How Malaysia’s Cryptocurrency Regulation Affect Online and Mobile Casino Gambling
Recent surveys show Malaysia’s government and people are quite interested in seeing cryptocurrency, particularly bitcoin, become widely used in the country. In recognizing the need to stay incognito while engaged in online gambling in Malaysia, remote gambling operators also offer bitcoin mobile casino sites. Staying anonymous when in remote gambling sites is of utmost importance since Malaysia still has not passed laws to regulate online gambling.
According to Malaysia’s leading cryptocurrency exchange site Luno, about 55% of those who responded to their survey are knowledgeable about blockchain technology. In addition, 39% of the survey respondents also indicated having ownership of at least one type of cryptocurrency.
That is why it isn’t a surprise at all why the government of Malaysia has already legislated a framework for regulating cryptocurrency transactions, particularly bitcoin (BTC). Since 2019, the Malaysian Securities Commission (MSC) has been designated as the primary regulator of cryptocurrencies. Mainly because under Malaysian laws, digital money are considered as investment assets when traded as securities.
What Does It Mean if a Cryptocurrency Exchange Operator is Licensed by the MSC
MSC’s regulations mainly focus on ensuring the protection of crypto money owners when trading their digital assets. That being the case, operators of cryptocurrency exchanges and providers of initial coin offerings (ICOs) are required to register with the MSC along with the submission of required documentations. Those found non-compliant with the basic requirements could face a 10-year jail term and pay fines of up to $2.4 million.
However, granting of authorization to operate as a cryptocurrency exchange is still subject to MSC’s assessment. Operators who do not meet the criteria, specifically in establishing their legal identities do not qualify, being an important requirement under international Anti Money Laundering laws. Other vital criteria include showing proof of the security measures instituted by the exchange operator, in protecting the digital assets of cryptocurrency investors.
As far as the MCS is concerned, the agency’s main concern is cryptocurrency trading, or buying and selling of cryptocurrencies. The use of digital money to pay for goods and services is not considered as trading transactions and therefore not subject to the scrutiny of the MCS.
That being the case, using one’s digital money to buy online casino chips or to place as deposit to one’s online casino account is not part of the transactions being monitored by the MSC.
Availability of Bitcoin ATMs in Malaysia
In Malaysia there are around 10 BTC-ATMs in operation, which allows Malaysian citizens to use cash when buying BTCs directly from an ATM. Although doing so requires payment of fees ranging between 5% to 10%, buying BTCs from an ATM is faster as the process does not require identity verification.
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Anyone looking to use BTC as mode of payment for buying online casino chips or credits for online or mobile casino gaming, can simply buy BTCs to load in the digital wallet linked to their online or mobile gambling account. Among the trusted sites in Malaysia that accept BTC and other types of cryptocurrency as modes of payment are mega888, scr888, kiss918, 918kiss,, live22, and lucky palace, which is just to name a few.