Malaysia Casinos & Gambling

Malaysia has a single casino resort, but it is perhaps one of the most magnificent properties on the planet. Resorts World Genting, also referred to as Casino de Genting, is a mountaintop casino resort complex some 50 km (30 miles) from the federal capital of Kuala Lumpur. It takes less than an hour by automobile and several modes of transportation. Tourists can arrive by limousine, coach, bus, shuttle service, or grab a cab straight to the casino door. If you are feeling more adventurous, the awe-inspiring Genting Skyway Cable Cars are an option.

There are about 10,000 guest rooms available at Genting Highlands. First World Hotel and Plaza there is the world's largest hotel with 7,351 rooms. Visitors will also find dozens of dining options from the Malaysian Food Street to premium outlets with world-class window seating high above the misty mountains. The casino boasts casino floor space of over 200,000 square feet making it one of the biggest casinos in the world. There are over 3,000 slots and other electronic gambling games and more than 400 gaming tables in the casino. 20th Century Fox World Theme Park Genting, a new and improved attraction, is expected to open late 2017 or early 2018 after several delays. The park is just part of a 10-year master plan started in December 2013 for the redevelopment and transformation of Resorts World Genting.

A brief history of Malaysia

Proof of human habitation in Malaysia goes back to 40,000 years ago when the traders from India and China arrived around the 1st century AD establishing ports and coastal towns one or two centuries later. The region had been variously conquered by the Portuguese and Dutch and eventually owned by sultans and administered by the British until it became a  Federation on  August 31st, 1963.

Construction began on the Genting Highlands resort in 1965 and the first hotel opened in 1971. Continual expansion has occurred since then.

Parimutuel betting, however, has a much longer history in Malaysia with the Penang Turf Club tracing its origins back as far as 1864. The other two turf clubs were also founded in the 1800's.

The location and geography of Malaysia

Malaysia is near the equator in Asia with two separate regions on both sides of the South China Sea. The land mass is 329,847 km2 (127,355 sq mi). Bordering countries include Thailand in West Malaysia and Indonesia and Brunei in East Malaysia. The country is linked to Singapore by a bridge and a narrow causeway. The country also has maritime boundaries with the Philippines and Vietnam.

Malaysia has 118 airports including one in the federal capital of Kuala Lumpur, of which 38 are paved.  Malaysia Airlines is the official airline plus there are two other commercial carriers.

Being an equatorial location with Highlands and seashore, visitors can expect a variety of climates from tropical rain forests to monsoon flooded mangroves to the mountain paradise in the clouds of Genting Highlands.

Available Casino Games in Malaysia

As a significant number of visitors to Malaysia are Asian, you are likely to find that the most popular table game is in play is baccarat. Blackjack and roulette are favorites as well. Genting is unique for providing their very own branded "Caribbean" stud poker game. There is also Progressive Texas Hold'em against the dealer with bonus side bets as well.

For game advocates Resorts World Genting has hundreds of electronic gaming machines like roulette, sic bo, and baccarat. It is ideal for lower limit players allowing more games per hour.  The player has complete control of their chips and bets resulting in quicker payouts without dealer assistance.

A varied slot machine selection ranges from 3-reel spinning slots to multi-line multi-denominational video slots and progressive jackpot slot games like FAFAFA.

Pari-mutuel facilities in Malaysia

Organized horse racing was introduced in Malaysia during the British colonial era. There are 3 racing courses in Malaysia and each traces their beginnings to the late 1800's; Penang Turf Club, Perak Turf Club and Selangor Turf Club. Most reports state that it is only legal to bet at the actual turf club, we have however found a listing at Selangor Turf Club for two off-track betting facilities. We were unable to review them due to a lack of internet presence for the facilities. The listings are Kelab Rekreasi Honey Line in Kuala Lumpur and Bingo Sound Sdn Bhd in Puchong. We find the information credible as the da ma cai website shows dozens if not hundreds of outlets.

Gambling on horse races is overseen and operated by Pan Malaysian Pools Sdn Bhd (da ma cai).

Organized horse racing was introduced in Malaysia during the British colonial era. There are 3 racing courses Penang Turf Club, Perak Turf Club and Selangor Turf Club trace back to the late 1800's. Although for the most part, it states the only spot legal to bet is at the turf club, a listing at Selangor Turf Club for two off-track betting facilities was discovered. Unfortunately, we were unable to review them due to a lack of internet presence for the following: Kelab Rekreasi Honey Line in Kuala Lumpur and Bingo Sound Sdn Bhd in Puchong. We find the information credible as the da ma cai website shows dozens if not hundreds of outlets.

Gambling on horse races is overseen and operated by Pan Malaysian Pools Sdn Bhd (da ma cai).

Malaysia Casinos and Gambling in Summary

Malaysia is home to a single casino, three turf clubs, and numerous off-track betting facilities. The casino, Resorts World Genting, is one of the biggest casinos in the world. We have not been to the resort; however, it is certainly on our bucket list due to the sheer magnitude of the offering, the exotic location, and its fascinating history.