If it weren't for personal experience, I might also think that the external claims about the risks of the gambling industry in Sri Lanka are a bit exaggerated.
But having been here for nearly a year, I can responsibly tell everyone: There are indeed opportunities here, but the risks are much greater than imagined.
My first encounter with Lanka was after the Philippines' POGO tightened up completely. Many colleagues moved to Thailand and Laos, and many mentioned Sri Lanka, saying that the salaries here are high, the environment is good, and it's mostly regular offices.
When I heard this, I was tempted and followed the crowd here.
Upon joining the company, it guaranteed: a base salary of at least twelve thousand, including meals, accommodation, plane tickets, and visas, plus an attendance bonus, which is more reliable than many places in Southeast Asia.
When I first arrived in Colombo, I indeed felt that the city was better than I imagined. The seaside scenery is beautiful, the cost of living is low, and the company is quite formal. At that time, I really thought I had finally found a secure path for development.
1️⃣The first time I almost lost my life
But it wasn't long before I encountered my first nightmare.
At that time, someone added me on TG, saying they could help exchange the Us I had for cash at a good rate. Since my salary was paid in Us, I thought it was a friend who referred me and didn't think much about it, so I arranged a meeting.
Who knew that the three people would directly put me in a car, steal my phone, and threaten to tear up my ticket 🔪. In the end, my friend urgently transferred money, and I barely saved my life. That night, I was completely shocked.
Later, I found out that I wasn't the only one who was tricked; many colleagues also encountered similar situations when exchanging Us. The kidnappers specifically targeted us foreign workers, knowing we had financial transactions.
2️⃣The other face of the police 👮🏾♂️
You think just avoiding kidnappers is enough? Wrong! The police here are sometimes just as ruthless.
In Colombo, especially at night, we are often stopped for checks, with passports and phones thoroughly searched, and they threaten to take us to the police station if we don't pay up. Once, my friend stubbornly refused to pay, and he was detained all night until the company leaders paid to get him out.
What's more outrageous is that the police often come to "sweep the building" at the company. They say it's for inspection, but it's actually for protection money. Can you imagine? The police could kick in the door at any time during work. Although I've heard about it in the Philippines, it was my first time experiencing it.
3️⃣The opportunities in Lanka
Of course, it cannot be denied that the gambling industry in Sri Lanka is indeed developing rapidly. I heard that by 2024, the industry's tax revenue will be nearly 100 million US dollars, and the government has also issued a 20-year casino license to Melco Resorts. It's almost certain that Lanka will replace the Philippines.
For us at the bottom, the salary is indeed high, and if you can get a long-term formal contract, it's an opportunity to save money. However, issues like visas, residency, and compliance are not truly reliable in any company.
After experiencing being cheated out of Us and extorted by corrupt police, I understand: the high salary here is not "free."
I write this not to discourage everyone, but to remind you: if you really decide to come to Sri Lanka, be prepared for the worst. Don't trust strangers easily, and especially don't meet offline without clear information.
The gambling industry in Lanka is still a "battlefield" where opportunities and risks coexist. Listening to the experiences of someone who has been through it might help you avoid some pitfalls.
This article references Telegram: PASA Gambling Depth
