Explore Malaysia's Vibrant Poker Scene and Legislation

What is the Online Poker and Online Betting Legislation in Malaysia?

While technically illegal, online gambling is overlooked in Malaysia. Many inhabitants place bets over the Internet every day, and most of the major international betting sites accept customers from Malaysia. They might go as far as processing deposits and withdrawals in ringgits. It’s easy to get paid, make deposits, and play as long as you stick with the major names.

There are actually no specific references to online gambling in the Betting Act, and no relevant amendment has yet been made, so the market remains largely unregulated.

That being said, the Malaysian government does not issue any licenses for online casinos. However, banks are instructed not to sanction transfers to overseas online casinos.

The story is somewhat different for some Internet cafés across Malaysia that have become popular for illegal online and land-based gambling venues. In this case, the government has tried forcing banks to block transactions to and from foreign online poker rooms and has engaged in a number of lawsuits against involved Internet cafes.

Overall, Malaysian police forces are too busy to worry about people playing poker at home on the Internet (or even in private home games). To this day, no local has ever been punished for online poker in Malaysia.

However, that doesn’t mean you are completely risk-free in Malaysia, where the number of calls to ban online gambling is increasing.

Here you can read a detailed study about the regulations and control of online betting in malaysia created by Guru Dhillon and Ng YSh Miin.

Is live Poker legal in Malaysia?

Malaysia has two sets of laws regarding gambling in general, which distinguish between Muslims and non-Muslims, regardless of their country of origin.

The most important “secular law” on gambling in Malaysia is the Betting Act of 1953. It has been amended several times as gambling has become more liberalized in the country (in 1958, 1959, 1961, 1989, 1992, and 2006). The Lotteries Act of 1952 allows lotteries to be run, while the Racing Act of 1961 permits betting on horse racing.

As a result, non-Muslim locals (such as Chinese and Indian minorities) and tourists over 21 have access to a fair amount of legal land-based gambling, with the exception of sports gambling, which is prohibited. In this particular example of “unlawful gambling”, gamblers face “a fine not exceeding 5000 ringgit or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to both.” Two hundred thousand ringgits and 5 years in jail are the price paid by anyone caught operating or patronizing a betting house.

The “religious law” or “Sharia”, on the other hand, consider gambling to be a serious crime that applies to any Muslim, whether they are local (60% of the population) or foreign. As such, numerous Indonesian and Pakistani men have been arrested for visiting casinos while on holiday.

The penalty for Muslims caught gambling in Malaysia is a fine up to 3000 ringgits, a 2-year prison sentence, or both. This penalty may vary in different states, of which there are 13 in Malaysia.

It should also be noted that in Malaysia all ethnic Malays are required by law to be Sunni Muslims, which automatically puts them in the category of people who must oblige the religious law of Sharia.

Such a system has, of course, been the subject of countless debate amongst its population. Nothing seems to be written in stone in Malaysia regarding gambling; however, it appears that the government sees the appeal of attracting tourists with casinos.

What Live Poker Venues are in Malaysia?

The only land-based legal option for playing poker in Malaysia is at Casino de Genting. The World Genting resort is located in the mountains, but it is about a one-hour train ride from the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. The Chinese population, ethnic minorities, and tourists comprise most of the poker scene there.

The games held in Genting are very limited, as only a few yearly tournaments offer Texas Hold’Em . The first prize for the biggest annual Malaysian poker tournament at the Genting is 50,000 Malaysian ringgits (around 12,000 USD).

Apart from those rare occasions, you will only find Progressive Texas Hold’em (against the dealer with bonus side bets as well) or Three Card Draw events. Genting is also known for providing their own, branded, “Caribbean” stud poker game.

Other tournaments happen in Malaysia, but they are considered illegal. Events like the Poker Malaysia Championship do not even advertise where they will take place until just before the event in order to keep from being shut down.

Finally, 2020 will see the arrival of a second solution for live poker in Malaysia with the maiden voyage of the Crusino, a cruise ship aiming to be the largest casino on the sea. Crusino will measure 295m long by 36m wide and will feature 1,330 rooms to welcome up to 3,200 passengers, including 900 crew members.

