In recent years, the Malaysian population has begun enjoying the luxury of online casinos. Recently, the popularity of online casino games in Malaysia has risen dramatically. This is because all forms of gambling were declared illegal under the Betting Act 1953 and the Common Betting Houses Act 1953, unless they are licensed by the state.
However, the online gambling industry has opened a door for Malaysians, giving them access to the wider world of betting. Rumors have emerged recently that Malaysian authorities are considering legalizing and regulating online gambling. Only time will tell what the future holds for Malaysian casino enthusiasts.
Gambling in Malaysia
Gambling in Malaysia is strictly prohibited by the Betting Act 1953 and the Common Betting Houses Act 1953. The only exceptions to this rule are lotteries and betting on horses. These exceptions exist because of the Lotteries Act 1952 and the Racing Act 1961. Betting on horse racing is permitted, but only at a physical racetrack. The only other exception involves companies registered under the Companies Act 1965, which can obtain a license to operate a casino.
One reason for the strict prohibition of gambling in Malaysia is that over 60% of the population is Muslim. The Malaysian Constitution makes Islam the mandatory religion for all ethnic Malays. This means about 60% of the population is subject solely to Sharia Law.
Realistically, the Betting Act 1953 and the Common Betting Houses Act 1953 apply only to the non-Muslim portion of the population. This is because Sharia Law exclusively governs people of Islamic faith, which means that the Lotteries Act 1952 and the Racing Act 1961 do not apply to Islamic Malays. Betting in any way, shape, or form is strictly prohibited for them.
Gambling is forbidden by Islamic law because the agreement between participants is based on immoral inducement and wishful hopes that they will gain by mere chance, with no consideration of possible loss.
Legal Gambling Activities in Malaysia
Although the Malaysian government maintains a strict stance on gambling, non-Muslim Malaysians still have a few options for enjoying betting activities.
- Lottery – In accordance with the Lotteries Act 1952, playing the lottery is allowed under strict government regulation. The license can be issued only by the Minister of Finance. The law states that any income from lottery games is not to profit any individual. Instead, revenue from these games must be used for communal welfare, provided it is not applied to any purpose connected with the Islamic religion.
- Horse Race Betting – The legal framework for this activity falls under the Racing Act 1961, which legalized all forms of pari-mutuel horse race betting hosted by Malaysia’s racecourses. Players should be wary of betting in houses that are not licensed.
- Land-based casino – Although common betting houses have been prohibited by the Common Betting Houses Act 1953, it stipulates that companies registered under the Companies Act 1965 can obtain gambling licenses. As a result, Malaysia is home to one of the largest casinos in the world, Genting Highlands. This casino was established mainly for Chinese individuals residing in Malaysia. It opened in 1969 when Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong asked former Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman for a license to operate a casino.
Online Gambling in Malaysia
The Betting Act 1953 and the Common Betting Houses Act 1953 are extremely detailed and leave virtually no loopholes for Malaysians who wish to gamble. Sanctions for people caught betting can include a fine of up to 5,000 Malaysian Ringgit, up to 6 months of imprisonment, or both. Penalties for those operating or housing a betting operation are considerably harsher.
While hosting a gambling operation, whether online or land-based, is illegal in Malaysia, it is not clear whether patronizing an online betting site is illegal. The laws on the books were written decades ago and none of them mention placing bets online.
In practice, placing bets online is generally tolerated in Malaysia. At the very least, it is often overlooked as long as you are not of Islamic faith. Malaysia has a population of over 31 million, which makes it an attractive target for online casino operators.
Aside from unlicensed online gambling, there is a licensed option available to Malaysians: the lottery portal Magnum 4D. This was the first private company to receive a license issued by the Malaysian government.
The Magnum Corporation is a member of the World Lottery Association and the Asia Pacific Lottery Association, both member-based organizations for state-owned and legalized lotteries.
