Bally’s Casino, Bellagio Colombo, and City of Dreams Sri Lanka are the leading casinos in Colombo right now.
The government is working to establish a Gambling Regulatory Authority by June 30, 2026, which will supervise the industry. Meanwhile, City of Dreams has transformed Sri Lanka into an integrated resort destination that attracts visitors from India, China, and the Middle East.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about casino regulations, the top gaming venues, and practical tips for visiting in 2026.
Top 9 Best Colombo Casinos 2026
Colombo has casinos for every type of player. You can find large gaming floors with live entertainment or smaller clubs that focus on privacy and card games.
| Rank | Casino Name | Known For | Entry Fees | Google Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | City of Dreams (Nüwa) | Resort experience | Free for foreigners / $100 for locals | 4.6/5 | High-end resort stay |
| 2 | Bally’s Casino | Largest casino, live shows | Free for foreigners / $100 for locals | 4.3/5 | First-time visitors, variety |
| 3 | Bellagio Colombo | VIP service, entertainment | Free for foreigners / $100 for locals | 4.4/5 | Mid-range players |
| 4 | Casino Marina | Sea views, poker room | Free for foreigners / $100 for locals | 4.1/5 | Poker players |
| 5 | Majestic Pride | Tower location | Free for foreigners / $100 for locals | 4.7/5 | Scenic views |
| 6 | Stardust Casino | History, food | Free for foreigners / $100 for locals | 4.7/5 | Traditional atmosphere |
| 7 | Continental Club | Privacy, history | Free for foreigners / $100 for locals | 4/5 | International tourists |
| 8 | The Ritz Club | Smaller venue | Free for foreigners / $100 for locals | 3/5 | Quick sessions |
| 9 | Cinnamon Life | Resort integration | Free for foreigners / $100 for locals | 4/5 | Resort guests |
At the start of this year, entry fees for locals doubled to $100, while the gaming tax increased to 18%.
City of Dreams has brought international standards to Colombo’s casino scene. At the same time, established venues continue to serve their regular customers well.
1. City of Dreams Sri Lanka (Nüwa Casino)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Justice Akbar Mawatha, Colombo |
| Entry Fees | Free for foreigners / $100 for locals |
| Rating | 4.6/5 |
| Timings | 24/7 |
| Best for | Resort experience |
City of Dreams includes a casino, hotel, restaurants, shopping areas, and conference facilities.
Melco Resorts operates the 16,700 square meter gaming floor, while the Nüwa hotel provides 113 rooms for guests.
It targets visitors from India and the Middle East with international standards. However, the resort is still new and working to build its customer base. Remember to keep your passport with you while going here.
2. Bally’s Casino
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Wijewardana Mw, Colombo 10, Sri Lanka |
| Entry Fees | Free for foreigners / $100 for locals |
| Rating | 4.3/5 |
| Timings | 24/7 |
| Best for | Large casino, entertainment |
Bally’s is the largest casino in Sri Lanka and has 60 gaming tables, slot machines, and a VIP lounge for high-stakes players. As a bonus, it provides free pickup service, complimentary food and drinks, and live entertainment for players.
You’ll find games like baccarat, blackjack, roulette, and poker on the gaming floor. Staff members are helpful, and the atmosphere stays busy throughout the night.
On the downside, some visitors mention that smoking can be heavy inside. It sits close to major hotels, which makes it convenient for tourists.
3. Bellagio Colombo
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Duplicate Road, Colombo |
| Entry Fees | Free for foreigners / $100 for locals |
| Rating | 4.4/5 |
| Timings | 24/7 |
| Best for | Mid-range players, entertainment |
Bellagio offers high-quality service and daily music shows. It is not as huge as Bally’s, but it still offers table service for drinks and food.
A buffet stays open until around 1 AM for hungry players. You can get a membership card at the reception by providing a passport copy.
Bellagio accepts both US dollars and Sri Lankan rupees for convenience. Silver, Gold, and Platinum memberships come with benefits like airport transfers and hotel accommodations. This casino works well for players who want a more relaxed setting.
