Get ready to discover everything there is to know about online poker in Malaysia. We’ve assessed the legality of online poker and the country’s leading providers, available games, bonuses and software. But first, take a look at the best online poker sites in Malaysia.
| No 1 Crypto Poker |
CoinPoker |
150% Welcome Bonus up to $2,000 - BONUS CODE: PSCOUT |
150% Welcome Bonus up to $2,000 - BONUS CODE: PSCOUT
|
CoinPoker
|
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| Jackpot SNG |
Ignition |
150% up to $1,500 Crypto Poker Bonus |
150% up to $1,500 Crypto Poker Bonus
|
Ignition
|
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| Play Hi-Lo Stud |
Americas Card Room |
100% up to $2,000 |
100% up to $2,000
|
Americas Card Room
|
PLAY NOW |
| WSOP Qualifiers |
Black Chip Poker |
100% up to $2,000 Welcome Offer |
100% up to $2,000 Welcome Offer
|
Black Chip Poker
|
PLAY NOW |
| Bad Beat Jackpot 2.0 |
BetOnline |
100% UP TO $1,000 + 21 Satellite Tickets With code: POKER1000 |
100% UP TO $1,000 + 21 Satellite Tickets With code: POKER1000
|
BetOnline
|
PLAY NOW |
| Play Zone Poker |
Bovada |
100% up to $500 With Code: PWB500 |
100% up to $500 With Code: PWB500
|
Bovada
|
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| Play 7 Card Stud |
Ya Poker |
Poker Bonus of 100% up to $2,000 |
Poker Bonus of 100% up to $2,000
|
Ya Poker
|
PLAY NOW |
Malaysian Poker Sites Ranked by Traffic
| Poker Site | 7 Day avg | Online | Cash | 24 H Peak | Last Week | Play Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GGNetwork | 10500 | 227036 | 7393 | 14599 | ||
| CoinPoker | 45 | 895 | 42 | 81 | Play Now | |
| PokerStars | 1900 | 55540 | 1477 | 3314 | ||
| WPT Global | 2200 | 3536 | 1538 | 3543 | Play Now | |
| PartyPoker | 600 | 297 | 1120 | |||
| 888poker | 350 | 205 | 668 |
Reviews of Online Poker Sites in Malaysia for September 2024
Here at PokerScout, we have created the following reviews that will help you make an informed decision about where to play online poker in Malaysia.
1. CoinPoker – Best Poker Site in Malaysia for Crypto Enthusiasts
| Poker Network | Licence | Payout speed |
| Independent | Curaçao eGaming | Within 24 hours |
- Poker Games Variety 9/10 – Missing some forms of online poker in Malaysia, but an abundance of Hold’em and Omaha tables at all stakes. Home to the world’s biggest PLO games.
- Poker Tournaments 9/10 – Lowest rake in the industry, with lots of different tournament formats and many appealing prizepools. Watch out for the innovative “freebuys”, as well as bounties and progressive knockout events.
- Traffic and Player Base 9/10 – Tables can feel empty at off-peak times, but generally good traffic. Mostly serious players, however, and other networks offer softer games.
- Software Quality 10/10 – The polished look-and-feel of a high-tech brand combined with a high level of user-friendliness.
- Betting Limits and Payments 10/10 – No complex KYC verification and incredibly fast cryptocurrency withdrawals. CoinPoker also boasts its own bespoke ERC-20 token, which is used for paying bonuses and making payments.
- Mobile Friendliness 10/10 – The CoinPoker app looks sharp, is optimised for all major operating systems, and doesn’t take up excessive space.
Topping our list of the best online poker sites in Malaysia is CoinPoker.
Play your favourite games, in both cash and tournament format, using some of the slickest apps in the business.
Watch out for poker legend Tony G at the tables, particularly the high-stakes PLO games. Enjoy speedy cryptocurrency payouts too, with no stressful KYC checks.
You can read our unbiased CoinPoker review for more details about the poker site.
Pros
- Lowest rake in the country
- Simple 33% rakeback arrangement
- No over-the-top identity verification checks
- Visually-pleasing software that’s easy to use
Cons
- Can only deposit and withdraw using cryptocurrency
- Must have a private, decentralised crypto wallet to withdraw
2. Ignition Poker – Best Poker Site in Malaysia for Player Traffic
| Poker Network | Licence | Payout speed |
| PaiWangLuo Poker | Curaçao eGaming | Within 48 hours |
- Poker Games Variety 9/10 – Although a few niche games are absent, like draw, there’s a sizable assortment of cash tables and tournaments.
- Poker Tournaments 9/10 – Over 150 events available with buy-ins ranging from 50 cents to $1,000, and freerolls up to $300 tournaments. Millions in guaranteed prizepools every month. Get involved in the $200K Guaranteed and Triple Header $235K Guaranteed every Sunday.
- Traffic and Player Base 10/10 – Few sites are as busy as Ignition when it comes to Hold’em and Omaha tables. The standard isn’t high, either.
- Software Quality 8/10 – Not the prettiest software, focused on functionality rather than style. That’s no bad thing, however. You can also play without a download.
- Betting Limits and Payments 9/10 – Wouldn’t try depositing via card, due to prohibitive fees. Flawless in every other regard, including ultra-quick crypto payouts.
