Gambling participation and policies in Malaysia

Abstract

Regulatory policies for responsible gambling practices in Asia are constantly evolving as the gambling industry and technological landscape change over time. Malaysia makes an interesting case study for a commentary on gambling participation and policies, as this country has a unique dual justice system with religious and ethnic diversity that may impact on the way in which gambling activities are regulated. This regulatory ecosystem has important consequences on behaviour change, treatment approaches and recovery processes involved in gambling disorder. This commentary will discuss evidence for Malaysian gambling antecedents, public policy and socioeconomic impacts of gambling, possible costs and benefits of gambling legalization, and issues pertinent to regulating gambling activities in Malaysia.

Gambling in Malaysia: an overview

“…Gambling, both legal and illegal forms, is very popular in Malaysia. 4 Some forms of gambling, such as lotteries, casino games and horse racing, are legal in Malaysia, whereas all forms of sports betting (at bookmakers) and online gambling are illegal. Gambling is legal only if a license or permit has been granted by the authorities – the Unit Kawalan Perjudian (Betting Control Unit) of the Ministry of Finance.…”

The Relationship between Gratification of Internet Usage and Negative Behavior among Youth in Malaysia

“…Loo & Ang, 2013). The prognosis, as mentioned above, reveals that almost 246,400 Malaysians in Selangor are considered to be probable problem gamblers, and 571,200 Malaysians in the state of Selangor are considered moderaterisk gamblers (J. M. Loo & Phua, 2016).…”

“…This Asian country has a unique dual justice system with diverse religious, cultural and race-related, which possibly affects the regulation of gambling activities. Such ecosystems attempting to regulate gambling activities significantly result in changes in behavioral approaches to treatment and recuperation procedures included in gambling problems (J. M. Loo & Phua, 2016).…”

“…It should also be noted that Islam considerably influences public policy measures and decision-making procedures. Nearly 60% of the country's population includes Muslims obeying Islamic rules, and governmental posts are run mainly by Muslims (J. M. Loo & Phua, 2016).…”

ANALISA TERHADAP UNDANG-UNDANG PERJUDIAN DALAM TALIAN DI MALAYSIA (Analysis on the Online Gambling Laws in Malaysia)

“…ABIM menggesa semua umat Islam untuk menentang keputusan kerajaan dalam memberi lesen pertaruhan perlawanan bola sepak Piala Dunia 2010 kerana tabiat berjudi dikatakan memusnahkan akhlak seseorang individu. Berjudi juga menjejaskan integriti sesebuah keluarga sebagai satu institusi sosial dan mengakibatkan kesan negatif lain terhadap sistem sosioekonomi negara (Loo & Phua, 2016). Malah, kerajaan pada masa itu turut menawarkan lesen kepada Syarikat Ascot Sports Sdn.…”