4. Casino Marina Colombo
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 30 Marine Drive, Colombo 03 |
| Entry Fees | Free for foreigners / $100 for locals |
| Rating | 4.1/5 |
| Timings | 24/7 |
| Best for | Poker players, sea views |
Casino Marina stands out because of Jim’s Poker Room, which has about 40 Texas Hold’em and Omaha cash tables.
Beyond poker, it operates over 90 gaming tables with a view of the Indian Ocean. Four floors cater to different types of players, from regular visitors to VVIPs. Players receive free food and drinks throughout their visit.
The poker room runs 24/7 with games at different blind levels to suit various budgets. Additionally, the venue offers car pickup and drop-off service for guests, but some reviews mention that entry policies can be inconsistent.
5. Majestic Pride Lanka
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Colombo (Tower location) |
| Entry Fees | Free for foreigners / $100 for locals |
| Rating | 4.7 |
| Timings | Check the venue for hours |
| Best for | Tourists visiting landmarks |
Majestic Pride offers gaming, live entertainment, and hospitality services. It features standard games like roulette, baccarat, flush poker, and blackjack.
Its location in the lotus tower makes it easy for tourists to find and visit. Majestic Pride has games like roulette, baccarat, flush, blackjack, and more games for the visitors.
It has daily entertainment events, which also attract tourists and visitors on a large scale.
6. Stardust Casino
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Carlwill Palace, Colombo |
| Entry Fees | Free for foreigners / $100 for locals |
| Rating | 4 |
| Timings | 24/7 |
| Best for | Traditional casino atmosphere |
Stardust has been operating for over 10 years, making it one of the oldest casinos in Sri Lanka. It combines traditional gaming with Sri Lankan cuisine.
You’ll find games like roulette, baccarat, blackjack, rummy, and Caribbean stud poker on the floor. Both the restaurant and bar receive positive feedback from visitors.
Staff members respect guests’ privacy throughout their visit. The location is easy to reach from different parts of Colombo. Because of its established reputation, it attracts many international guests.
7. Continental Club
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 425 Galle Road, Colombo 03 |
| Entry Fees | Free for foreigners / $100 for locals |
| Rating | 4 |
| Timings | 24/7 |
| Best for | Privacy, international tourists |
Continental Club has been in business for over 18 years. it mostly attracts foreign tourists, with very few local players visiting. Staff maintain Sri Lankan values in their dress and table behavior.
Interestingly, the property is just as well-known for its food as it is for gaming. The atmosphere stays relaxed yet professionally managed.
Players can enjoy their games in a peaceful setting without too much noise or distraction. International cuisine caters to foreign visitors’ tastes. it provides standard table games and slots for entertainment.
8. The Ritz Club
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Galle, Face Terrace, Colombo |
| Entry Fees | Free for foreigners / $100 for locals |
| Rating | 3 |
| Timings | Evening hours |
| Best for | Quick sessions |
The Ritz Club welcomes both local and international visitors. Guests appreciate the variety of games and customer service.
Entry is free and the venue stays open to the public. Players receive complimentary food and drinks during their visit.
It has a diverse crowd during evening hours, and the atmosphere includes regular conversation among players. This club suits visitors who want a smaller casino experience instead of large resort properties.
9. Cinnamon Life City of Dreams
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | No. 1, Justice Akbar Mawatha, Colombo 00200 |
| Entry Fees | Free for foreigners / $100 for locals |
| Rating | 4 |
| Timings | 24/7 |
| Best for | Resort guests |
Cinnamon Life is part of the City of Dreams development. It has modern amenities across 687 rooms. Within the property, you’ll find 17 restaurants and bars, retail shops, and event facilities.
The hotel serves as the more accessible lodging option within the resort complex. Guests can walk to gaming areas, shopping, dining, and entertainment without leaving the property.
However, some guests report that noise from events and the nightclub can be disruptive at night. The central location works well for both business and leisure travelers.
How to Choose the Right Casino Based on Your Travel Style?
