What is the legal position in Malaysia?
Not legal advice. We are not lawyers. Please get advice from a qualified Malaysian lawyer for your situation.
- FMT reported (opens in a new tab) on 18 October 2023 that the Court of Appeal ruled online gambling is an offence in Peninsular Malaysia under the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953.
- Malay Mail reported (opens in a new tab) in April 2021 that, according to MCMC, all forms of online gambling and promotion of online gambling fall under that Act, which the police enforce.
- The Star reported (opens in a new tab) in February 2023 that MCMC blocked 6,381 online gambling websites from 2020 to the end of 2022 at the request of the police.
- The Sun reported (opens in a new tab) that the government is drafting a law on illegal gambling, with a focus on online gambling. The article shows no date, and we could not confirm its current status.
- Muslims are also prohibited from gambling under syariah law.
Who should not gamble?
This site is for adults aged 21 and over. Do not gamble if you are underage, if the money is needed for essentials, if you have a past gambling problem, or if you are trying to win back a loss. Keep accounts and payment methods away from children.
What are the early signs of a problem?
- Spending more money or time than you planned.
- Chasing losses, or borrowing to play.
- Hiding gambling from family.
- Gambling to escape stress, sadness or loneliness.
- Feeling restless when you try to stop.
How can you set limits?
- Choose a money limit you can afford to lose, before you start.
- Set a phone alarm for your end time.
- Do not top up after reaching the limit.
- Do not gamble when upset or after drinking.
Where can you get help?
- Befrienders KL: 03-7627 2929, 24 hours, free and confidential. befrienders.org.my (opens in a new tab)
- MIASA Crisis Helpline: 1-800-18-0066, listed as 24/7, free and confidential.
- Sneham Malaysia: 1 800 22 5757.
- Gambling Therapy: free online advice and support from Gordon Moody. Its one-to-one treatment packages are paid. gamblingtherapy.org (opens in a new tab)
The MIASA and Sneham numbers come from Find A Helpline (opens in a new tab). These services are general or international. We found no Malaysian government helpline only for gambling.