Sports betting is a form of gambling which has been around for the longest periods. Malaysia is not left behind, with many people trying their luck in a range of games, including different ball games, horse racing, and boxing. If you are a bettor in Malaysia, you may have even placed bids in risque games, such as cock and cage fighting. The rise of technology and increased access to the internet has made gambling more accessible. You can access different sportsbooks and casinos from the comfort of your home.
The Legality of Sports Betting in Malaysia
Is betting legal in Malaysia? Gambling, in general, remains a highly political issue in Malaysia, and it continues to be technically illegal in this Asian country. Although the country is multiconfessional and multicultural, the official and largest religion is Islam, with 61 percent of the population being Muslim. Sharia law, which dictates the way of living for people who practice Islam, prohibits its followers from any form of gambling. As such, only non-Muslim locals and tourists are allowed to gamble. Furthermore, all employees and stakeholders in the gambling industry should not be Muslim.
However, there are promising signs that the government of Malaysia will soon legalize gambling. For example, you can now bet on all sites controlled by Ascot Sports after the government provided the company with a betting license. Still, you should be a non-Muslim to use the site. You can also try your luck in gambling at land-based casinos, such as Casino de Genting. The good news is that various Asian bookies allow you to bet online from anywhere and at any time.
Gambling at Casino de Genting
Casino de Genting, which is also known as Genting Casino, sits on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur and is an establishment you will want to visit several times. Genting Casino has 30 tables with top games, such as blackjack, baccarat, Russian roulette, French boule, and Tai sai. Additionally, the casino gives you access to more than 3000 slot machines and 400 types of electronic table games. You only need to dress appropriately and not be a Muslim or below 21 years to be allowed into the casino at any time. An important point to note is that you are not allowed to carry any electronic gadgets, cameras, or backpacks. If you are a man, make sure your shoes are covered, whereas as a woman, just dress casual but smart. Are you an elite gambler? Casino de Genting has exclusive sections to meet the priorities of VIP gamblers. The icing on the cake is that the casino offers 24/7 dining services.
Top Online Sports Betting Sites in Malaysia
If you are a sports fan and betting enthusiast, you must be aware that finding bricks-and-mortar betting sites in Malaysia is no easy task. But improved access to the internet and increased use of smartphones have countered this problem, in that you can bet on your favorite sport right from your home. Here are the best online sports betting sites in Malaysia.
1. Bet333
Bet333 is one of the best and most reputable betting sites in the world. It accepts players from Malaysia and the larger Asian region. You will find all your favorite games, which come with great odds. Betting on live games is all the rage when you bet at Bet333. There is a welcome bonus to give you a head-start into the world of betting and a daily bonus of 10% to keep you loyal.
2. 22Bet
This may be a new entrant to the betting industry, but it accepts players from Malaysia. Find great odds for all the top European, North American, Asian, and local sports. The site also offers live betting and has a signup bonus of 100% match of up to $122.
3. Bodog88:
Betting on sports becomes easy with Bodog88. This is a one-of-a-kind betting site which is superior to others. You will find it easy to navigate the site, which supports English and other languages, including two Chinese dialects. All the sports you want to bet on are available, and you have access to thousands of games from different sports leagues throughout the world.
4. Spin Palace Sports:
Spin Palace has something for all bettors. With great bonuses, such as the 100% sign up bonus of up to $400, this site gives you another chance of winning it big. Find live odds and everything from top local and international sports leagues.
5. Betway:
Betway has an easy-to-use interface and offers its services in a myriad of languages. Earn sports-specific bonuses and a signup bonus of 100% match of up to $100 with Betway. You can place your bids on live games.
Sports Betting Tips for Malaysians
Whether you are a beginner looking to get into the uncertain world of gambling or you are a seasoned veteran looking forward to increasing your winnings, you need to master the absolute basics to increase your chances of being successful.
- Research and learn about specific games
- Focus on one sport or game
- Analyze the odds before placing bets
- Do not use all your life savings
- Gambling should not be your main economic activity
- Use the right sports betting sites
Football Betting in Malaysia
Malaysians, like other Asians, have a passion for sports and betting. They love different games, but the most popular is football. Estimates show that over $1.2 billion (which is an equivalent of MYR4 billion), is wagered on sports. And 90 percent of this staggering amount goes to football. This implies that football is easily the most popular sport in this Southeastern country. Top leagues in Malaysia which receive tons of action and attention include the Premier League, FA Cup, Super League, UEFA Champions League, and Malaysia Cup. Other leagues in which you will find plenty to bet on include the FIFA World Cup, the European Cup, Bundesliga, La Liga, and Serie A.
2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo
The 2020 Olympics in Tokyo is fast approaching and Malaysia is one the Asian countries scheduled to perform in this exciting sports event. Asian sports bookies are prepared to allow bettors to invest their money in all the sports which Malaysian athletes will participate in. These sports include archery, diving, sailing, and gymnastics. Malaysian athletes who have already qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics include Nur Dhabitah Sabri, Khairul Anuar Mohamad, and others. Expect to find bets for almost every sport in this international meet. Also, live betting will undoubtedly be available.
Mobile Sports Betting in Malaysia
If you are always on the go, you need a mobile device which supports the internet to be able to follow different sports and place bets. Most online bookies have apps or sites that are compatible with a myriad of mobile devices, including Android, Windows, and iOS. However, confirm if the website works perfectly on your gadget before placing bets. You may find that the user interface on your portable device is just as smooth as when using a desktop. The only limitation may be that you will not access all the games.
Do You Have to Pay Taxes on Your Winnings?
Despite Malaysia discouraging gambling, the country is a tax haven for sports bettors. You are sure to enjoy tax-free winnings regardless of the number of bets you place. Licensed casinos and operators are not off the hook, though. They pay 25 percent of all the revenue they earn in taxes. However, with betting becoming more popular every other day, expect some changes to the sports betting industry anytime in the future.
Payment Methods for Malaysian Sportsbooks
Ultimately, you will find your depositing and withdrawal options limited in most bookies, given that gambling in Malaysia is not fully legalized. With Sharia being the most dominant law, Malaysian banks are bound to abide by it. They will continuously block you from using credit and debit cards from making deposits. Additionally, you may find it difficult to wire money to your bank.
This leaves you with e-wallets, such as PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill. Luckily for you, most online sportsbooks support these payment platforms. However, you may be required to change MYR into major currencies before doing transactions. Other payment methods include Entropay and cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin.
What about making payments in land-based sportsbooks and casinos? Licensed gambling sites will allow you to make deposits and get paid in cash. Make sure that you deposit your winnings in secure accounts to avoid losing it to fraudsters.
Good luck with your next bet!