The upgrade features sophisticated bill validators that recognise more than 120 currencies, including the Sri Lankan Rupee, along with intelligent cash boxes that simplify cash drops and counting throughout the casino floor.

According to disclosures from JCM Global, the iVIZION bill validator captures images of both sides of a banknote and scans multiple data points to detect authenticity, while the ICB Intelligent Cash Box system reduces human error and provides real-time web-based reporting for floor operations.

Technological enhancements

The improvement in cash handling is a component of a larger movement in the casino sector toward automation and increased operational effectiveness. Operators can improve security, guarantee regulatory compliance, and lessen their dependency on manual counting with automated systems. The cash box systems installed at City of Dreams Sri Lanka are already used on hundreds of thousands of electronic gaming machines worldwide.

Dave Kubajak, JCM’s senior vice-president of sales, marketing and operations, said in prepared remarks: “We are thrilled to further expand our relationship with Melco at the exciting City of Dreams Sri Lanka. Casino operators worldwide trust and rely on JCM solutions, like iVIZION and ICB, to be the first line of defense to protect their casino floor, while also streamlining operations and boosting compliance.”

South Asia’s first integrated resort

The casino forms part of the US$1.2 billion City of Dreams Sri Lanka, the first integrated resort in South Asia and the largest private sector investment in the nation’s history. Developed by John Keells Holdings in partnership with Melco Resorts & Entertainment, the resort opened last month at Colombo’s Cinnamon Life complex.

The property includes two premium hotels—Cinnamon Life @ City of Dreams with 687 rooms, and NÜWA @ City of Dreams, a 113-room ultra-luxury hotel, alongside a state-of-the-art casino, 17 dining venues, luxury retail spaces, and MICE facilities. More than 500 Sri Lankan artisans and workers contributed to the construction and interiors, highlighting the country’s cultural heritage.

Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco, noted the strategic location of Colombo for tourism and gaming, “Macau is by far the biggest gaming market in the world. Colombo is the closest destination to India, and an integrated resort like this gives the city a lot of potential.”

Economic and tourism impact

City of Dreams Sri Lanka is expected to give a major boost to the country’s tourism and leisure sector. The resort, with its luxury hotels, casinos, gaming areas and entertainment options, are designed to attract international visitors and help the economy recover after the challenges of 2022 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Many high-spending tourists, especially from India, are expected, as more than 416,000 Indians visited Sri Lanka in 2024.

Krishan Balendra, Chairperson of John Keells Group, called the resort “an ambitious national vision brought to life,” highlighting its potential to raise Sri Lanka’s global profile and support growth in local services and supply chains.

Regulatory and fiscal framework

The opening of City of Dreams Sri Lanka comes at the same time as new gambling laws in the country. Under the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) Act, which took effect in September 2025, an independent body now oversees casino licences, monitors operations, and enforces rules on social responsibility across casinos, horse racing, and online gaming.

Under the 2025 budget, casino entry fees for Sri Lankan residents have doubled from US$50 to US$100, and the betting and gaming levy on gross revenue has increased from 15 percent to 18 percent. The Attorney General has cleared the required amendments, and the Cabinet has approved publication in the Government Gazette before the proposals are sent to Parliament for approval.