5 Favorite Sports to Watch and Bet On in Malaysia

Malaysia sports betting guide: Bet on football, badminton, basketball, horse racing, and esports with strategies, odds, and live betting thrills.

Badminton is one of Malaysia’s favorite sports for bettors, with football coming in a close second and some Malaysian bettors placing wagers on non-traditional sports like mixed martial arts, skateboarding, and rock climbing. Ultimately, Malaysians love sport while betting adds a thrilling new layer to the experience. Sports betting has become a regular way for locals to connect to the action within the games they enjoy the most.

Sports betting is also already closely related to the fans who already feel passionate about specific sports in Malaysia. However, not every sport appeals the same way when it comes to placing wagers. Some sports attract a larger crowd in viewership and betting. Discover the top 5 sports to watch and bet on in Malaysia.

1. Football

Football only comes before badminton because of Malaysia’s deep connection with the sport. Football enthusiasm is everywhere, from local leagues like the Super League far-reaching tournaments like the English Premier League. Recent coverage by ReadWrite shows that all sports betting sites allow locals to place wagers on football, whether playing total lines, handicaps, match results, overs/unders, parlays, and even the first goal scorer.

Malaysian football fans can place bets on minor in-game events using real-time odds and in-play betting. Many Malaysians are drawn to the fast-paced action combined with unpredictable outcomes. Football bets aren’t just about picking the winning team. They’re about understanding tactical setups, reading forms, and staying updated with individual performances. Punters approach the football market with a fine-tooth comb.

Asian handicap bets are a favorite, with many Malaysians relying on the balanced odds with the potential for better value. Football sports betting in Malaysia is strategic, not simply about choosing sides. A 1.96% Asian handicap odds indicates a 56% chance of a team’s success. For example, a recent fixture in the Brazilian Serie A between the Corinthians and Red Bull Bragantino had Asian handicap odds of 1.66.

2. Badminton

Malaysians were glued to screens across the country when Lee Chong Wei dominated the world stage. Badminton remains one of our country’s most loved sports events. Major events like the BWF World Championship and All England Open appeal to massive crowds and bettors. However, badminton bets work differently to football.

There aren’t as many markets available, but they offer just as many thrills. Bettors can place wagers on point spreads, total points, and straight match wins. The odds also tend to be sharp because most high-level matches are between well-studied players.

Malaysia also often produces top-tier badminton talent, keeping national pride connected to games. An emotional connection encourages fans to support Malaysian players, particularly during high-stakes events.

3. Basketball

While local and traditional sports like sepak-takraw are on the rise, the majority of Malaysians watch, support, and bet on larger markets like basketball. Meanwhile, Malaysians often see headlines like the unstoppable Johor Southern Tigers lay claim to MBL, but bettors and local fans tend to be more fascinated with the NBA and ABL.

The NBA has a growing number of fans watching live and on-demand from Malaysia, with bettors actively placing wagers. Regional interests have also become notable in the ASEAN Basketball League, which has made the sport easier to bet on and watch.

Basketball’s fast-paced nature makes betting a sure thing because points come fast, underdogs outperform expectations, and momentum shifts fast. Some betting types include total scores, point spreads, and quarters betting. Fans and bettors who watch every moment closely can also enjoy in-play betting with real-time odds.

4. Horse Racing

Horse racing doesn’t steal headlines like badminton or football, but it has a solid standing among traditional Malaysians, particularly at Penang Turf Club and Selangor Turf Club. The track’s excitement combined with analytics related to jockey stats, form guides, and conditions make it a long-term favorite among bettors and viewers.

Horse racing is all about preparation, unlike other sports. Bettors look at a wide range of data points, including track conditions, speed figures, and recent finishes. They will then try to beat the odds using data.

Horse racing has become a go-to sport to watch and bet on for any Malaysian who enjoys some strategy and analytics. Horse racing is also one of the few sanctioned betting formats in Malaysia and doesn’t require online bookmakers, albeit they offer odds and wagers.

5. Esports

An overview of the esports industry in Malaysia shows notable growth, with the market also appealing to gaming and entertainment enthusiasts. Very few people expected esports to blow up as it did, let alone become a new betting market. However, it has thrived among viewers, fans, gamers, and bettors. Titles like CS:GO and Dota 2 attract massive audiences.

Bookmakers have shown a steady interest growth as the new market rivals traditional sports. Esports bets bring their own rewards and challenges. Matches can easily swing based on small mistakes, and that volatility has odds changing fast. Savvy bettors aim to spot these shifts and place bets quickly.

Meanwhile, the growing number of local teams have given fans and viewers more reasons to follow the new format. Ultimately, the audience differs. Tech-savvy bettors with knowledge about certain games can benefit from esports betting while local fans who follow esports teams from Malaysia are more technically savvy and are likely gamers.