Malaysia has much to offer visitors and citizens thanks to its fascinating culture, the bustling capital city of Kuala Lumpur, and its incredible National Parks and rainforests.
However, despite all the positives, gamblers in the country face complex laws that make it difficult to find the best gaming options.
Thankfully, there are some ways for consumers to enjoy a variety of different gaming markets.
Malaysian Gaming Regulations
There are several gambling acts that determine the legality of different betting markets in Malaysia. The 1953 Betting Act covers most gambling markets and strictly prohibits the operation or attendance of betting houses.
Licensed lotteries are permitted under the 1952 Lotteries Act, while the 1961 Racing Act allows horse race betting at race courses.
As a Muslim country, Sharia law prohibits Muslims from gambling. However, the Genting Highlands Resort offers licensed gambling opportunities.
The Best Gaming Opportunities in Malaysia
Consumers permitted to gamble in Malaysia will find their options relatively limited compared to more liberal locations, but that does not mean there are none. Here are some of the best gaming opportunities available in Malaysia.
Online Casinos
Online casinos in Malaysia are an excellent option for gamers according to gambling expert Andreea Stanescu. However, consumers must look at offshore operators as it is illegal for businesses to set up in Malaysia.
Because the current gambling act has not been updated to include the latest technological developments, there are no explicit rules surrounding online gambling. The government works around this to some extent by refusing to offer licenses to online casino operators.
Thanks to improving connectivity and mobile devices, consumers can access offshore betting sites without breaking laws. Despite this, the government's attempts to hinder citizens from playing online include instructing banks not to allow transfers to offshore casinos. This is not always possible, and the emergence of online casinos that now accept cryptocurrencies has made it even easier for consumers in prohibitive regions to access betting markets.
Crypto casinos provide a way for consumers in Malaysia to enjoy secure and transparent gaming thanks to blockchain technology that allows the public to view all transactions. Bettors will also enjoy faster transaction speeds, and lower fees, and won’t need to exchange money for native currencies.
Crypto transactions also avoid the interference of third parties like banks, allowing peer-to-peer transfers that can’t be interfered with.
Online casinos are a great way for consumers to access great deals and offers that can increase stakes without risk, including stake matching and free bets.
Using smartphones, other mobile devices, and desktop computers, players are able to access gambling sites and apps at a time that suits them, adding convenience to the long line of benefits.
Racecourses
Gamblers looking to enjoy some live action have the opportunity to bet at any of the three racecourses that Malaysia has to offer.
Penang Turf Club is located in Penang and dates back to 1864. The racecourse has a 1,900-long and 24-meter-wide track that is located on 202 acres. The racecourse has a 14,000-capacity grandstand as well as a 9-hole golf course that is located within the track.
As well as the track and golf course, the club boasts excellent facilities including corporate boxes, VIP boxes, a museum, and event spaces.
Perak Turf Club is located in Ipoh, Perak, and dates back to 1884. The premises was rebuilt in 1964 with a new grandstand added three years later. Three major races are held at the Perak Turf Club every year, the Perak Coronation Cup, the Perak Derby, and the Sultan Gold Vase. The track is set across the club's 270-acre grounds and is 1,900 meters long.
The final racing facility in Malaysia is the Selangor Turf Club in Serdang, Selangor. The club dates back to 1896 and was initially located at Ampang Road. This area is now the site of the tallest twin skyscrapers in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers.
The Selangor Turf Club has been in its current location since 1993 and hosts races that range in size from 1,200 meters to 2,400 meters. The unique track features elevated bends that have a cambered angle of 1 in 11 which facilitates horses to go at full speed before the home straight.
Genting Highlands Resort
Malaysia's only casino is located at the Resorts World Genting with its license initially granted in 1969 and a requirement for this to be renewed four times a year.
Pressure from Islamic parties for the casino to close has been rising, but the revenue generated through taxation, casino machinery duties, and the casino's annual fee makes it a valuable asset to the Malaysian government.
The Genting Group recorded revenue of $1.4 billion in 2023, with much of this coming from its gaming operation.
The mountain-top integrated casino is surrounded by forest and provides a unique experience to visitors. The resort is home to seven hotels with 10,500 rooms and a casino with more than 1 million square feet of floor space.
The resort is home to more than 2,000 slot machines, 1,300 electronic gambling terminals, and 600 gaming tables where visitors can enjoy games like roulette, sic bo, and baccarat.
Internet Cafes and Gaming Rooms
Internet cafes and gaming rooms offer gamers the opportunity to enjoy regular gaming facilities. While there is a subculture of some internet cafes offering access to gambling facilities, this is not recommended as authorities try to crack down on them.
If you are looking for a way to enjoy competitive and non-competitive gaming action, these cafes can be a great place to find a community of like-minded people.
Conclusion
Though gambling in Malaysia is strictly regulated, there are options available to consumers. Land-based gaming opportunities are limited to one integrated casino resort or the country’s three race courses, and most gamers find that online gambling is the most convenient option available to Malaysian citizens thanks to outdated legislation and improving technology.