Gambling in Malaysia: An Overview
Malaysia has a thriving legal and underground gaming industry. Despite this, gambling research is scarce in Malaysia, and the country lacks a comprehensive plan for combating the problems associated with gaming. This article summarises Malaysia’s gaming scene, gambling laws, and studies to date, and makes some suggestions for the future of gambling in the country.
Malaysia has a population of 32.37 million people and is located in Southeast Asia. On 1 January 1963, the country of Malaysia declared its independence from the British Commonwealth of Nations. Islam is the most popular religion, with 61.3% of the population practising it, followed by Buddhism (19.8%), Christianity (9.2%), and Hinduism (6.3%). For this reason, most Muslims do not partake in legal gambling, which is prohibited by Islamic law (Sharia law). Of a population of 32.37 million, Malaysia is home to a diverse mix of races, including 63 percent Malay, 25 percent Chinese, and 12 percent Indian. As a result, individuals with Indian origin are the ones who bet the most legally and spend the most money playing.
Gambling in Malaysia
According to historical records, Chinese traders ‘introduced’ gambling to Malaysia in the late 1800s. Malaysians love gambling, both legally and illegally. Lotteries, casino games, and horse racing are all legal types of gambling in Malaysia. However, sports betting (at bookies) and internet gambling are all prohibited in the country. However, gaming may only be done under the supervision of the Ministry of Finance’s Unit Kawalan Perjudian (Control Unit for Gambling). Malaysia’s Lotteries Act of 1952 gives the green light to lotteries. Malaysia now has six privately run licenced lotteries. In addition to these, there are a number of illegal lottery operations, with one estimate stating that “Malaysia’s illicit lottery sector produced nearly 60% more income than the combined six licenced operators” in 2018.
Malaysia only has one legally operating casino, Genting Casino. However, this privately owned casino, established in the 1970s in the style of “Las Vegas,” is off-limits to Muslims and anyone under the age of 21. The casino is always open. This casino has over 400 Electronic Table Games, 3000 Slot Machines, and 30 Blackjack, Tai Sai, Roulette, and Boule Tables to choose from.
There are three racecourses in Malaysia where horse racing is now held, and it is permitted to gamble on horses. The British brought horse racing to the country in the 1800s. The Racing Act of 1961 governs all three racetracks, which are all privately owned.
Despite being illegal, online gambling has become more popular in Malaysia in recent years. A very popular kind of gambling is on badminton and football (particularly on the English Premier League). Online gambling is becoming more accessible and more economical thanks to technological improvements. However, despite it being against the law, overseas betting sites welcome Malaysian consumers and deal with their money in ringgits (RM, the Malaysian currency).
Gambling laws in Malaysia
The Betting Act of 1953, the Common Gaming Houses Act of 1953, and Shariah law all determine Malaysia’s gaming policies. In terms of legislation, the most significant one is the Betting Act of 1953 (with a number of revisions). With the exception of sports betting, which is allowed as long as the firm gets a licence to operate, this law prohibits all types of gambling save for sports betting. Anyone found operating or being a part of a betting house is subject to an RM200 000 fine and five years in prison under this Act.
The Betting Act only covers sports betting, whereas the Common Gaming Houses Act of 1953 (with subsequent changes) covers other forms of gambling. According to the Common Gaming Houses Act, gaming is defined as “the playing of any game of chance or of combined chance and skill for money or money’s value. There will be tougher penalties for both illicit gamblers and gaming operators in Malaysia’s 2020 budget proposal, according to the country’s Finance Minister. Illegal gamblers face a 20-fold rise in penalties, from RM5000 to RM100,000, as well as a 6-month prison term as a minimum.
Because Islam is the majority religion in Malaysia, Sharia law and Sharia courts are recognised. Secular law governs non-Malays (primarily ethnic Chinese and Indians) rather than Islamic Sharia. Sharia law forbids all kinds of gambling, including horse racing and lotteries.
The Best Online Casino in Malaysia for Non-Malays
BK8Asia is an online casino Malaysia where gamers may choose from over 1,000 different game titles. Malaysian gambling regulations govern the operation of the online gaming platform, which has been open to players since 2014. It’s possible to use the BK8 platform here in Malaysia. As a result, even though it’s a Malaysian casino, gamers from across the world are welcome!
Because of its high level of security and regulation by the government of Malta, the online betting platform is well-known. After all these years, it’s still one of the most reliable online gaming sites for gamers today. The company also has many international gaming licences, including those from PACGOR, BMM, and iTechLabs, among others.
Because of this, utilising the site will not expose you to the risk of being a victim of fraud. BK8Asia, in contrast to other online casinos, also provides a broad selection of entertaining and enjoyable games to play. Playing games on the platform will keep you entertained at all times.
Find Out More
For those who like playing online casino games, we recommend www.BK8Asia.com. It’s simple to use, the games are great, and they provide a generous sign-up bonus. Additionally, they have all the small frills you’d expect to see in a live casino.