Malaysia Warns Influencers Over Gambling Promotions

Officials Raise Concerns Over Online Betting Ads

Malaysia’s consumer groups say gambling content is spreading fast online. The concern grows as influencers promote betting casinos through short videos and paid posts.

Datuk Indrani Thuraisingham warned that influencers may act as “active accomplices” to illegal gambling groups. She said many creators may not fully understand the legal risk behind these deals.

She also said gambling ads often appear as normal entertainment. Sometimes they look like gaming clips or “easy money” ideas. Officials believe repeated exposure may make gambling seem normal. This may affect younger users and people with limited money knowledge.

Old Laws Struggle With New Online Gambling

Malaysia still uses gambling laws written many years ago. These include the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 and the Betting Act 1953. But online gambling has changed how ads spread. Now, gambling content appears on social media, videos, and livestreams.

Authorities now also use the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. This law helps them act against online gambling posts and digital ads.

Lawyer Joshua Kong said the old laws may not fit today’s online world. He said regulators must apply rules made long before social media existed. “If we use 1953 laws to police 2026 crimes, criminals may escape,” he said.

Nevertheless, there are talks about new laws. These would focus more on online gambling and digital ads.

Influencers and Social Media Firms Under Pressure

Officials are also asking social media companies to act faster. They say gambling content often stays online too long before removal.

Teo Nie Ching warned that promoting gambling may already be illegal. She said influencers could face penalties if they push betting casinos online. She also pointed to recent enforcement actions involving gambling ads and creators.

Authorities are now watching several areas closely:

• Paid gambling ads by influencers

• Casino promotions in short videos

• Livestreams encouraging online betting

• Content aimed at younger users

Subsequently, police and regulators are working more closely together. They are trying to remove illegal gambling content faster. Teo said, “Combating online gambling is everyone’s responsibility.”