Non-Muslim Malaysian citizens also have access to an online sports betting site called Sports Toto. The company was established in 1969 by the Malaysian government and was privatized in 1985.
Today, Sports Toto is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berjaya Sports Toto Berhad, which is listed on the main market of Bursa Malaysia. It claims to be the largest operator of 4D-based games in Malaysia.
Malaysian-Friendly Payment Methods
While land-based betting is strictly regulated by the Malaysian government, the online gambling world offers a diverse range of recreational activities to Malaysian citizens. Many online casinos accept players worldwide and, accordingly, provide a wide variety of payment methods.
We advise you to choose the best option after considering possible fees and minimum or maximum deposit and withdrawal requirements. Some methods support deposits only, so make sure you have a suitable option for requesting withdrawals at an online casino before making a deposit.
Debit/Credit Card
E-Wallets
CryptocurrenciesDebit/Credit Card
Players can manage their funds easily by using debit or credit cards at most online casinos. Visa, MasterCard, and Maestro are the most widely accepted. However, be sure to check your preferred betting site, as some jurisdictions do not accept credit card payments from Malaysian players.
E-Wallets
As the internet grows, so do online payment methods. E-wallets have surged in popularity in recent years. Malaysian bettors can choose web wallets like Neteller, ecoPayz, or WebMoney, which are among the more reliable options. At most online casinos, deposits made with e-wallets are instant, and withdrawals take no more than 24 hours to process.
Cryptocurrencies
Many online casinos support cryptocurrencies as a payment method. A cryptocurrency is a digital currency, and the most popular is Bitcoin. Some casinos even deal exclusively in cryptocurrencies. A major advantage of this method is that deposits are instant, and withdrawal requests typically take no more than 24 hours.
Bonuses and Promotions for Malaysian Players
When choosing an online casino, one of the main factors is the bonuses on offer. Many online casinos provide generous promotions for both new and loyal players. Look for a gambling site that delivers a wide range of rewarding offers to its customers.
Always keep in mind that these appealing bonuses come with wagering requirements and other rules. Read the terms and conditions carefully to make sure you are not being scammed.
Welcome Bonuses
With the growing number of online casinos, welcome bonuses have become highly competitive. While some come with unfair terms, others provide excellent opportunities for new players. A welcome bonus usually consists of a percentage match on your first deposit. The standard match ranges from 50% to 200%. Well-established casinos with larger capital can afford to offer higher percentages. These matches are typically capped at a specific amount. Some online casinos also include free spins alongside the cash bonus. Welcome bonuses almost always carry wagering requirements that must be met before a player can withdraw winnings.
No Deposit Bonuses
This offer allows new players to try out a casino without making a deposit. The bonus generally comes in the form of free spins. Both the bonus amount and the winnings you can withdraw are usually capped. No-deposit bonuses are often limited to specific popular games. As a rule, wagering requirements must be met before any winnings can be withdrawn.
Cashback
Some online casinos offer a cashback bonus if players lose their deposited funds while playing. The cashback is usually a small percentage of the original deposit. A key advantage of this bonus is that it often has no wagering requirements.
Free Spins
Many online casinos offer free spins to both new and loyal players. These spins generally come with wagering requirements and can be used only on certain games, though some casinos allow players free rein to choose where to spend their bonus spins.
VIP Programs
A solid VIP program is an important feature to look for at an online casino. These programs are tiered: you climb the VIP ladder by playing and depositing. The higher your loyalty level, the bigger and better the bonuses. Rewards can include free spins, daily or weekly cashback, special prizes, and more. Every online player should consider joining such a program.
Key Bonus Terms and Conditions
1Minimum Deposit
A minimum deposit is usually required before you are eligible to claim a bonus offer. Sometimes the amount needed for a promotion is higher than the casino’s standard minimum deposit.
