City of Dreams Sri Lanka Casino: Gaming, Reviews

City of Dreams Sri Lanka, located in Colombo, is a luxurious hotel and casino complex. The hotel opened in 2024, and casino launch in August 2025. In recent years, Sri Lanka’s casinos have become a go-to entertainment destination for Indian travellers. Unlike Goa, you won’t find any tourist traps or overpriced vendors here — the cost is reasonable, and facilities are newer and more upscale. Let’s take a closer look at what City of Dreams Sri Lanka Casino has to offer.

City of Dreams Sri Lanka Casino Overview

City of Dreams Sri Lanka, a massive $1.2 billion integrated resort, is set to transform luxury and entertainment in South Asia. This joint venture by John Keells Holdings and Melco Resorts in Colombo is already generating significant buzz, especially for Indian visitors.

The 687-room Cinnamon Life hotel (Phase 1) opened in October 2024. Phase 2, launching mid-2025, will feature a 180,000 sq ft Melco-operated casino, the ultra-luxury 113-room Nüwa hotel, and a high-end mall. With 20-year gaming license secured by Melco, the resort anticipates $200–250 million in annual gaming revenue and will create over 20,000 jobs. It is being hailed as one of the most ambitious projects in the region.

Why It's a Game-Changer for Indian Gamers

For Indians, City of Dreams Sri Lanka aims to be a luxurious, accessible gaming hub. Only took 2-3 hour flight from major Indian cities with visa-free entry (ETA online), it offers cultural familiarity, including an Indian restaurant. India is expected to be the biggest market, providing a legal, high-end casino experience with rupee-friendly rates close to home.

Inside the Casino: Gaming, Dining & More

The expansive 180,000 sq ft casino floor will offer hundreds of slots and dozens of table games (roulette, blackjack, baccarat, poker), plus high-limit VIP salons. Expect both international luxury and Asian touches.

• Gaming: A wide array of slots, classic tables, progressive jackpots, and tournaments for both high rollers and casual players.
• Dining & Bars: Over a dozen F&B outlets, including Sri Lankan, Indian, Italian, Japanese, and French cuisines. Highlights include an Indian fine-dining venue and the lavish Quizine buffet.
• Art & Shows: The resort will also feature curated Sri Lankan art exhibits and live cultural performances.

Fees, Taxes & Memberships

Start from 2025, it'll takes US$100 per person for entry fee. Sri Lanka also imposes an 18% gaming turnover tax. Melco will offer loyalty programs and VIP perks, with responsible gaming rules strictly enforced.

Investment and Real Estate Potential

Beyond its gaming appeal, City of Dreams Sri Lanka is a significant real estate development.

• Residential Units and Hotel Suites: The project includes a residential tower with 427 luxury apartments (two to four - bedroom units and penthouses), many of which were presold quickly at prices starting around US$400,000. The complex will boast a total of 800 hotel rooms, including the 687 rooms at Cinnamon Life and 113 ultra-luxury rooms at Melco’s Nüwa hotel. This offers both premium accommodation for guests and rental opportunities for investors.
• Business Opportunities and MICE Facilities: The resort is poised to become a major business magnet with massive MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) facilities capable of hosting up to 5,000 delegates. Featuring five main ballrooms and three outdoor event spaces totaling approximately 60,000 sq ft, it aims to be a premier MICE destination in South Asia. This development is expected to boost high-end travel and business events, creating over 20,000 jobs across various sectors and offering new opportunities for Indian entrepreneurs.

Travel Guide for Indian Visitors

Flights, Location and How to Arrivel

The resort is located in Colombo, Sri Lanka's capital, specifically in the "New City" business district, overlooking Beira Lake and the Indian Ocean. Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is about 35-40 km north from the city.

• Flights: Daily direct flights connect major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, and Kolkata to Colombo, with a flight duration of roughly 2.5–3 hours.
• Location: Cinnamon Life is in central Colombo's CBD. Be mindful of potential heavy traffic when planning travel within the city. Nearby attractions include Galle Face Green and Gangaramaya Temple.
• Transfers: Airport taxis, pre-paid cabs (around USD 20-30), hotel shuttles, and ride-hailing apps (Uber/Ola) are readily available. Tuk-tuks are also a common and affordable option for shorter distances.

Visa and Local Essentials

Sri Lanka provide visa-free or visa-on-arrival access for Indian resident, though an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) must be applied for online before departure (no fee). Your passport should be valid for at least six months.

• Currency: The local currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). While cards are widely accepted, carrying some cash for smaller purchases is advisable. The exchange rate is approximately ₹1 ≈ LKR 3.5.
• Language and Culture: English is widely spoken in Colombo, and many hotel staff and drivers understand Hindi. The climate is hot, with potential monsoon rains from May to June. Dress casually for the city, and smart-casual is recommended for the casino (avoiding shorts/sleeveless after 8 PM). Remember to remove shoes and cover shoulders/legs when visiting temples.
• Other Tips: Sri Lanka drives on the left. Electrical outlets are British-style three-pin plugs (Type G, 230V). Tipping (5-10% in restaurants) is appreciated. Colombo is generally safe for tourists, but remain aware of your belongings in crowded areas.

Of course, you can also look for casino agents who offer better prices and travel packages to Sri Lanka’s casinos. Almost every major casino has agents based in India, and City of Dreams Sri Lanka Casino is no exception. Word is, you can already sign up for the grand opening events in August.

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