Gambling on horse racing in Malaysia is legal, but only at the country’s three horse racing tracks. Betting at these venues is run by The Malaysian Totalisator Board, which was established in 1961.
Gambling on horse racing outside of these racetracks is illegal, though it is believed that many punters in Malaysia still choose to bet with illegal or online bookmakers.
History Of Horse Racing in Malaysia
Horse racing was established in Malaysia in the 1800s after British traders had visited the country. Horse Racing began in 1842, when Chinese ponies mainly dominated the sport. The Penang Turf Club was founded in 1864, and the introduction of Australian horses in the 1880s elevated the sport to a new level.
The Straits Racing Association became the first recognised governing body in 1896, and this later became the current governing body, the Malayan Racing Association.
Today, the Malayan Racing Association governs racing at four racetracks. Three of these are based in Malaysia; Penang Turf Club, Selangor Turf Club, and Perak Turf Club. The other is the Singapore Turf Club in Singapore.
The Penang Turf Club
The Penang Turf Club was founded in 1864, and it was the first official horse racing track built in Malaysia. The club boasts a 1,900 meters long racetrack and a three-tier grandstand that holds up to 14,000 racing fans. The grandstand offers clear views of every section of the racetrack for everyone.
Penang Turf Club is situated at Jalan Batu Gantong, on the Jalan Scotland, which means Scotland Road. The standard entry price for a horse racing meeting is RM6.00, but you can pay RM20.00 and treat yourself to a day on the Viewing Terrace. All tickets can be purchased at the ticketing booth. The dress code is smart casual.
You can contact the Penang Turf Club using the information below.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: Tel: +604-238-5100
Website: https://penangturfclub.com/
Perak Turf Club
The Perak Turf Club was reopened in 1971 after being rebuilt after the old premises was closed in 1964. The club’s grandstand boasts twin towers that are 180-feet high, making it one of the most iconic landmarks in Ipoh. Visiting tourists admire its green space and the stunning backdrop of the Gunung Korbu.
Standard entry fees are RM9.00 but you can upgrade to airconditioned enclosures at RM15.00 a ticket.
Contact the Perak Turf Club using the following details.
Phone: 05-254-8084 / 254-0505
Email : [email protected]
Website: http://perakturfclub.my/
Selangor Turf Club
The Selangor Turf Club dates back to the 1800s and it has since grown into a horse racing track with great traditions and a centre for a variety of equine activities.
You can contact Selangor Turf Club by:
Phone: 603 9058 3888
Betting Guide For Horse Racing Malaysia
There are a variety of horse racing bets you can place wagers on at the Malaysian racetracks. Below is a betting guide for horse racing in Malaysia.
All horse racing betting at racetracks in Malaysia is pool betting, so you can’t take fixed odds. Instead, the odds you’ll be paid out at are a dividend that is determined by the number of units bet on each horse in a race. Dividends are declared as your winnings + your initial stake.
Win Betting In Malaysia
Select a horse to finish first in a race. Units cost RM5.00 and the minimum dividend is RM6.00.
Place Betting In Malaysia
In races where there are seven or more horses, place bets cover a horse to finish first, second, or third. In races where there are between four and six runners, place bets cover horses to finish first or second. Each place unit costs RM5.00 and the minimum dividend is RM5.00.
Quinella Betting In Malaysia
A Quinella (also referred to as a forecast or forecast 2) is a bet in which you pick two horses to finish first or second in any order. Each unit costs RM2.00 and the minimum dividend is RM3.00.
Exacta Betting In Malaysia
An Exacta is a bet in which you must pick two horses to finish first and second in a specific order in races comprising seven runners or less. Each unit costs RM2.00 and the minimum dividend is RM3.00.
QPS Betting In Malaysia
A QPS bet is a Quinella Place Special. Pick two horses to finish placed first, second, or third in one race. Each unit costs RM2.00 and the minimum dividend is RM3.00.
Forecast 3 Betting In Malaysia
The Forecast 3 (also referred to as the trifecta or tierce) is a bet where you must pick three horses to finish first, second, and third in a race in the correct order. Each unit costs RM2.00 and the minimum dividend is RM3.00.
Trio Betting In Malaysia
The Trio (also known as TRO) is a bet in Malaysia in which you must pick three horses to finish first, second, and third in any order. Each unit costs RM2.00 and the minimum dividend is RM3.00.
Forecast 4 Betting In Malaysia
The Forecast 4 (also known as the FC4 and the Quartet) is a bet in Malaysia in which you must pick four horses to finish first, second, third, and fourth in the correct order. Each unit costs RM2.00 and the minimum dividend is RM3.00.
Should I Bet On Horse Racing In Malaysia?
Whether you are living permanently or temporarily in Malaysia or are visiting the country for business or on holiday, a day at the horse racing can be a fun experience. Local horse racing fans love the sport and there’s an excellent atmosphere at all three of Malaysia’s racecourses.
Entry fees are cheap compared to many countries, so it’s well worth upgrading to the premier enclosures if you can afford to, as air conditioning is one of the biggest perks.
As Malaysia’s gambling laws say it is illegal to bet on horse racing at illegal or online bookmakers, we can only advise you to bet at the racecourses, where gambling is legal.
All bets are tote bets, so winning dividends are determined by the number of units bet on each horse. Win and place are the most common types of bets, but you can try and win more money by placing bets like quinellas, forecasts, and trios.
We hope that’s answered your question, how to bet on horse racing in Malaysia. Be sure to read our guide to the best bookies in Malaysia to really maximise your betting experience. Happy Punting!
