No new gambling permits, existing ones issued in 1990s, says govt

The finance ministry has refuted claims by Kedah's Chief Minister Sanusi Nor regarding the lack of control over gambling activities and the issuance of new licenses in the northern state. According to the ministry, the Madani government has not issued any new gambling licenses or allowed new pool betting or lottery shops to be opened; the number of existing permits remains unchanged since the 1990s.

The ministry has also implemented stringent conditions for license holders, emphasizing the government's intensified efforts to curb illegal and online gambling. The Treasury highlighted that previous administrations from 2020 to 2022, which included the PAS party, never proposed or decided to ban licensed gambling or revoke any existing licenses. Furthermore, the Madani government reduced the number of special lottery draws from eight annually to just eight, contrary to claims suggesting an increase to 22.

Despite these efforts, the Madani government remains committed to a responsible approach, maintaining strict regulation over licensed gambling activities. In August 2023, the Federal Court dismissed Kedah's attempt to overturn a ruling that prevented the state from refusing to renew licenses for pool betting and lottery operators.

The Court of Appeal ruled that the state government could only regulate licenses based on premises-related factors such as building conditions, safety compliance, sanitation, causing a nuisance, and suitability of locations. Recently, Chief Minister Sanusi suggested that the decision on allowing gambling activities in Kedah now rests with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.