Sports Betting in Malaysia —Is sports betting legal in Malaysia?

There's some confusion when it comes to the legality of online gambling in Malaysia. But we try to make everything clear here. The Common Gaming Houses Act is the most important Malaysian gambling law. Passed in 1953, it restricts all forms of land-based gambling. The law hasn't been updated since 2006, meaning that it doesn't account for modern online sports betting. Therefore, in simple terms, online betting in Malaysia isn't illegal. While the law makes it difficult to establish Malaysian betting sites, bettors in the country can wager at offshore bookies without fear of persecution.

How Do We Review Malaysia's Best Betting Sites?

Before we put up a site on our list of the top online sports betting sites for online gambling in Malaysia, we consider a few important factors. Does the bookmaker that you are about to join have in place decent welcome offers and promotions? What about plenty of safe and secure banking options? Besides these, we also recommend sites where the security of your personal and financial information is safe at all times. Attentive customer support, plenty of betting options and markets, a chance to place live bets, and the option to cash out are some of the things that we factor in when reviewing a sports betting site in Malaysia.

Top 10 Sports Betting Sites Available in Malaysia

Malaysian players will be happy to learn that they have plenty of sports betting sites at their disposal. Unfortunately, though, some of them aren't ideal for online betting as they stand to leave bettors with some unpleasant sports betting experience. Our experts dug deeper and after careful reviews, the following came out as the best 10 sports betting sites ideal for Malaysian punters.

Betway

Betway Malaysia is one of the biggest and stellar sports betting sites that's home to many players in the country. Bettors find Betway ideal for them primarily due to sharp odds, a decent welcome package, and a VIP program. 

• Many promotions throughout the year
• Live streaming
• Soft odds
• They'll cut betting limits of sharp bettors 

22bet

22bet is the go-to online sports betting site in Malaysia, especially if you intend to wager on a wide range of bets. This sportsbook carries wagers for an incredible 38 different markets, including fringe sports. 

• 38 distinct betting markets
• Futures bets on some of the most popular events and leagues
• 600 MYR welcome bonus
• Bonus must be used within 7 days

1xbet

1xbet is one of the most popularonline sports betting sites in Malaysia known for carrying wagers for21 global sports and hundreds of leagues from Europe, Southeast Asia, and the U.S. 

• 500 MYR welcome bonus
• Wide range of betting markets
• Accepts most cryptos
• A limited selection of eSports 

BK8

With plenty to offer, this sportsbook is popular primarily for its dozens of football matches every single day. Players can also wager on horse racing, rugby, eSports, American football, and more. 

• Nearly instant withdrawals
• 24/7 customer support
• Excellent betting apps for iOS and Android
• No live streaming 

W88

Highly famous in Malaysia, W88 offers a wide variety of online gaming services, including fantasy sports. They have an app for Android, iOS, and Windows devices, along with a decent selection of betting markets. 

• Cash-out
• Live betting
• The welcome bonus is decent
• Cryptos are not accepted here 

Melbet

Melbet is a robust online sports betting site that's ideal for wagering on a variety of sports events and leagues. Launched in 2012, Melbet is today highly popular in Malaysia where they highly excel in live betting. 

• Live betting
• Many banking methods
• Live streaming
• Inconsistent pricing 

Bet365

Bet365 offers one of the most generous welcome bonuses compared to other Malaysian sports betting sites. The bookmaker also has huge coverage of eSports, horseracing, and major football leagues such as the English premier league, La Liga, Bundesliga, and Serie A. 

• 24/7 customer support
• More than 20 global betting markets coverage
• HD streaming for European football
• Doesn't accept crypto payments 

Royal77

Apart from its decent coverage of almost every other sporting event that you can think of, Royal77 is an ideal place for those who'd like to wager on eSports. Plus there are several attractive bonuses and promotions here too. 

