News
Jackpot! Showdown on casinos
Growing resentment against casinos and gambling has intensified with street protests by public and religious groups island-wide. One such demonstration organised by the ‘Casino Virodhi Jathika Ekamuthuwa’ included Minister Champika Ranawaka, religious leaders Ven. Omalpe Sobitha Thera, Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera and opposition politicians.
JHU member and Provincial Council Minister Udaya Gammanpila told the Sunday Times, while they were opposed to all types of gambling activity, they would not comment on existing casinos as they were already present in the country.
“We are opposed to the bill that will protect or develop casinos or any other gambling activity in the country. In 2010 when the government brought in a bill to regulate gambling in the country we supported the bill”, he added
Local and foreign customers at a casino in Colombo
Local punters at a bookie office
Customers leaving one of the many casinos in Colombo
Members of the 'Casino Virodhi Jathika Ekamuthuwa' protesting against concessions to casino conglomerates and development of casino culture
Tipped off: A scheduled protest in front of a casino was called off after police guards were posted outside the casino
Another protest scheduled to be held outside a casino in Kollupitiya, did not take place after police guards were posted around the casino.
However other groups raised concerns of not only government plans to grant concessions for casinos but also regarding all other forms of gambling, including horse-racing which has been in existence for several years. Regardless of these protests however, casinos and betting centres flourish in Colombo as well as in the outstations attracting both the super-rich and low income groups.
Our photographers captured moments of the protest as well as shots of locals and foreign customers at casinos and horse-racing betting centres.