Melco Resorts & Entertainment secured a 20-year casino license in Sri Lanka in April 2024 and is rebranding the former Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort in Colombo as City of Dreams Sri Lanka, described as the first integrated resort in both Sri Lanka and South Asia1. The project is a joint venture between the Macau gaming operator and John Keells Holdings1.
The 687-room luxury hotel, named Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka, officially opened in Colombo on October 151. The wider development represents an investment of over $1.2 billion, which the report describes as the largest private investment in Sri Lanka1. Melco has put its own investment in the project at some $125 million, calling it a "small wager" with the prospect for substantial returns1.
The final phase of the development, which includes a shopping mall, entertainment areas, a gaming facility and the 113-room ultra-luxury Nuwa hotel, is expected to open by mid-20251. Melco projects the property will achieve gross gaming revenue of $200 million to $250 million on a run-rate basis1. Melco Chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho has said there is potential for further expansion of gaming facilities, subject to performance and market conditions1. The project is expected to generate over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs while boosting tourism, foreign exchange and community engagement1.
"In April this year, Melco Resorts secured a 20-year casino license"
What it means for players
The casino floor at City of Dreams Sri Lanka had not opened as of the hotel launch, with the gaming facility part of a final phase expected by mid-20251. Until that phase opens, there is no operating casino at the property to visit. The license runs for 20 years from April 2024, giving the venue a long operating horizon1. Melco's stated interest in expanding gaming facilities, subject to performance and market conditions, indicates the scale of the casino could change after opening1. Details such as entry requirements, games offered, table limits and hours have not been reported. For general background on how venues and licenses work across the region, see Casinos and Integrated Resorts in Asia and Gambling Regulators and Licenses in Asia.
What happens next
The final phase of the development, including the gaming facility and the Nuwa hotel, is expected to open by mid-20251. Any further expansion of gaming facilities would depend on performance and market conditions, according to Melco's chairman and CEO1.