Online betting companies face scrutiny over their growing presence in Sri Lanka cricket, including sponsorships linked to the Lanka Premier League.
Online betting companies are facing growing scrutiny over their increasing presence in Sri Lanka cricket, with allegations that both former cricket administrations and the current Cricket Transformation Committee have indirectly enabled betting-related sponsorships.
The issue came under renewed focus during the recent Lanka Premier League (LPL), where 1XBAT, an Indian online betting company, served as the tournament’s principal partner. Critics also questioned the presence of the Sports Minister, tournament co-owner Anil Mohan and members of the Cricket Transformation Committee at the player auction sponsored by 1XBAT.
Betting Advertising Sparks Fresh Concerns
Critics argue that online betting companies are becoming increasingly visible during Sri Lankan cricket broadcasts.
During LPL matches, companies such as 1XBAT reportedly offered live betting on specific moments within games. Similar betting promotions have also appeared during broadcasts of Sri Lanka’s international cricket matches.
The central concern is how these companies continue promoting their brands through Sri Lankan media despite existing legal restrictions.
Sri Lanka’s legal framework prohibits the promotion of illegal gambling. Relevant legislation includes the Gaming Ordinance No. 17 of 1889, the Betting and Gaming Levy Act No. 40 of 1988, and the Casino Business (Regulation) Act No. 17 of 2010.
Critics allege that many operators avoid these restrictions through “surrogate advertising.” Instead of openly promoting betting services, they present themselves as sports news or sports information platforms.
Regulation Calls Grow Louder
Countries such as India regulate similar promotional practices more strictly, according to the original report.
Against this backdrop, Committee on Public Finance (COPF) Chairman Dr. Harsha de Silva recently warned that online betting and casino websites continue operating without proper regulation. He called for the immediate establishment of an independent regulatory authority to oversee the sector.
Critics argue that if cricket administrators and media organisations continue allowing online betting companies to exploit legal loopholes for commercial benefit, the long-term credibility of Sri Lankan cricket could suffer.
They warn that unless stronger regulatory action is introduced, Sri Lanka’s cricket industry could increasingly become an attractive platform for international betting operators rather than remaining focused on the sport itself.
