Penang bars Ascot Sports from opening betting outlets.

Ascot Sports Sdn Bhd, which has been given a sports gaming licence, will not be able to conduct any sports betting in Penang.

The state government announced yesterday that it would not allow the company to carry out such betting in the state.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said that although Penang had not received any application from the company to carry out the business, the state would write to Ascot Sports to inform them of its decision.

“The decision was made after consultation with all state exco members. I believe Penang is the first state to apply this ban state-wide,” he told a press conference yesterday.

The sports gaming licence was issued to tycoon Tan Sri Vincent Tan’s Ascot Sports early this year.
Lim said he would direct the Penang Municipal Council and the Seberang Prai Municipal Council to bar sports betting by Ascot Sports.

“Under Section 101(v) of the Local Government Act, the local council is empowered to deal with issues concerning the municipality’s safety, health and convenience,” he added.

Lim said the decision did not mean that the state was against betting or gaming outlets but it was concerned over the excessive number of draws and special draws already being conducted by licensed operators which amount to 12 per week.

“Many breadwinners feel obliged to pursue each draw, resulting in substantial loss of income to their family,” he added.

National Gerakan Youth deputy chief Oh Tong Keong called on the Government to reconsider legalising sports betting operations in Malaysia.

Instead of legalising sports betting, Oh said the Government should encourage more sports participation among the people for the sake of unity.