Similar to other Asian countries, Malaysians engage in gambling activities such as sports betting and casino games. However, wagering is not openly practiced due to the Sharia law that governs this Muslim-dominated country.
Despite the restrictions, punters can wager online on international gambling sites. The predominant form of gambling in this country is sports betting. Read on as we delve deeper and detail how sports betting in Malaysia works, the laws involved, plus handy tips to bettors.
How Sports Betting Works in Malaysia
This country lacks dedicated sports betting shops, given that gambling is a technically illegal activity. Instead, punters turn to online bookies to make a bet. You can enjoy clocking up some wins in the comfort of your home once you register to these sites. Online betting is still outlawed, but it’s unlikely that law enforcers will notice you’re gambling.
The ideal way of enjoying sports wagering in Malaysia is by signing up for an international sports bookie. Yet, Malaysian punters are often faced with an array of issues when choosing the best sites. Since gambling is restricted, banking options for gambling sites are severely limited. The other problem is identifying legitimate sites.
Legitimate Sports Betting Sites
Most of the gambling sites that accept Malaysians are international sports bookies. A genuine website is one that is licensed or registered in known jurisdictions. Good sites also welcome new players with a sign-up bonus.
Once you register, you need to bankroll your account, then stake on your favorite or fancied sport. With that said, here are some reputable sports wagering sites.
- Bet365
- 22Bet
- FEZbet
- Dafabet
- 1xbet
The named sites are entirely legal, safe, and have reliable reviews. To provide a memorable gambling experience, some of these bookmakers translate their websites to Malay. The other key advantage is that they also accept Malaysian Ringgit.
To cap it off, you’re assured an array of sports markets, including football, rugby, badminton, basketball, tennis, golf, volleyball, and hockey. Some bookies such as 1xbet also avail domestic sports such as Sepak takraw. Most of these sites support live betting. This feature enables you to stake on games as they proceed.
Banking Options
Due to the current restrictions on gambling, it’s impossible to bankroll or withdraw via direct banking and local cards issued by local banks. Nonetheless, gamblers can use cryptocurrency wallets, Paytrust88, and Help2Pay.
The Legality of Sports Betting in Malaysia
Despite sports gambling being overlooked at times, it remains an illegal activity. This illegality also translates to gambling contracts. All sports gambling agreements are null and void. The key legal framework that imposes this illegality is the Betting Act 1953.
This act outlaw all kinds of wagering. It mainly restricts the means used to stake bets in gambling establishments. The act imposes a jail term of up to five years and a fine of 20,000 ringgits on any non-compliant establishment or individual.
Muslims predominantly occupy Malaysia, and its constitution outlines total compliance with Islam. The Sharia law automatically exists side by side with the legal system. Sharia law forbids all forms of wagering.