Sri Lanka’s gambling history is very old as Sri Lankans have been indulging in gambling since a long time. Staying unregulated but tolerated until 2009, it became legalized in 2010, with enterprises requiring licenses and facing substantial taxation. The focus shifted when President Rajapaksa decided to grant licenses to major casino brands to boost the country’s tourism and thereby generate revenue.
While there are many places for gambling in Sri Lanka, here we enlist casinos and live poker rooms that offer poker games.
As for poker, games are offered in the island’s five casinos all located in Colombo: Bally’s, Bellagio, Marina Colombo Casino, MGM, and Stardust. These casinos promise top-notch entertainment and exciting poker games along with fine dining options. Renowned for excellent services, and a mix of classic and modern games, they also host live performances, ensuring visitors have a memorable time.
Bally’s Casino
Operational since 1995, Bally’s Casino is Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest casino that generates quite a huge revenue. Located close to major 5 star hotels in the heart of Colombo, the commercial hub of Sri Lanka, the casino operates 24/7 and offers more than 100 gaming tables and 50 slot machines. You can choose from a variety of exciting games such as Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Andar Bahar, Sabong, and Dragon Tiger (a fast action game). Also, you can indulge in several poker games like Texes Hold’em, Asian Poker (played against the house or the dealer) and 3 Card Poker to name a few. It also has the privilege of hosting Indian Poker Championship (IPC), one of the biggest poker events in India. The poker room is on the ground floor of the casino and there are three tables dedicated to poker.
This luxurious property also features a high profile VIP area, a sophisticated bar, a classy restaurant and live entertainment every night. There are even special events hosted by famous personalities. Their ‘happy hours’ and ‘mega draws’ always grab the visitors’ attention. The staff is very cooperative and friendly, and offers complimentary drinks, and snacks to their customers right at their tables. The property attracts tourists from all across the world and has grown into an international casino. October 2022 marked the casino’s 27th anniversary, which was celebrated with great pomp and show.
Address: No 34, D.R.Wijewardana Mawatha, Colombo 10
Timings: Open 24/7 (Except on full moon day) (Poya)
Bellagio Colombo
This is another excellent nightlife spot and a prime gaming arena in Colombo. The luxurious casino has been around since 1999 and visitors can expect VIP-level treatment complemented by a vibrant atmosphere and a unique draw that continues to fascinate high-profile guests from across the world. It offers you the best gaming experience with a wide range of exciting games like Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, 3 Card Poker, Texas Hold’em Poker, Indian Flush (Teen Patti), Andar Bahar, Dragon Tiger, and Slot Machines. With regular promotional draws, events, cultural celebrations and festive nights, the property attracts both locals and international guests to experience lively nightlife and gaming.
Bellagio Colombo hosts daily Texas and Omaha Cash games and special cash games festivals for poker enthusiasts. The minimum buy-in is over LKR 70,000 (around 400 US$) with blinds starting at 500/1000 LKR (USD$3/USD$6). It is the only casino in Sri Lanka hosting daily lucky draws for the guests. The experience is not just limited to games and entertainment, as the casino boasts a sophisticated bar and a multi-cuisine restaurant offering both local and international cuisines. The staff is really friendly and helps you at every step to ensure your convenience. Operating 24/7, the casino offers you exceptional gaming and entertainment experience during your stay in Sri Lanka!
Address: No 430, R A De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 03
Timings: Open 24/7
Jim’s Poker Room – Marina Colombo Casino
Operating 24/7, Jim’s Poker Room is one of the best live poker rooms in Colombo with a wide range of games to choose from. It has over 90 gaming tables offering Baccarat, Blackjack, Roulette, Omaha, and Texas Hold ‘em games. The main attraction of the Casino Marina Colombo is the poker tables. The casino organises poker games and promotions all through the year. Games usually begin at about 8-9 PM but players need to play at least 2 hours with a 30 minute notice when players intend to leave. The minimum buy-in is set at 50,000 rupees with blinds starting at 500-1000. They charge 5% rake for Texas Holdem and 3% for Omaha games. Players can also participate in the occasional tournaments.
The casino provides complimentary food and beverages with every game. It has four dedicated floors catering to different kinds of gaming enthusiasts. Also, there is a hotel that accommodates visiting guests from other countries. The property is said to elevate the standard of casinos in the area. If you are looking to test your skills at poker and enjoy the thrill, then this is a must-visit casino in Sri Lanka!
Timings: Open 24/7
Location: No 30 Marine Drive, Colombo
MGM Colombo
Located in the outskirts of Colombo, this is a must-visit casino for those seeking a night full of gaming and entertainment. Operational since 1998, the casino boasts a vast gaming floor with a selection of games like Roulette, Baccarat, Poker, Mini Flush, Texas Hold’em am and others. From poker tournaments to cash games, MGM Colombo ensures that there is never a dull moment for poker enthusiasts. Locals as well as guests from foreign countries come here to enjoy coastal breezes and the top-notch entertainment along with excellent wine and dine options. It is a multi-floor luxurious property where the regular players take the ground floor, and the first floor is occupied by players looking for privacy. The staff is attentive and guests highly admire the services and hospitality it offers.
MGM Colombo has a dedicated floor for VIPs. Every day, live music and cultural dance performances from international artists are performed here. The casino offers both Asian and international in order to cater to varied taste buds of foreigners and locals. Thus, it is a must-visit experience for you.
Timings: Open 24/7
Address: 4/1 B Arthur’s Pl, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Stardust Casino
With its history spanning more than 10 years, it is one of the oldest casinos in Sri Lanka with more than 40 game tables. The upmarket casino in the heart of Colombo offers a wide range of games such as Baccarat, Black Jack, Rummy, Caribbean Stud Poker and Casino War. If you are a slot game lover, this will be your paradise as the casino houses plenty of slot games with varying themes and payouts.
The casino operates daily from 7PM to 1AM. Their executive lounge is a fantastic place to relax and offer visitors free membership. The elegant bar is highly regard by guests because of the quality of food and drinks. You will love their skilled bartenders as they entertain you while serving your cocktail. The casino has a restaurant serving delicious Sri Lankan cuisine. The staff is very friendly and the guests are taken care of with high respect. With its glitzy ambience and complimentary drinks, Stardust Casino is gaming paradise. Whether you love poker or any other game, it is a must-visit place.
Timings: Open 24/7
Address: 9 15th Lane, Galle Road, Colombo
The casinos in Sri Lanka provide you a time of your life and deserve a visit visit when in Sri Lanka!
Image Credit: &BEYOND,
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