Malaysia’s consumer groups and legal experts are warning social media influencers about the legal risks of promoting online gambling platforms. This comes as concerns grow over gambling-related content increasingly reaching younger audiences online.
Datuk Indrani Thuraisingham said influencers who advertise betting platforms could be viewed as “active accomplices” to illegal gambling syndicates. This happens by using their online influence to encourage gambling activity. She warned that many content creators may not fully understand the potential criminal liability tied to accepting gambling-related sponsorships.
According to Indrani, gambling promotions are no longer confined to obscure websites and are now frequently appearing across mainstream social media platforms. They often appear disguised as entertainment, gaming content, or quick-money opportunities. She added that repeated exposure to such material could normalize gambling behavior among minors and financially vulnerable users.
Outdated Gambling Laws Face Modern Digital Challenges
Malaysia continues to maintain strict gambling regulations under the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 and Betting Act 1953. However, legal observers argue that these laws were created long before the rise of social media platforms, influencer marketing, and online gambling ecosystems.
Indrani noted that authorities have increasingly relied on the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 to combat online gambling promotions and digital advertising activities. She also welcomed ongoing discussions surrounding updated legislation specifically designed to address modern online gambling operations and cyber-enabled gambling crimes.
Lawyer Joshua Kong said modernized regulations would provide authorities with stronger enforcement tools against digital gambling advertising. He argued that relying on decades-old legislation to regulate present-day online gambling creates significant legal limitations.
“If we use 1953 laws to police 2026 crimes, criminals may end up getting away with their crimes,” Kong said.
Enforcement Efforts Against Gambling Promotions Intensify
Meanwhile, Teo Nie Ching recently warned that promoting online gambling platforms could already constitute an offence under existing Malaysian laws.
In a recent Facebook video, Teo highlighted provisions within the Common Gaming Houses Act that prohibit not only gambling operations themselves, but also the promotion and solicitation of gambling activities. She stated that individuals who publicize or encourage gambling could potentially face legal consequences.
Teo also pointed to recent enforcement actions involving influencers connected to gambling-related content. She noted that cooperation between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and police has intensified in efforts to remove illegal gambling material from digital platforms.
In addition, Teo urged social media companies to strengthen monitoring systems and adopt a more proactive role in restricting gambling-related content online. According to her, tackling online gambling requires cooperation between regulators, platforms, and the wider public.