Why should you visit Malaysia?

Because it has so many different places to see, lots of cultures, and friendly people. It’s a country with exciting adventures, relaxing beaches, and beautiful nature.

It’s a beautiful country with lots of amazing things to see and do. Here are seven wonderful places you should visit when you go there:

1. Kuala Lumpur – The Big City

This is Malaysia’s capital city. You can see the famous Petronas Twin Towers, which are very tall and shiny. Walk around the city, visit the Chinatown market, and see the Batu Caves, a big Hindu temple inside a mountain. It has many luxury casinos where you can play poker and other gambling games. These are usually in hotels and resorts, like Resorts World Genting .

2. Langkawi – The Tropical Island

Langkawi is a gorgeous island with clean beaches and blue water. You can walk on the Sky Bridge, a long bridge high up in the air, and take the cable car to the top of the mountain for a great view. It’s a perfect place to relax and swim.

3. Penang – The Cultural Island

Penang has a city called Georgetown that’s on UNESCO’s world heritage list. You can see colorful street art, try delicious food like nasi lemak and satay, and visit the Kek Lok Si temple, a beautiful Buddhist temple. It’s a fun place to explore!

4. Taman Negara – The Rainforest

This is Malaysia’s biggest jungle. You can go hiking, see waterfalls, and walk on hanging bridges over the trees. It’s like being in a real jungle adventure!

5. Mountains – The Cameron Highlands and Mulu

In the mountains, the air is cool and fresh. You can visit tea farms in the Cameron Highlands, and explore big caves and rainforests in Gunung Mulu National Park. It’s a quiet place to enjoy nature.

6. Cities and History – Melaka and Johor Bahru

Melaka has lots of old buildings from when Europeans and Asians lived there. You can see beautiful churches and old houses. Johor Bahru is a city where you can learn about local culture and shop for souvenirs.

7. Tioman Island – The Beautiful Island

This island has soft sandy beaches and coral reefs. It’s a great place to go snorkeling, swim, and relax by the sea.

8. Putrajaya – The Modern City

What are the best Tips and Tricks for visiting Malaysia?

To make your trip enjoyable, respect local customs, use public transport, and explore the local cuisine. Packing light, staying safe, and learning some basic phrases will help you have a memorable and smooth adventure. Malaysia is a diverse and exciting country with beautiful landscapes, delicious food, and friendly people.

• This city is full of fancy buildings, big bridges over the water, and cool parks. It’s a nice place to walk around and look at the fancy architecture.
• Malaysia is a fantastic country full of exciting places, delicious food, and friendly people. If you’re planning to visit, here are some helpful tips to make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
• First, learn a little about the local culture and customs. Malaysia is very diverse, with different religions, languages, and traditions. Respect local traditions, especially when visiting religious sites like mosques and temples. Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and remove shoes when required.
• Second, try the local food! Malaysia is famous for its tasty cuisine, including dishes like nasi lemak, satay, laksa, and roti canai. Street food stalls are safe and offer authentic flavors at low prices. Don’t be shy to ask for recommendations from locals—they’ll often point you to the best spots.
• Third, when traveling around cities like Kuala Lumpur, use public transport. The trains and buses are affordable and easy to navigate. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab are also convenient options. Always agree on the fare beforehand if you’re using a taxi.
• Fourth, be aware of the weather. Malaysia has a hot and humid climate with a lot of rain, especially during the monsoon season (November to January). Pack lightweight clothes, sunscreen, and a raincoat or umbrella.
• Fifth, keep your belongings safe. Like many tourist destinations, pickpocketing can happen, so keep your valuables close and be cautious in crowded places.
• Lastly, have some cash in Malaysian Ringgit, but credit cards are widely accepted in cities and big shops. It’s also good to learn some basic Malay phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” and “how much?” to show respect and communicate easily.
• Enjoy your trip to Malaysia! With a little planning, you’ll have a memorable adventure full of beautiful scenery, tasty food, and welcoming people.