2Wagering Requirements
These are usually attached to all kinds of welcome promotions, free spins, and no-deposit bonuses. Online casinos set a fixed playthrough requirement on either the bonus amount alone or on both the bonus and the original deposit. You may not withdraw any winnings derived from the offer until the playthrough is completed. If you request a withdrawal before meeting the requirement, you could lose both the bonus and any winnings earned with it.
3Game Weighting
Wagering requirements typically include a game weighting scale because not all casino games contribute equally to the playthrough. In most cases, only slots, keno, and scratch cards contribute 100% toward the playthrough. Be sure to review the weighting rules before you claim a bonus.
4Bonus Validity Period
Promotional offers usually have expiration dates. Depending on the wagering requirements, you might have 24 hours or even a week to meet them. Make sure you can complete the playthrough before the deadline expires.
Popular Software Providers
Software providers are another key factor when deciding which online casino to choose. The software and game portfolio at virtual casinos are usually supplied by third parties. There are many providers in the industry, some more renowned than others. Knowing a bit about their background gives players an advantage because it sets expectations for game types, quality, and features.
Below are several software providers you may have encountered as a Malaysian player. These popular names ensure you are in for a good time.
Microgaming
Play’n GO
Evolution Gaming
NetEnt
Pragmatic PlayMicrogaming
Microgaming claims to have created the first online casino software back in 1994. As one of the oldest players in the industry, it has extensive experience producing top-quality games. Microgaming now boasts a library of more than 800 titles. It also provides the world-famous progressive jackpot slot Mega Moolah. Players can expect only the best when visiting casinos powered by Microgaming.
Play’n GO
Play’n GO has been around since 2005. The provider has produced multiple award-winning slots and has secured its place among the industry’s leading developers. Games from Play’n GO feature impeccable graphics and outstanding quality.
Evolution Gaming
Evolution Gaming is another reputable software provider. Since its establishment in 2006, the company has made truly groundbreaking progress in the gambling industry. It focuses on delivering peerless live games. These live games are of exceptional quality, earning Evolution Gaming a reputation as one of the leading providers. The studio aims to please casino enthusiasts regardless of their device, so the vast majority of its games are optimized for mobile.
NetEnt
NetEnt is another leading software provider. It has been powering online casinos since 1996 and boasts a portfolio of more than 200 games. As one of the oldest and most respected providers, NetEnt specializes in top-quality slots, but it also supplies table games and live titles for players to enjoy.
Pragmatic Play
Pragmatic Play is a relatively new entrant to the gambling industry, having launched in 2015. Despite its youth, the studio has climbed the ranks and built a name recognized by most online gamblers. Pragmatic Play has won multiple awards for its outstanding games. The company focuses on producing titles that are fully compatible with mobile devices and has recently started delivering high-quality live dealer games for casino enthusiasts.
Top 10 Online Casinos for Malaysian Players
The number of online casinos is growing rapidly, making it harder to find trustworthy, reliable sites. When choosing an online casino, you need to consider software providers, game libraries, banking methods, available currencies, customer service, and more. We have hand-picked these top 10 online casinos specifically for Malaysian players.
Golden Tiger Casino
Videoslots Casino
PlayOJO Casino
Fun Casino
King Billy Casino
BitStarz Casino
888Casino
Slots Magic
Luxury Casino
Yako CasinoGolden Tiger Casino
The Golden Tiger online casino is a gambling haven designed to meet your needs. The site has been online since 2000 and has spent the past 20 years perfecting its virtual offering. Golden Tiger Casino works exclusively with Microgaming, so you can expect a high-quality experience.
Players can enjoy more than 500 titles from the software giant. The portfolio includes numerous slot games, table games, progressive jackpots, and video poker. Fair play is guaranteed by the RNG technology embedded in Microgaming’s software.
A variety of Malaysian-friendly payment methods is available. You can manage your funds via debit or credit cards, e-wallets, and direct bank transfer. Customer service is excellent, with 24/7 live chat for immediate assistance and a support email for less urgent queries.
