The status of online gambling in Malaysia is considerably less clear-cut, however. Other than that, the only other legal gambling venue in the country is the Genting Highlands Resort (more on that below), and, even then, Sharia law prevents Muslims from taking part on religious grounds. However, certain forms of gambling are legal in the country - the Lotteries Act 1952 allows lotteries to be run, while the Racing Act 1961 permits betting on horse racing, but only at a physical race course. The Legal Landscapeįollowing the Betting Act of 1953, 'common betting houses' are illegal in Malaysia, so anyone operating as a sports bookmaker or found betting in one is breaking the law. Here, looks at the state of play in Malaysia, how online gambling features, and what the major markets and games are in the country.
Gambling is a tricky prospect in Malaysia, as the largely Muslim nation has very strict gambling laws that render gaming essentially illegal, though there are some options to be found. Malaysia has emerged as one of the most financially robust nations in Southeast Asia since becoming a free nation in the late 1950s.
