Online Gambling in Malaysia
Malaysia is a closed gambling shop with Genting International the holders of the single casino license issued by the government. Genting have made the most of this license and developed one of the world’s largest hotel/casinos – the enormous Highlands Resort. Aside from concessions afforded the casino at the Highlands Resort, Malaysia’s Betting Act 1953 (the Act) renders common betting houses and gambling activities illegal in Malaysia.
The Act has not been amended to address online gambling nor has any specific I-gaming legislation been put in place. Consequently, the legality of online gambling in Malaysia remains largely untested. Legal uncertainties aside, the government’s unambiguous position is that they do not want Malaysian’s playing online. It was reported July 2009 that the Malaysian Home Ministry was working with Bank Negara to try to find ways of blocking gambling related transactions to restrict player’s ability to fund betting accounts. Clearly Malaysian authorities haven’t studied the effectiveness of the United States’ attempts to do the same with their UIGEA law.
Only time will tell how effective authority efforts are in curtailing player access to casinos and sport books. Starved of terrestrial gambling choices the internet will no doubt continue to be a very attractive option for a population with a renowned propensity to gamble.
[Update May 2010]
In an effort to combat thriving illegal betting activity on soccer particularly, the Malaysian government awarded its first sports betting license to Ascot Sports, a company connected to local tycoon Vincent Tan. Ascot Sports will be authorised to set up retail betting shops and telephone betting services for Malaysian non-Muslims (approximately 30% of population). Ascot intends to extend this offering to online betting down the track subject to government approval.
[Update June 2010]
Following protests from Muslim and anti-gambling groups the Malaysian government decided not to proceed with issuing Ascot Sports a sports betting license. Prime Minister Najib Razak told media, “I hereby wish to announce that the government has decided that the license will not be issued…it was clear to the government that a majority of the people did not agree that the license be issued to Ascot Sports.”
Best live casino for Players from Malaysia
A number of great live dealer casinos welcome Malaysian players presently.
 Casinos |
 Player access |
 Banking |
 Toll free support |
 Local language |
 Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Read review | Visit |
No restrictions on Malaysian player sign-ups | No deposit restrictions. Can maintain account in Malaysian ringgit (MYR) |
No | No | Asian based dealer studio including blackjack, baccarat, roulette and baccarat variations. |
 Read review | Visit |
No restrictions on Malaysian player sign-ups | No deposit restrictions. Maintain account in USD |
No | No | European based dealer room with Euro centric games. |
