Everything You Need to Know About the Casino Laws
Online casino gambling in Malaysia is strictly prohibited under the Betting Act of 1953 and the Common Gaming Houses Act of 1953.
These laws criminalize most forms of gambling unless operators receive specific licenses, which are not granted for online platforms. Additionally, Sharia law applies to Muslims, banning all forms of gambling for over 60% of the population.
Ministry of Finance’s Betting Control Unit
- Oversees all gambling activities, ensuring compliance with national laws.
- Issues licenses for operators of land-based gambling.
- Works with other authorities to block illegal online gambling websites.
- Ensures lotteries and horse racing are only legally accessible to non-Muslims.
- Prohibits Muslims from engaging in any form of gambling under Sharia law.
The Ministry of Finance’s Betting Control Unit oversees the regulation of licensed land-based gambling activities for non-Muslims, such as lotteries and horse racing. Meanwhile, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) actively blocks illegal gambling websites.
Gambling in Malaysia
Gambling in Malaysia is heavily restricted offline and largely illegal online. The sole licensed land-based casino is Resorts World Genting, and non-Muslims are only allowed to play the lottery and bet on horse races.
Quick Factsheet
- One legal land-based casino – Resorts World Genting.
- Lotteries and horse racing are legal for non-Muslims.
- Sharia law prohibits all gambling for Muslims.
- Online gambling is largely illegal.
- The MCMC blocks illegal gambling sites.
- The Ministry of Finance’s Betting Control Unit regulates licensed gambling.
Many players, however, access offshore online casinos, which operate in a legal gray area. While these sites are not explicitly outlawed, we advise you to avoid them as they carry security risks, and you might be penalized for using them.
Gambling History and Future
Gambling in Malaysia has long been controversial due to the country’s diverse population and religious influences. Fun fact: the current legal framework dates all the way back to colonial times.
Historically, particular traditional games of chance, such as Wahui (a lottery-like game), were popular, but these have since been outlawed. Legal gambling is now restricted to non-Muslims.
Malaysian Flag
- 1952: The Lotteries Act legalizes lotteries for charitable purposes.
- 1953: The Betting Act and Common Gaming Houses Act criminalize most forms of betting.
- 1961: The Racing Act legalizes horse race betting at racetracks for non-Muslims.
- 1971: Resorts World Genting, the first and only legal land-based casino, opens.
- 1992: The Racing Act is revised to regulate horse betting further.
- 2010s: The rise of online gambling leads to increased unregulated activities.
- 2019: Government increases penalties for illegal gambling sites.
Looking to the future, while there is no immediate sign of significant legal changes, discussions around reform are gaining traction. But given Malaysia’s adherence to Sharia law, I doubt the country will adopt more liberal policies soon.
Conclusion
To sum up, here’s what we’ve learned: Online gambling is illegal in Malaysia under strict laws like the Betting Act of 1953. The government blocks unauthorized sites, and there are heavy penalties for those who break the rules.
But not all is lost – non-Muslims have a few land-based legal options, like horse racing and lotteries. So, what should you take away from this? Stay informed and stick to legal activities to avoid trouble.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve answered the most common questions about online gambling in Malaysia. If you have more, feel free to contact us – our experts are here to help.
Is online gambling in Malaysia legal?
Online gambling is illegal in Malaysia under the Betting Act of 1953 and Common Gaming Houses Act of 1953. The government does not issue licenses for online casinos, and access to these platforms is actively blocked.
What is the penalty for gambling in Malaysia?
Penalties for illegal gambling in Malaysia can include hefty fines and imprisonment under the Betting Act of 1953. The severity of the punishment depends on the offense, but authorities enforce strict measures to prevent unlicensed gambling.
Is playing poker illegal in Malaysia?
Playing poker in Malaysia is only legal at the licensed Resorts World Genting. At this land-based casino, non-Muslims can legally participate in games such as Texas Hold'em. Meanwhile, online poker is completely prohibited.
Written By Angelina Vodenicharova