Malaysia Reviews New Law After Surge In Online Gambling Ads

Malaysia is reviewing a new federal measure aimed at tightening action against illegal gambling, with lawmakers evaluating updates to address online platforms and modern payment systems.

Good to Know

• Proposal is under federal review and may be tabled in the next Parliament session.
• Authorities want expanded enforcement powers targeting digital operators.
• Social media promotion has become a central concern for regulators.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the government is studying the legislation as part of a broader effort to strengthen protections and reduce the social impact of unregulated gambling, particularly among younger people.

Officials are considering introducing the framework either as a dedicated act or by revising existing statutes such as the Common Gaming Houses Act of 1953. That law defines gaming as participation in games of chance or mixed chance and skill for money or items of value. Current penalties include fines ranging from RM5000 to RM100000 and minimum jail sentences of six months.

Proposed reforms would widen the authority of police and enforcement agencies, enabling stronger action against operators using online channels, offshore infrastructure, and digital payment tools.

Concern over the scale of internet based promotion has intensified. Last year, government ministers publicly criticized Meta after authorities concluded that illegal gambling advertisements continued appearing on Facebook despite enforcement requests. Data from the Ministry of Communications indicated that roughly 93 percent of detected illegal gambling promotions were traced to that platform.

Regulators say growth of e wallets, instant fund transfers, and targeted online marketing has made existing legal tools less effective, prompting calls for legislation that better reflects current technology.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail earlier acknowledged that enforcement agencies, including the Royal Malaysian Police, have urged modernization of gambling laws to keep pace with digital distribution methods.

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