Sri Lanka has ordered internet service providers to block access to 24 major online gambling websites as part of efforts to tighten regulation of the sector and curb illegal online betting activities.

Sri Lanka has blocked access to some of the world’s largest online betting sites as part of a crackdown on unauthorised gambling, the Digital Economy Ministry said on Wednesday.

Online gambling is legal in Sri Lanka, but operators must register with the authorities and pay licence fees.

The government ordered local internet providers to bar access from Sri Lanka to 24 major gambling sites — although VPN software could still bypass restrictions.

Authorities also warned Sri Lankans that investing in those sites was illegal.

The banned sites include stake.com, bet365.com, betway.com and 1xBet.com.

“All telecom service providers have been ordered to implement the ban with immediate effect,” the ministry said in a statement.