Banning gaming outlets may backfire, more to turn illegal, online gambling, experts say

KUALA LUMPUR - A total ban in gambling will lead people to opt for illegal and online gambling, say experts.

Commenting on gambling ban in Kedah, criminal lawyer Datuk Sheelan Arjunan said there are high chances of underground gambling activities which will be difficult to curb.

"When a state or country imposes a ban on gambling activities, it is then goes underground, promoting black money.

"Having said that, those who have been operating illegally would thrive further now as legal 4D operators have ceased their operation in Kedah," he said to Sinar Daily.

He said therefore it was better for Kedah State to enact laws to licence and regularise gambling activities check on gambling activities.

A proper licencing process to monitor gambling would be healthier, he said.

"Perhaps they should start by educating the people on the negative effects of gambling instead of imposing a total ban on it," he said.

Criminologist Dr Zalmizy Hussin said there are likely two situation after the ban was imposed on Jan 1.

He said the ban in Kedah will have a positive impact on community but will encourage people to carry out online gambling activities.

Therefore, he said to achieve the goal of banning gambling activities, the cops, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the communications regulator must monitor the impact on the move.

Meanwhile, lecturer of Kolej UNIKOP Shankar Durairaja said prohibition of gambling must be implemented with proactive measures, by educating the public on gambling addiction.

The prohibition includes establishing better legal policies for physical and online gambling, educating the public about gambling addiction, promoting therapies for gambling addiction, and other measures, he said.

When asked on the impact after the gambling ban in Kedah, Shankar said the government might lose its tax revenue.

He also said that there will be an increase in illegal online gambling and it would be difficult for law enforcement to detect the activities run by syndicates.

Kedah government decided to no longer renew gambling licences in the state from Jan 1, 2023 onwards.

This is to ensure that the state would be free from such activities in the future.

Kedah government would also limit the sales of alcoholic beverages in the state, especially in areas where there is no demand such as in rural areas.