Malaysia has a sports culture with fans cheering for European football to the local community courts where badminton is a daily ritual, sports are a way of life here. Naturally, this passion has spilled over into the world of sports betting.
Even though the rules around betting in Malaysia can be a bit complicated, the interest in it is massive. People aren’t just watching for the love of the game; they’re also looking for that extra bit of excitement that comes with having a stake in the outcome. If you’ve ever wondered which sports get Malaysians most excited when being played, here is a simple breakdown of the most popular sports in 2026.
Football is The Undisputed King
It is no surprise that football sits at the very top of the list. In Malaysia, football is huge like in every other continent. While local leagues like the Malaysia Super League have a decent interessert, the real action for betting usually happens overseas.
There are multiple websites like, Malaysia betting sites, where you get a full overview of all the best betting sites and bonuses in Malaysia. The English Premier League (EPL) is far and away the most popular league to bet on. Whether it’s Liverpool, Manchester United, or Chelsea, Malaysian fans know these teams inside out. Other major European competitions like La Liga and the UEFA Champions League also see huge betting volumes.
Why it’s popular for betting:
- Constant Action: There is almost always a game happening somewhere in the world.
- Variety of Bets: You can bet on more than just who wins. People love “Live Betting,” where you wager on things like who will score the next goal or how many corner kicks will happen in the second half.
Badminton Betting is
While football is the global favorite, badminton is the sport where Malaysia truly shines on the world stage. Because we have produced multiple badminton legends and have several big current stars playing, the local connection to this sport is incredibly strong.
Betting on badminton peaks during major international tournaments like the All England Open, the Thomas Cup, and the Olympics.
Why it’s popular for betting:
- Fast-Paced: Matches move quickly, which makes “in-play” betting very exciting.
- National Interest: Malaysians love supporting their own. When a Malaysian player is in a final, the betting activity skyrockets as fans put their money where their heart is.
Horse Racing
Horse racing has a long history in Malaysia, dating back to the 1800s. It is one of the few forms of sports betting that has a physical, legal presence through the country’s three main turf clubs:
- Selangor Turf Club (Kuala Lumpur)
- Perak Turf Club (Ipoh)
- Penang Turf Club (Penang)
Even with the rise of online apps many people still enjoy the tradition of the “Kuda” (horse) races. It’s a social event for many in Malaysia, and the systems used are well-established since it’s 100% legal.
Basketball
In recent years, basketball has seen a huge surge in popularity, especially among the younger generation. While the local Major Basketball League (MBL) is growing, the primary focus for bettors is the NBA in the United States.
Even though the games often happen early in the morning Malaysian time, the “highlight culture” and the star power of players like Steph Curry or LeBron James keep fans engaged.
Why it’s popular for betting:
- High Scores: Unlike football, where a game might end 0-0, basketball has constant scoring. This makes “Over/Under” bets (betting on the total points scored) very popular.
Esports
If you go into any cyber cafe in KL or Penang, you’ll see why Esports is on this list. Malaysia is a hub for competitive gaming in Southeast Asia. Games like Dota 2, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), and PUBG Mobile have massive followings.
How Betting Works in Malaysia
When people bet on sports here, they often encounter different types of “odds.” The most common one you’ll see on local platforms is Malay Odds.
Unlike the decimal system used in Europe, Malay odds are focused on how much you need to risk to win a certain amount. They can be positive or negative:
- Positive Odds: If you see 0.80, it means if you bet RM10, you win RM8 in profit.
- Negative Odds: If you see -0.50, it means you only need to bet RM5 to win a profit of RM10. It’s a way of showing that a team is a very big favorite.
Keep Within Your Limits & Have Fun
While the thrill of the game is great, it’s important to remember that betting should always be for fun. Most Malaysians who participate do so as a form of entertainment, a way to make the 2:00 AM football match a little more interesting.
The landscape is changing fast with better mobile apps and faster internet, making it easier than ever to follow your favorite sports in an online betting app. Just remember to keep it simple, stay within your limits, and enjoy the game!