• A wide range of leagues and sports to bet on
• The bonuses available and VIP program are great
• User-friendly interface
• No dedicated tips or odds for matches 

NetBet

NetBet is one of the best online sports betting in Malaysia ideal for wagering on complex bets such as if bets, teasers, and parlays. Players can also build complex bets across a single game. 

• MYR 250 welcome bonus
• Bet maker tool for complex parlays
• Free bet for the first time when using the mobile app
• Doesn't offer live streaming 

Dewabet

If you are looking for sports betting decent with an enticing welcome offer and a chance to earn cash back on every bet, look no further than Dewabet. Though still fresh in Malaysia, they are a nice sportsbook to try. 

• Plenty of bet types
• A decent live betting section
• An impressive selection of betting markets
• Doesn't accept cryptocurrencies

Top Betting Sites Comparison

Guide to Online Sports Betting in Malaysia

Placing online bets at Malaysian sports betting sites isn't a complicated undertaking. At this point, we explain a few important factors about sports betting in Malaysia.

How to Open an Account at Malaysian Bookmaker — How fast is the process?

The process of registering for a betting account at Malaysian betting sites is something that you can complete in under two minutes! All you have to do is to access the website of your preferred bookmaker and click on the 'Register Here' icon. This action will produce an online form where you have to fill out all the required personal details. Once done, click on the 'Join Now' button and you are done!

Banking Options at Malaysia Gambling Sites

Malaysian bettors will be pleased to find out that they can fund and withdraw their winnings via a plethora of banking methods. Some of the popular ones include Visa and MasterCard. Others are eWallets, prepaid cards, and bank transfers.

Exclusive Betting Offers for Malaysian Players

Top Malaysian betting sites will offer exclusive betting offers besides the standard welcome offers. At some of the best Malaysian sports betting sites, you can expect to find exclusive betting offers such as Enhanced Odds, Accas, Cashbacks, Deposit Matches, and Refer-a-Friend Bonus offers.

Sports Wagering in Malaysia —What are the most popular sports to bet on in Malaysia?

Lately, Malaysian bettors seem to be wagering on almost every other sporting event that goes on. But examined closely, several Malaysian betting sites seem to receive plenty of wagers on certain sports compared to others. Some of the most popular ones include:

Football

Football is the most-watched sport globally and in Malaysia too. In terms of betting, football takes the top spot based on several football bets that bettors place daily.

SepakTakraw

Also known as kick volleyball, SepakTakraw is among the most popular sports to bet on in Malaysia. Many players get to wager on such events, anytime they are up on offer at Malaysian sports betting sites.

Rugby

Rugby is among the most popular sports across the globe. In Malaysia, wagering on rugby is on the rise, with almost all sportsbooks accepting rugby bets. Top bookies such as Bet365 and Betway have soft odds on rugby bets.

Badminton

Mostly popular in Asian countries, Badminton is one of those fringe sports that records plenty of bets in Malaysia on almost a daily basis.

Malaysia E-Sports Tournaments

Malaysia eSports tournaments are lately gaining huge popularity in Malaysia and beyond. In terms of betting, eSports betting in Malaysia seems to be picking up pace faster than it was before.

Bet Types Available at Malaysian Bookmakers

Something rather ideal about Malaysian betting sites is that when it comes to their betting options, they don't limit them. Depending on the type of sport that you choose, rest assured of several betting options under it. For example, if you fancy betting on soccer, you can find more than 100 betting options, some of the most common ones including over/under, both teams to score, cards, corners, player to score, odd/even goal, and half time/full-time results among others.

Top in-play betting sites

In-play is on the rise globally and in Malaysia too. Unlike before where the fun stopped when the games commence, such isn't the case today, especially in Malaysia where in-game betting is alive. Some of the top in-play betting sites here include BK8, 1xbet, and Bet365. 

Betting Apps & Mobile Betting Sites —Which option is the best?

