Malaysian Islamic Party's Push to Close Nation’s Only Casino

Malaysia, like many other countries in Asia, enforces strict regulations on gambling activities. In fact, the country only permits a single casino where visitors aged 21 and above can enjoy Las Vegas-style gambling. However, a rising Islamic political party is seeking to shut down this casino, citing concerns based on religious beliefs.

Islamic Party PAS Gathers Strength and Support

Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS), also known as the Malaysian Islamic Party, gained significant political momentum after the 2022 general election. This election saw PAS emerging as the largest single party, securing 43 out of the 222 seats available in Malaysia’s federal parliament. The party’s influence didn’t stop at the national level—it also gained control of four of Malaysia’s 13 states.

Since that electoral success, PAS has steadily grown its base of supporters, further solidifying its presence in the political landscape. Now, reports indicate that PAS has its sights set on closing down the only casino in the country. This casino, run by Genting Bhd—a subsidiary of the widely recognized Genting Group—is located in the Pahang state.

Calls for Casino Closure on Religious Grounds

According to a report by Bloomberg, PAS has made clear its intentions to push for the closure of the Genting casino. The party plans to move forward with this agenda if it succeeds in winning the Pahang state elections slated for 2028.

Gambling is harmful, so we have to close it

It comes as no surprise that PAS grounds its position on religious principles. Islamic teachings, specifically those found in the Koran, prohibit gambling. This serves as the foundation for the party’s anti-gambling stance.

Speaking on the issue, PAS’s deputy commissioner for Pahang state, Andansura Rabu, emphasized the need to halt gambling activities. He explained that “Gambling is harmful, so we have to close it,” a statement he made during PAS’s annual meeting. Despite his firm stance, Rabu did note that any action must align with both existing laws and the Malaysian constitution.

Rabu also pointed out that this isn’t merely a religious issue but one of social importance. He explained that:

Anything that can harm society, we must together support its destruction. This isn’t a matter of religion, it’s a social issue.

The Economic Impact of Shutting Down the Casino

While the potential closure of the Genting casino would align with PAS’s moral and religious outlook, it could also have significant economic consequences for Malaysia. Closing the only casino in the country would inevitably lead to job losses. Additionally, Malaysia’s government has historically benefited from over $1 billion in annual revenue generated by the Genting casino.

In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic severely affected travel, leading to a downturn in the casino’s revenue. However, if PAS were successful in closing the Genting casino, the resulting loss in revenue would leave a noticeable gap in the country’s finances. This would likely add to the challenges faced by Malaysian lawmakers as they attempt to balance the nation’s budget and economic growth.

Gambling and Casinos in Other Muslim Countries

Gambling laws in Muslim-majority countries are often influenced by Islamic teachings, which generally prohibit games of chance and betting. In countries like Saudi Arabia, gambling is strictly forbidden under Sharia law, with severe penalties for those who participate in or facilitate gambling activities. This strict stance is based on the belief that gambling encourages addiction, exploitation, and economic harm, making it incompatible with Islamic principles of morality and justice. Consequently, there are no legal casinos, and online gambling platforms are typically blocked by national authorities.

However, some Muslim-majority countries, particularly those with more secular or mixed legal systems, have adopted a more lenient approach. In countries like Morocco and Tunisia, where tourism plays a crucial role in the economy, gambling is permitted in designated areas, such as casinos that cater primarily to foreign visitors. These casinos operate under government regulations to ensure that they do not conflict too severely with the religious values of the local population. In these nations, locals may be restricted or discouraged from participating, but the industry is allowed to flourish as a means of attracting tourists and generating revenue.

In contrast, countries like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) offer a more nuanced model. While gambling is officially banned in the UAE, certain forms of entertainment, such as horse racing and raffles, are legally allowed under specific conditions, provided they are framed as competitions or skill-based activities. Some international hospitality companies in the UAE have managed to circumvent gambling restrictions by offering virtual betting services, but these operate under tightly controlled regulations to avoid any conflict with religious sensibilities. This highlights how Muslim-majority countries approach gambling in diverse ways, balancing economic interests with adherence to Islamic principles.

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