Most Popular Bookies in Malaysia

The best bookmakers in Malaysia allow punters to bet on some of the most popular sports under the sun. Taking the number one spot is football, followed by the likes of rugby, cricket, horse racing, basketball, tennis, and golf.

Football

Football has a lot to admire. From hugely talented players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Leonel Messi to highly competitive leagues such as the English Premier League, La Liga, and the Uefa Champions League, Malay players have plenty of football matches to bet on. But there are local football leagues in Malaysia too.

Horse Racing

The best online bookmakers in Malaysia offer punters the opportunity to try their luck at horse racing. As mentioned before, this sport was introduced in the country by the Britons and has never looked back since then. Besides betting on horse racing, Malays also enjoy watching horse racing events.

Rugby

Rugby is yet another favorite sport for Malaysian bettors, and there are many international sites taking bets on this sport. Malaysia is also home to various rugby tournaments, including Malaysia Rugby Premier League. The Malaysian Rugby Union features at least 300 clubs, further highlighting how popular the sport is in the country.

Cricket

Cricket has remained the DNA of the Malaysian people since the time of British colonial rule. With the punters having the chance to bet on both local and international cricket tournaments, including the International T20 games, there is no doubt that this sport is a favorite for many bettors in Malaysia.

Basketball

Whether it is the country's own NBL league or an ASEAN league, Malaysian punters have access to lots of basketball events to bet on.

Badminton

Badminton is a popular choice among most bookmakers in Malaysia. The game is related to sepak takraw, another popular sports with deep roots in the country. Players can bet on international competitions, as well as local ones, including the Malaysia Open, launched in 1937.

Typically, bettors in Malaysia have various ways to add money to their sportsbook accounts and withdraw winnings. Of course, each payment has pros and cons, with some Malaysians having some distinct preferences. Thanks to the nature of gambling laws in the country, it is almost impossible to find any local payment options.

As mentioned earlier, Malaysian banks are prohibited from supporting gambling-related transactions. Hence, credit/debit cards and bank transfers may be unheard of in the country. Here are the most common payment methods used by players in Malaysia.

E-Wallets

E-wallets include Neteller, PayPal, ecoPayz, and Skrill. They are often one of the fastest ways for punters in Malaysia to load their betting accounts, and they come with plenty of privacy and security benefits. Malaysians can use e-wallets without sharing their personal information, meaning it is difficult for anyone to track their online transactions.

Cryptocurrencies

With cryptocurrencies, it is all about anonymity, which is important, especially when betting from a country such as Malaysia, where gambling is prohibited. Although no one seems to bother about gambling law breakers in the country, it is always good not to take a chance. Cryptos like Ethereum and Bitcoin are very popular among sports bookies in Malaysia.

The status of online Malaysia betting is somewhat less clear-cut. That's because the Betting Act of 1953 does not make any specific references to internet gambling, and any relevant amendment is yet to be made. That means the online betting market is largely unregulated in the country.

That said, the Malaysian government does not issue licenses to online bookie operators who want to offer services in the country. Rather, it tries to discourage the citizens from accessing foreign-licensed sites by instructing the local banks to block gambling-related transactions.

Although access to international betting sites is prohibited, many of these sites accept players from Malaysia. Besides, there have been calls to legalize online betting in Malaysia, and the government does not actively track online bettors. Also, the country enjoys good internet coverage, meaning most citizens can easily access the best online betting sites they want.

It is important for Malaysians to understand the legal side of things as far as online sports betting in the country is concerned.

Betting Legislation in Malaysia

There are three major pieces of gambling legislation in Malaysia. These include the Sharia law, the Betting Act of 1953 and the Common Gaming Houses Act of 1953. No form of gambling, including sports betting, is allowed under Sharia law.

With Islam being the dominant religion in Malaysia, it is no surprise that the majority of the country's population doesn't engage in betting. But as mentioned before, there is a significant population percentage comprising non-Muslims, so it would be unfair to subject them to Islamic law, which clearly forbids gambling.

Are there any legal sportsbooks in Malaysia?

No. While the Malaysian Betting Act of 1953 does not mention anything about online gambling, it is assumed that online betting is illegal in the country. However, Malay players can safely access offshore sites and wager on the sports they want. The government of Malaysia does not actively hunt bettors either.

How can one bet from Malaysia?

Punters have one simple option when it comes to how to bet in/from Malaysia. This involves accessing any one of the many offshore sites that accept Malaysian punters, signing up with them, making a deposit, and placing bets on games.

Are online sportsbooks safe for punters in Malaysia?

Yes, as long as the punters use fully licensed sites with a good reputation and excellent security measures.

What payment methods can Malaysian bettors use?

Some of the safest methods for Malay punters include e-wallets, such as PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller, and cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Is live betting possible in Malaysia?

Yes. Most betting sites in Malaysia offer live odds on a wide range of sports, including football, tennis, and basketball.