Major online gambling operators formerly known as Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) are relocating to Sri Lanka following the sector's shutdown in the Philippines. An investigation by MonetaBrief published in The Island found recruiters actively hiring former gaming industry workers from the Philippines and other Asian countries, positioning Sri Lanka — particularly the Port City Special Economic Zone — as a more stable location.
Thousands of workers from China, the Philippines, Vietnam and Cambodia have already moved to the country, some without valid work visas. Operators are targeting markets where online gambling is banned or restricted. Large networks operate either directly in Port City or through Board of Investment-approved BPO companies. High-rises in Colombo's Fort, Town Hall and Havelock City districts are used as hubs for online casinos. The investigation names KJC and P3Bet as major networks operating from Sri Lanka into Vietnam. King Group, targeted by Vietnamese cyber police in July, was also recruiting for operations in the country.
Deputy Minister for Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne said new gambling regulations will apply across the entire territory, including Port City. Since the start of 2026, Sri Lanka has arrested more than 1,000 foreigners for cybercrime, mostly from China, Vietnam and India. China and Sri Lanka have strengthened cooperation against cross-border online gambling. The Gaming Regulator Act came into force on December 1, 2025, but secondary legislation remains delayed.