Videoslots Casino
This online casino has been operating since 2011. Videoslots Casino delivers an exceptional online experience: players can enjoy more than 3,000 titles across various themes. The site is powered by numerous leading providers, including Microgaming, NetEnt, Playtech, Betsoft, Yggdrasil, and iSoftBet.
Thanks to this impressive roster, you can expect a vast variety of games. Casino enthusiasts will find everything: slots, video poker, jackpot games, table games, and even live dealer games provided by Evolution Gaming and NetEnt.
A large selection of payment methods is available, including options suitable for Malaysian players. You can use your Visa card or choose one of several e-wallets favored by Malaysian gamblers, such as Neteller or ecoPayz.
Customer support also gets high marks. Videoslots Casino offers several channels for assistance: 24/7 live chat, email support, and a telephone line. An extensive FAQ section answers many common questions.
PlayOJO Casino
PlayOJO is a relative newcomer to the gambling industry, having gone online in 2017. Despite its youth, it has earned an impressive reputation. PlayOJO collaborates with top software providers, including NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, Pragmatic Play, Yggdrasil, Play’n GO, and more.
If you are a fan of slots, this is the casino for you. The site offers more than 1,800 slot games, all featuring crisp graphics and outstanding quality. These industry rookies certainly know how to impress.
PlayOJO is licensed and regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority, an operator known for fairness and reliability, so you can be confident of a fair gaming experience.
Malaysian players have several options for managing their funds. You can use Neteller, Visa, or MasterCard credit and debit cards. If you need assistance, PlayOJO provides live chat from 06:00 to 00:00 GMT daily, along with a customer support email for those who prefer that channel.
Fun Casino
Fun Casino launched in 2014 and has been delivering entertainment to casino enthusiasts ever since. It quickly soared in popularity. To guarantee endless fun, Fun Casino has partnered with leading providers such as NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, Blueprint, and Microgaming.
The site offers a vast selection of slots, video slots, jackpot games, table games, Slingo, video poker, lottery products, and even a live dealer section. Fun Casino features hundreds of titles to choose from.
You can manage your funds using Neteller, ecoPayz, Visa, MasterCard, and more. Customer support is comprehensive, offering 24/7 live chat, email assistance, and a telephone line.
Fun Casino is also fully licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, the Swedish Gambling Authority, and the Malta Gaming Authority, so you need not worry about the legal side of things.
King Billy Casino
King Billy is another newcomer to the gambling scene, but do not let that deter you, this king knows how to run an online casino. King Billy Casino was founded in 2017 and is licensed by the Government of Curaçao.
Players can enjoy more than 2,000 games from leading software providers such as NetEnt, Yggdrasil, Play’n GO, Microgaming, and Evolution Gaming. All games are compatible with mobile devices, so you can enjoy royal treatment on the go.
Payment methods are reliable and swift. Malaysian players will find many suitable options, including Neteller, ecoPayz, Visa, MasterCard, and more. The casino also supports cryptocurrency transactions.
If you need assistance, King Billy offers multiple support channels: live chat, email, and a telephone line available on its website.
BitStarz Casino
BitStarz Casino is a well-known gaming site that has been online since 2014. It is dynamic and offers a wide variety of games from renowned providers such as Pragmatic Play, Yggdrasil, Play’n GO, Microgaming, NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, and more.
The portfolio contains more than 1,800 top-quality titles. Players can enjoy slots, table games, progressive jackpots, and even live games, all accessible on mobile devices. Both the mobile and desktop versions of the site run smoothly.
Customer support is equally strong. The team is available 24/7 via live chat and can also be reached through social media.
We were also impressed by the variety of payment methods at BitStarz. Players can even manage their funds using cryptocurrencies.
888Casino
888Casino has been delivering a premium gambling experience since its launch in 1997. The casino works with top providers such as NetEnt, NextGen, Ash Gaming, Playtech, Yggdrasil, and Blueprint Gaming, allowing players to enjoy hundreds of engaging and rewarding games.