With mobile betting on the rise, online bookmakers, especially those in Malaysia are doing everything to ensure that their mobile betting experience is something to be desired. Most of them offer decent mobile apps or an easy mobile betting experience. But which option is the most ideal for you? While the two options have their advantage and disadvantages, it appears that wagering via mobile is slightly the better option. Mobile apps come with the promise of convenience. Additionally, with an app, you stand to benefit from other features such as push notifications. Also, there are certain app-specific offers that you may not find from a mobile site.

Choosing a Good Malaysian Betting Site

Choosing the top betting sites Malaysia has to offer can be a complicated exercise, especially if you are new to the world of online sports betting. At this point, we provide some of the most important elements to consider when you want to find the top Malaysian betting site.

• Bonus Offers and Free Bets

  Bonus offers and free bets increase your chances of boosting your bankroll without having to incur any costs at all. Top sports betting sites are those that offer you several bonuses and free bets.

• The Payment Methods

  With a plethora of payment methods, you'll be able to settle for a method that you find safe and convenient. When choosing a betting site in Malaysia, ensure that they support several payment methods.

• Variety of Betting Markets

  A limited betting means that your winnings will also be limited in some way. With a bookmaker that offers you a variety of betting markets, you'll be able to settle for one that you understand the most and be able to increase your bankroll.

• Live Streaming

  There's nothing more enjoyable than watching your favorite team or player live in action. Does your potential bookmaker offer you a chance to live stream several sporting events? You need to consider this factor when choosing a betting site in Malaysia.

• Quality of Betting Platform

  An online sports betting platform should be easy to navigate. You should be able to find bets, deposit money, withdraw winnings and contact the support reps with ease. If you can't do all this with ease from Malaysian betting sites, you may want to try other top Malaysian sites.

• The Cash Out Option

  There comes a time when you feel and perceive that your bet(s) may not materialize, hence the need to cash out part of what you'd have won. When choosing a site, you may want to settle for those that offer you the cash-out option.

• Great Customer Service

  If you run into problems with your account or have any other question that needs clarification, attentive customer support will come in handy. Again, always remember to sign up with sites where you can get swift and professional responses to your queries.

Best online bookmakers in Malaysia

Malaysians have a passion for online sports betting, especially football. According to the latest estimates, over MYR 4 billion ($1.2 billion US) is wager annually by bettors in Malaysia at online bookmakers that accept Malaysian players, with about 90% of total bets being on football. Despite the popularity of online sports betting in the country, the activity is deemed largely illegal, and depending on which laws you are subject to in this predominantly Muslim country, the laws passed by the government can be severe. However, that hasn't prevented players from wagering on their favorite games and players.re you looking for the best bookmakers in Malaysia where you can place your bets? If so, you've come to the right place. In this guide, we'll tell you everything you need to know about top Malaysian sports betting sites, the legality of online sports betting in Malaysia, and how we rate and review Malaysian bookies. From here, you'll also find a list of online bookmakers in Malaysia where you may want to place your bets. 

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Malaysia?

Close to 61.5% of Malaysia is Muslim and again, Sharia Law and Islam in general frown upon everything to do with gambling. Malaysia prohibits every other type of gambling and the Common Gaming Houses Act doesn't allow sports betting, casino gaming, lotteries, poker, or other any types of bets. The betting Act also proposes a fine of up to 5,000 ringgits (MYR) and up to 6 months behind bars for those who run a “gaming house.”

Interestingly, though, Malaysian gambling laws were written more than five decades ago and there's none of them that specifically mentions the act of placing bets online. For the most part in Malaysia, online sports betting is overlooked, a reason as to why hundreds of Malaysian are now placing their bets, mostly at international betting sites that accept players from Malaysia. Your best bet would be to find the best offshore legal betting sites to place your bets.

Yan Zhylinski

How We Rate and Review Malaysian Bookies

Have you ever asked yourself what makes great or the best Malaysianonline betting sites? Plenty of online bookmakers or betting websites you use will claim to be the number 1 betting site, but on a closer look, that may not be the case. So, how do you know that you can trust our list of our top Malaysian bookies? At this point, we'll explain the process that our experts use to determine which betting Malaysian betting sites deserve to make the grade.

