Online-Casinos.com – A recent article concerning cyber cafes in Malaysia has brought to light the problems in that jurisdiction that the law makers are facing. Since gaining independence from Britain in 1957, Malaysia has developed into one of the strongest economies in Southeast Asia.
Gambling in the country is a complex problem with the majority of the population being of the Muslim persuasion which forbids gambling. The Betting Act of 1953, made ‘common betting houses’ illegal in Malaysia. Certain forms of gambling are considered legal in Malaysia one being the lottery which is upheld by the the Lotteries Act 1952 and the Racing Act 1961 which permits betting on horse racing, but only at the real race track. The Genting Highlands Resort is the only other legally sanctioned venue in the country.
Online gambling is less defined in the laws of the land and there are no references to internet wagering in the old Betting act statute and thus the market remains unregulated. No licenses or other permits are issued specifically for online operators although the government has told banks not to accept payments or deposits from offshore internet casino operators.
The proliferation of so called internet cafés has seen the call go out for some sort of action to stop their activities. The most popular sport in Malaysia is football and much of the betting involves the local Super League, as well as the major European divisions such as the Premier League in Britain. Well known on the international scene for hosting two major motorsports events; both the Formula One Grand Prix and the Motorcycle Grand Prix World Championships Malaysia is big on betting on these events too.
The future remains murky as the government struggles with the laws and enforcement. It is obvious that there needs to be some intervention there as witnessed by the large-scale criminal activities related to the online gambling industry happening in the jurisdiction.
