Day 2 of the 7th Annual SPiCE South Asia 2026 turned up the ‘SPiCE’ with a powerful lineup of discussions, as industry leaders unpacked the ideas, challenges, and opportunities driving the sector forward at the extraordinary Shangri-La Colombo in Sri Lanka.
From regulation to innovation, the day’s conversations centred on one key question: how to build a sustainable, future-ready gaming ecosystem in South Asia. A standout fireside chat featuring Ashwini Natesan, TMT Law Consultant at Julius & Creasy, Tommy Gibbons, COO of Casino Marina, and Tony Macmillan, CEO of Bally’s Colombo, explored Sri Lanka’s potential to emerge as a regional gaming hub, highlighting the critical role of regulation, investment, and collaboration in unlocking long-term growth.
This theme carried through into broader discussions on regulatory frameworks, where experts drew on global insights to emphasise the need for balance, structure, and forward-thinking policy. As Ashwini Natesan noted:
“Meaningful and nuanced regulation is key to promoting responsible gaming. Responsible gaming can not only strengthen economic growth but also promote public trust.”
Echoing this sentiment, Rushda Niyas, Managing Director at JAAR Law, highlighted the broader shift taking place across the region:
“Day 2 of SPiCE South Asia 2026 has highlighted the growing maturity of the regional dialogue around gaming. What is especially encouraging is the focus not only on market opportunity, but also on regulation, governance and the need to build credible frameworks that can support sustainable long-term growth.”
Across the agenda, a range of sessions brought diverse perspectives to the forefront. Rushda Niyas led key discussions on regulatory frameworks, alongside contributions from Dr. Harsha de Silva, Chanaki Mallikarachchi, and Manmohan Kohli.
Reflecting on the day’s discussions, Dr. Dharshana Weerakoon, Chairman, Global Cooperation (Private) Limited, shared:
“It was a privilege to engage with such a dynamic audience at SPiCE South Asia 2026. The conversations reflected not only the region’s rapid evolution but also the immense opportunities ahead for innovation and collaboration. The exchange of ideas among industry leaders highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships in driving sustainable growth. I was particularly encouraged by the forward-thinking mindset and the collective commitment to shaping a more resilient and progressive industry landscape. I look forward to continuing these meaningful dialogues beyond the event.”
The energy extended well beyond the conference floor, with networking continuing throughout the day and into the exclusive SPiCE Harmony Dinner, where connections deepened, and new opportunities took shape.
Day 2 once again demonstrated SPiCE South Asia’s role as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue, innovation, and industry progress. As the event continues, the momentum shows no signs of slowing.
Key moments and highlights from the day can be checked on the official Spice South Asia event website.
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