Gambling; a game of chance enjoyed by many. With several different games to choose from, you are guaranteed to enjoy and be entertained. Unfortunately, any forms of gambling in countries like Malaysia, a predominantly muslim country are considered illegal. Once you partake in any activities in a land based casino or any online casinos, you will most likely get reprimanded. More than half of the population is banned from gambling. Although there are resorts that have a casino in Malaysia for non-muslims, Malaysian authorities are very strict about this and have created laws that will not tolerate any form of gambling in Malaysia. There are three forms of law that dictate betting laws in Malaysia. These laws apply to all muslim-citizens.
Betting Act 1953
The Betting Act 1953 is the most significant of the three laws created by Malaysian authorities. This act covers just about any possible loopholes you would think of. Quite frankly, there is no easy way around it. It is an act that has a strong distinction between illegal and legal gambling. Gambling is only legal when companies are permitted with a license. Examples of legal gambling are horse racing and the lottery. The betting house is defined by this act as:
- i) any place kept or used for betting or wagering whether such betting or wagering, be in cash or on credit, on any event or contingency of or relating to any horse race or other sporting event or lottery to which the public or any class of the public has, or may have, access;
(ii) any place kept or used for habitual betting or wagering on any such event or contingency as aforesaid, whether the public has, or may have, access thereto or not; or
(iii) any place used by a bookmaker for the purpose of receiving or negotiating bets or wagers on any such event or contingency as aforesaid, whether such bets or wagers reach the bookmaker by the hand of the person placing the bet or his agent or the bookmaker’s agent or through the telephone or the post or by telegram or by any other means;
Common Gaming Houses Act 1953
The Common Gaming House Act covers every form of gambling such as gaming houses, online betting or online gambling . This act criminalizes operating and being inside a land based casino or gaming house. A person caught in the act is subject to a fine of up to 5,000 ringgits and up to six months in prison. Like the Betting Act of 1953, there is absolutely no loophole to it and covers every possible location where people could gamble.
Shaira Law
The Shaira Law applies to the entire muslim population in Malaysia. Islam is mandatory to all Malays who take up 60% of the entire population of Malaysia. Those who are not Malaysian are not affected by the Shaira law. The Shaira Law is created due to Malaysia recognizing the Shaira courts which co-exist with the secular legal system. There are many acts which are forbidden according to the Shaira Law, gambling is one of them. This means that 60% of the population are off limits to gambling.
Is Online Casino Legal in Malaysia?
While there are many laws that say online gambling is technically illegal in Malaysia, these laws were written long ago when the internet did not exist and online gambling was far from real. Times have definitely changed and more and more are going online. This means that the act of online gambling is brushed off and oftentimes tolerated. Infact, many Malaysians gamble online all the time. Gambling online is very easy and oftentimes anonymous, thus more and more Malaysians gamble behind their computer or phone screens. Although this is brushed off, this does not mean you are not putting yourself at risk from being prosecuted by the authorities. If you are thinking about gambling in Malaysia, it is best to do so online using international sites. Malaysian gaming sites operate underground. We do not recommend this due to safety reasons. In conclusion, the laws that were created in Malaysia were made for different walks of life. Ultimately, it is your choice which site is the most reliable. It is also your responsibility to look out for yourself, especially when you are in a country where there are strict laws that forbid people from all forms of gambling. But if you still want to play online, you need to be sure that you choose the best online casino in Malaysia, before you start playing.
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