Gaming Bill before Parliament today

The controversial Gaming Bill will be presented before Parliament today, following the decision made at a party leaders meeting last afternoon.

It was reported that the Bill stipulates that from and after 1 January 2012 no person shall engage in the business of gaming other than under the authority of a valid licence issued by the minister in charge of the subject of gaming. The secretary to such ministry, the Bill stipulates, will publish in a daily newspaper in Sinhala, Tamil and English languages giving “adequate notice to the public of the requirement of having to obtain licences for carrying on business of gaming”.

Those violating the law once it becomes effective will be liable for imprisonment for a term extending to five years or to a fine of Rs. 5 million.

The minister in charge of the subject is to be empowered to make regulations stipulating the form of application for a licence. He will determine the fees to be paid and the period for which such a licence is valid. Such regulations will be subject to approval by Parliament.