Different casinos serve different purposes, so think about what you want from your visit.
| If You Want… | Choose… |
|---|---|
| A busy first experience | Bally’s Casino or City of Dreams |
| VIP gaming | City of Dreams (Nüwa) or Bellagio |
| Poker focus | Casino Marina (Jim’s Poker Room) |
| Full resort vacation | City of Dreams or Cinnamon Life |
| Traditional atmosphere | Stardust or Continental Club |
| Sea views | Casino Marina |
| Quiet setting | Continental Club or The Ritz Club |
| Cultural entertainment | MGM Colombo or Bellagio |
| Smaller venue | The Ritz Club |
Consider what matters most to you—whether that’s game variety, atmosphere, location, or amenities and make your choice based on those priorities.
2026 Casino Rules In Colombo You Must Know
The Casino Entrance Levy increased from $50 to $100 for Sri Lankan citizens starting January 1, 2026.
Foreign passport holders don’t have to pay any entry fee. At the same time, the Gross Collection Levy on gaming businesses went up from 15% to 18%. These changes came through amendments to the Betting and Gaming Levy Act.
| Rule | Update | Impact on Visitors |
|---|---|---|
| Central regulator | GRA launching June 2026 | Standardized oversight and safety |
| Local entry levy | $100 (doubled from $50) | Tourism-focused access |
| Foreign entry | Passport required | No fee for international visitors |
| Tax structure | 18% (up from 15%) | Higher standards across venues |
| Operating hours | 24/7 regulated | Consistent availability |
The minimum legal age for gambling is 21 years old. Casinos check each customer’s age and identity before allowing entry. If you’re a foreign visitor, you need to show your passport at the door.
Source: igamingbusiness
Best Colombo Casinos: Visitor Tips — Dress Code, Costs & Timing
Casinos in Colombo want you to dress in smart casual clothes. Men should wear shirts with collars and long pants. Women can wear dresses or nice separates. Don’t wear shorts, sandals, or very casual clothes. Some places have stricter dress rules for VIP areas. If you’re not sure what to wear, dress nicer rather than too casual.
Best Times to Visit
- Peak Hours: 9 PM to 2 AM are when casinos are busiest and most lively.
- Quieter Hours: Visit in the afternoon or early evening if you want fewer people around.
- Weekend vs Weekday: More people visit on weekends than weekdays.
- Poker Availability: Poker rooms at Casino Marina stay open all day and night, so you can play anytime.
You must bring your passport to enter any casino. Staff will check your ID at the door. Entry is free if you’re an international tourist, but you still need to show your passport. Compare exchange rates before you change your money.
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Conclusion: City of Dreams, Bally’s Casino, And Bellagio Colombo Are Leading The Way In Colombo’s Casino Scene For 2026
The city now offers options for every type of player, from integrated resorts to traditional gaming halls. Foreign visitors can enter for free with just their passport, while locals need to pay a $100 entry levy.
The upcoming Gambling Regulatory Authority will bring stronger oversight by mid-2026, which should improve standards even further.
Whether you’re interested in poker, resort amenities, or just a night of entertainment, Colombo has something for you.
Visit during evening hours for the best atmosphere, dress in smart casual attire, and remember to bring your passport.
FAQs
Colombo has seven licensed casinos that include Bally’s, Casino Marina, Bellagio, and City of Dreams. All of them operate 24/7 with table games and slot machines.
Bally’s Casino is the largest option, while City of Dreams offers a full resort experience. Casino Marina is the best choice for poker players because of its dedicated poker room.
Foreign passport holders can enter for free. Sri Lankan citizens must pay a $100 entry fee as of January 2026, which can be paid in foreign currency or rupees.
Licensed casinos can legally operate in designated areas of Colombo. The government regulates the industry through licensing requirements and levy collections.
Locals can visit casinos but must pay a $100 entry levy. This fee helps position casinos primarily for tourism while still allowing access for residents.
Colombo serves as Sri Lanka’s main commercial city and largest port. The city features colonial architecture, Buddhist temples, beaches, shopping districts, and a growing entertainment scene that includes casinos and nightlife.
