Colombo, August 2, 2025 — Global casino tycoon Lawrence Ho has described Sri Lanka as a potential “Macau for India,” highlighting the island’s opportunity to position itself as South Asia’s premier gaming and entertainment hub — if it gets the regulatory foundation right.
Speaking during a closed-door investment roundtable held in Colombo, Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco Resorts & Entertainment, pointed to the island’s proximity to a rapidly growing Indian middle class, its scenic appeal, and recent efforts to improve infrastructure and ease of doing business.
“India’s high-spending outbound tourism market is massive — and currently underserved when it comes to leisure and gaming,” Ho said. “Sri Lanka has the potential to attract that market, the way Macau became the entertainment capital for mainland China. But it needs vision, transparency, and policy consistency.”
While Sri Lanka has permitted casino operations for years, the sector has often been mired in controversy due to unclear licensing regimes, ad hoc taxation, and concerns over social harm. Ho urged policymakers to act decisively if the country is serious about leveraging the sector to boost foreign investment, tourism earnings, and job creation.
His comments arrive at a time when Sri Lanka is seeking to diversify its post-crisis economy, with renewed interest from investors in sectors like tourism, logistics, and hospitality. Several local business leaders have echoed the sentiment that a regulated, modern entertainment economy could yield long-term benefits if developed responsibly.
Economists have also noted that Sri Lanka could benefit from the “regional gap” left by India’s prohibition on most forms of gambling, provided social protections and ethical marketing frameworks are in place.
However, public response remains mixed. While some see the potential for much-needed revenue and employment, others warn of the risk of increased inequality, problem gambling, and corruption if governance remains lax.
There has been no official government response to Ho’s remarks, but the Tourism Ministry is reportedly reviewing proposals related to integrated resorts and foreign participation in leisure infrastructure projects.
As Sri Lanka looks to chart a path forward, Ho’s message is clear: “The opportunity is real — but time and credibility are of the essence.”
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