enough betting offers available.
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Can the best SK betting sites change their bonus offers?Yes, all betting sites can change their bonus offers, depending on your location, on whether they decide to offer another bonus. So while most SK betting sites will have some bonus offers, it's tough to say what kind since they constantly change.
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Is PayPal betting possible in Sri Lanka?PayPal operates in Sri Lanka and can be used as a deposit method. However, you have to find a betting site that will accept PayPal. That is easier said than done since not many betting sites use PayPal but offer deposits via ecoPayz, Skrill, Neteller, and other E-wallets.
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Is live betting possible in Sri Lanka?Yes, live betting is possible in Sri Lanka. But while live betting is available, you have to make sure that you register with a bookmaker that has live betting available. Luckily most sportsbooks will, but if you want the best experience, Bet365 or William Hill are your best bets.
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