When we examine a website, we first consider licensing issues. With actual money on the line, the sportsbook you choose must be trustworthy. All of your funds and other information on the site will be safe in this manner.

Apart from licensing, we assess and review online betting Malaysia sites based on the betting markets they provide. Are they scarce or plentiful? Only the finest betting sites Malaysia are listed here, as they provide their consumers with a wide range of betting markets to select from when gaming. The odds on offer are closely related to this. When gambling, you should choose events with the best chances because they will influence your possible outcome.

All gamblers want to be able to fund their accounts using a variety of secure and simple payment methods. Again, we only recommend betting firms in Malaysia that allow gamblers to fund their accounts using a variety of payment methods.

As a gambler, there's nothing more exciting than being able to place live bets and then watch as the events or players on which you made a wager take place. When we analyze a sportsbook, we look for factors like whether the bookie allows consumers to place in-game bets and whether they can live-stream such games while they are taking place.

Top 10 Malaysian Bookmakers —why place your bets here?

Despite Malaysia's tough stand on sports betting, there are plenty of online betting companies and apps where players can engage in mobile betting. The following are some of the biggest and the best online sports betting sites that accept Malaysian players. They do well when it comes to the bonuses they offer, plenty of betting options, and some of the best odds among others. They include:

Betway

Betway Malaysia is one of the biggest and stellar sports betting sites that's home to many players in the country. Bettors find Betway ideal for them primarily due to sharp odds, a decent welcome package, and a VIP program.

22bet

22bet is the go-to online sports betting site in Malaysia, especially if you intend to wager on a wide range of bets. This sportsbook carries wagers for an incredible 38 different markets, including fringe sports.

1xbet

1xbet is one of the most popularonline sports betting sites in Malaysia known for carrying wagers for21 global sports and hundreds of leagues from Europe, Southeast Asia, and the U.S.

BK8

With plenty to offer, this sportsbook is popular primarily for its dozens of football matches every single day. Players can also wager on horse racing, rugby, eSports, American football, and more.

W88

Highly famous in Malaysia, W88 offers a wide variety of online gaming services, including fantasy sports. They have an app for Android, iOS, and Windows devices, along with a decent selection of betting markets.

Melbet

Melbet is a robust online sports betting site that's ideal for wagering on a variety of sports events and leagues. Launched in 2012, Melbet is today highly popular in Malaysia where they highly excel in live betting.

Bet365

Bet365 offers one of the most generous welcome bonus offers compared to other Malaysian sports betting sites. The bookmaker also has huge coverage of eSports, horseracing, and major football leagues such as the English premier league, La Liga, Bundesliga, and Serie A.

Royal77

Apart from its decent coverage of almost every other sporting event that you can think of, Royal77 is an ideal place for those who'd like to wager on eSports. Plus there are several attractive bonuses and promotions here too.

NetBet

NetBet is one of the best online sports betting site in Malaysia ideal for wagering on complex bets such as if bets, teasers, and parlays. Players can also build complex bets across a single game.

Dewabet

If you are looking for a sports betting site with a decent welcome offer and a chance to earn cashback on every bet, look no further than Dewabet. Though still fresh in Malaysia, they are a nice sportsbook to try.

Malaysian Bookies Comparison Table

Best Online Bookmaker in Malaysia —how do you choose top Malaysian bookmakers?

Choosing the best Malaysian sports betting bookmakers may seem like an easy task. But if you don't know where or the parameters to consider, you may end up settling for below-par bookies. Choosing the best Malaysian betting sites should be easy. To be safe, ensure that a Malaysian sports betting site that you play at is licensed and regulated. Also, one of the most important things is to ensure that they protect the information of their customers using the latest encryption technology. And do they promote responsible gambling? On wager at sites that promote responsible gambling and host a variety of bet types and plenty of betting markets to choose from.