At 888Casino, Malaysian gamblers have a wide variety of options for managing their funds. You can choose from several e-wallets, including AstroPay, WebMoney, Neteller, and ecoPayz. Alternatively, you can deposit and withdraw with credit or debit cards, or via bank transfer if that better suits your needs.
Customer support is strong, although the addition of live chat would make it even better. Still, the casino offers a telephone line, email support, and a detailed FAQ section.
Slots Magic
Slots Magic Casino is a relatively new operator, debuting in 2014, yet it has already built a solid reputation. It holds a license from the Malta Gaming Authority, underscoring its trustworthiness and reliability.
This online casino is not only safe but also packed with entertainment, thanks to partnerships with leading software providers that ensure a rich game library.
Even better, all games at Slots Magic are fully accessible on mobile devices. Whether you use iOS or Android, you can enjoy your favorites on the go.
Players from Malaysia have several convenient banking methods, primarily e-wallets or Visa cards. Customer service is solid, with live chat for registered players and email support for unregistered visitors.
Luxury Casino
Luxury Casino truly lives up to its name. Operating since 2011, it has earned a strong reputation for trustworthiness and honesty. The site holds licenses from both the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority.
Luxury Casino is a gambler’s paradise, offering hundreds of slots along with a broad selection of table games, video slots, and jackpot titles. All of this is available on smartphones, whether you use iOS or Android.
The casino is powered exclusively by Microgaming, a renowned provider responsible for many of the industry’s most beloved games.
A variety of banking options suit Malaysian players, and customer support is excellent. You can reach the team via live chat or email.
Yako Casino
Yako Casino is an online gambling destination you will not want to overlook. Launched in 2015, it has delivered a top-quality gaming experience ever since. Yako Casino is licensed by both the Malta Gaming Authority and the UK Gambling Commission, two highly respected regulatory bodies.
The site is powered by leading providers such as NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, Amatic Industries, and Microgaming. Thanks to these partnerships, Yako Casino offers players hours of high-quality entertainment, including slots, table games, jackpot games, and a live games section.
At Yako Casino, gamblers can manage their funds using e-wallets, credit cards, debit cards, or direct bank transfer. Live chat is available 24/7, and you can also contact the support team via email or telephone.
Ask a Question. Get an Answer.
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Find the answers of questions people asked so far:
Is there a legal penalty imposed on individuals caught in illegal gambling in Malaysia?
Under Section 4 of the Common Gaming House Act 1953, running or occupying a gaming house in Malaysia is a criminal offense. Individuals caught participating in these activities can be fined between RM 5,000 and RM 50,000 (about $1,100 to $11,000). Besides the financial penalty, offenders may also face up to three years in jail. Because the gambling laws are outdated, the Act does not specifically address online gambling or set penalties for those who engage in it.
I have seen several places describing the online gambling scene in Malaysia as not legally illegal. Can you explain what that means?
Although online gambling has not been legalized, it is also not explicitly illegal. In April 2022, the Malaysian government attempted to seize real estate and bank accounts belonging to 45 people accused of gambling online. The High Court ruled that, because the Common Gaming Houses Act makes no mention of online gambling, the government could not classify their activity as illegal. For that reason, online gambling in Malaysia is often described as ‘not legally illegal’ due to the absence of legislation that specifically regulates it.
What payment methods can I use to redeem a bonus if I decide to play at an online casino while in Malaysia?
If you find an offshore online casino that accepts Malaysian players, you will likely be offered several payment options for deposits and withdrawals. Most of these methods can also be used to redeem promotions that enhance your gaming experience. Whether you choose credit or debit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, or cryptocurrencies, you should be able to claim the bonus you want. Still, always read the full bonus terms and conditions, because any excluded payment methods are usually listed in the casino’s bonus rules.