By Prof. Samitha Hettige.

One might say Basil Rajapaksa & Ranil Wickremasinghe are unique in political gambling. Gambling is believed to be one of mankind’s oldest activities. The Greek word for justice (dike) comes from a word meaning “to throw,” in the sense of throwing dice. Gambling was regulated in; ancient China, Rome, the Jewish Talmud, Islam & Buddhism etc. In ancient Egypt gamblers have been sentenced to forced labour in the quarries. Some Anthropologists also believe that gambling is comparatively more prevalent in societies which believe in gods & spirits. The casting of dice has been used in many cultures to dispense justice & identify criminals at trials etc. (In Sweden as late as 1803). (Ref. Britanica).

Indian theory.

The Indian sub continent was influenced equally by Buddhism, Hinduism & Islam respectively & the Indian parliament recently approved the ‘Promotion & Regulation of Online Gaming Bill’ of 2025. It bans all forms of online gaming involving real money & prohibits operating, advertising & financing online money games including fantasy sports, poker, rummy & online lotteries. As a result financial institutions & e-wallet providers will not be able to process related transactions. Although it will reduce approx 2.3 billion USD tax revenue, the Indian government defends it as a step to protect over 450 million people from addiction, fraud & exploitation (losing more than two billion USD p. a). However, India has confirmed continued support to socially constructive online platforms through the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies & AVGC Centres etc. (Ref. Media). Opposition law makers objecting the move indicates more than 200,000 job losses, closure of 400 companies causing setbacks to the Indian ambition of being a global gaming hub.

Chinese strategy

Although Gambling was strictly controlled in ancient China, it is using gambling to the best of economic development. Most notable example is Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) which came under Chinese control in 1999 after a 99 year rule by the Portuguese.  It is estimated that the Casino industry in Macao is 7 times larger than Las Vegas. The economy of Macau is a highly developed market economy & remains one of the most liberalized. Macau SAR is a full member of the World Trade Organization. With the tax revenue from the profitable gambling industry, SAR government was able to introduce the social welfare program of 15 years of free education to all Macau citizens.

At the same time in Hong Kong SAR, security agencies conducted a large scale operation code named “Operation Wind Valley” from August 17 to 21 & arrested 208 individuals & 17 illegal gambling dens allegedly controlled by triad groups. Police had seized cash, gambling chips, & betting equipment from dens offering mahjong, baccarat, fish hunting machines & gambling setups etc. Offences include operating or managing illegal gambling establishments, gambling inside such premises, permitting one’s property to be used for gambling & money laundering. Police believe that illegal gambling dens are key income sources for triads and hotbeds for criminal activity (i.e. debt collection, drug trafficking, & triad recruitment etc.). The arrests have been made under Section 15 of the Gambling Ordinance (Ref. Media).

Sri Lankan acts in law & life.

Sri Lanka chronicles indicate King ‘Pandukabaya’ appointing an official to manage kingdom’s night life. It’s not clear if that included gambling but Pandukabaya ruled for 70 years. Even though some compare the official to former minister Mervyn Silva during Mahinda Rajapaksa administration (2005 – 2015), many might say Mervyn’s role indirectly reduced Mahinda’s years in office. Then there was the famous 400,000 Rupee robbery which took place near the Race Course in Colombo 07. It was the collection from betting on horse racing. When President JR Jayawardena introduced the ‘Development Lottery’ (‘scratching lottery’) to strengthen the ‘President’s fund’ some including journalist Victor Ivan questioned if the state was gambling to fund welfare. President Premadasa who banned ‘Jackpot Machines’ in the early 1990s (discussed with the rise of business tycoon Dhammika Perera) introduced the ‘Sevana Lottery’ in the 1980s to fund the ‘Shelter for all by 2000’ program. Later JRJ & Premadasa had disagreements over the Indo-Lanka accord & some believed that ‘Sevana Lottery’ would be audited by the Auditor General raising concerns if the agency wasn’t audited. However, post independent Sri Lanka has passed few laws related to gambling. Betting & gaming levy act 40 of 1988, Casino business (regulation) act 17 of 2010 & the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill of 2025 which will pave way to create an independent body to oversee the gambling sector are notable. The new law intends to establish the Gambling Regulatory Authority (repealing Horse Racing Betting Ordinance, Gambling Ordinance, & Casino Ordinance). Opposition members have requested the government to introduce strict measures to regulate online gambling to prevent people from getting addicted to new gambling trends. The act is expected to play a major role in minimizing social harm, while supporting economic growth & the tourism sector etc. (Ref. Media).

While witnessing modern economic development & welfare trends, average Sri Lankans may remember the gambling den of Naina Marikkar at Kotahena during the British rule. Prime Minister John Kotelawala’s father who raided it & arrested Naina is portrayed a hero by Jackson Anthony & Anula Bulathsinhala in their famous duet. It isn’t clear how the British regulated gambling then but Casinos are well operated in Britain at present with investments from Gamblers like James Packer (who once faced resistance in Colombo during Mahinda R). If Jackson, Anula & Kotalawala senior were with us today, first two might sing a new duet & the last might become a Bouncer at a Casino. Sri Lankans should focus on economic development in all possible ways while enjoying theatre.  No matter who governs, public shouldn’t forget Victor’s & Ivor’s old song on the dice. (www.google.com/search?q=nagena+vatena+victor+ratnayaka).

Views expressed are personal (Photo source www)