- Mobile Friendliness 9/10 – This operator for online poker in Malaysia is very easy to use on all mobile devices, even when playing in a browser.
Enjoy busy cash game tables full of amateur players at Ignition, another of the best online poker sites in Malaysia.
Simple and user-friendly, the registration process is easy, while withdrawals couldn’t be quicker. You can even play in a browser, without installing software.
Pros
- Bowser-based play with no download necessary
- Very soft and beatable cash tables
- High-traffic network ensures busy tables
- Valuable six-figure guarantee weekend tournaments
Cons
- Doesn’t offer a rakeback program
- Not the nicest looking software
3. ACR Poker – Best Poker Site in Malaysia for Niche Games
| Poker Network | Licence | Payout speed |
| Winning Poker Network (WPN) | Costa Rica | Within 24 hours |
- Poker Games Variety 10/10 – Games to suit all tastes and bankrolls, including Five Card Omaha and Seven Stud Eight Or Better.
- Poker Tournaments 10/10 – Amazing selection of 24/7 tournaments with staggering prizepools, including the $12.5 million Venom event, a certified record-breaker.
- Traffic and Player Base 9/10 – Part of the Winning Poker Network, one of the busier sources of poker traffic for online poker in Malaysia. However, it has tougher-than-average games.
- Software Quality 9/10 – Well-designed, highly functional software, particularly the mobile app. Very easy to use and HUD compatible.
- Betting Limits and Payments 8/10 – Low crypto minimum deposits, but a bit on the high side for others. Would appreciate additional methods, as only Bitcoin, Tether, Ethereum and Litecoin are currently available.
- Mobile Friendliness 8/10 – A few minor annoyances regarding the Android mobile app, but works well for the most part and looks pretty. No iPhone app available yet.
One of the oldest online poker rooms (formerly known as Americas Cardroom), ACR Poker has a long history of paying quickly and issuing rewarding bonuses.
Malaysian players are more than welcome and should look out for tournaments with huge prizepools, such as the $12.5 million Venom.
Pros
- Offers many less-popular poker variants
- Highly-reputable site dating back to 2001
- Tracking tools and HUD software permitted
- Home to the world’s most valuable guaranteed tournament
Cons
- No live chat support
- Credit and debit card payouts not allowed
4. Black Chip Poker – Best Poker Site in Malaysia for Hand Trackers
| Poker Network | Licence | Payout speed |
| Winning Poker Network (WPN) | Curaçao eGaming | Within 48 hours |
- Poker Games Variety 10/10 – Among the biggest choice of Hold’em and Omaha cash tables, but also less-common games like Stud Eight Or Better.
- Poker Tournaments 10/10 – Play for some of the world’s biggest guaranteed prizepools and enjoy intriguing tournament formats 24/7 like jackpot Sit & Gos.
- Traffic and Player Base 9/10 – Another member of the Winning Poker Network, the standard is tougher than some sites. However, there’s no shortage of players.
- Software Quality 9/10 – Both the mobile app and the desktop client are easy to use. Hand tracking software and HUDs are permitted.
- Betting Limits and Payments 8/10 – Fast payouts are guaranteed thanks to a small selection of cryptocurrencies. A low minimum deposit of just $10 is also nice to see.
- Mobile Friendliness 8/10 – Functional and user-friendly, with no real gripes. Looks better than many apps.
Many sites are clamping down on software that helps players improve their performance, but not Black Chip Poker.
HUDs and hand trackers are welcome here, as are players from Malaysia.
Enjoy some of the biggest guaranteed prizepools, not to mention a safe and secure experience.
Pros
- Strong selection of non-Hold’em games
- Tournaments with millions guaranteed each month
- Extremely fast cryptocurrency withdrawals
- Quality loyalty program
Cons
- Trickier standard of play than other sites
- No live customer support option
5. BetOnline Poker – Best Poker Site in Malaysia for Soft Games
| Poker Network | Licence | Payout speed |
| Chico Poker | Panama Gaming Commission | Within 24 hours |
- Poker Games Variety 9/10 – Just missing a few of the least-common cash game tables, such as Triple Draw or Stud Hi-Lo. A wide range of stakes is available too.
- Poker Tournaments 9/10 – No shortage of big Sunday events, with around $10 million in monthly guarantees. You can find tournaments to suit every bankroll, including freerolls.
- Traffic and Player Base 9/10 – Surprisingly busy for a sportsbook, with a very low standard, especially at the Hold’em tables.
- Software Quality 8/10 – Fairly standard look and feel, with all of the common functionalities you’d expect in a poker client. Nothing amazing, but gets the job done.
- Betting Limits and Payments 9/10 – Rapid withdrawals, but only when using cryptocurrency. Beware of the prohibitively high fees for card deposits, though.
- Mobile Friendliness 8/10 – Easy to use, but not the prettiest mobile client for playing online poker in Malaysia. Doesn’t take up much storage space.
BetOnline, home to some of the softest games, rounds off our list of the best online poker sites in Malaysia.
The influx of sports bettors provides a steady stream of opponents, filling the many cash tables and tournaments with below-average players.
Expect same-day withdrawals and generous bonuses.
Pros
- Possibly the softest games in the country
- Lots of consistent traffic
- Good mix of games at a broad range of stakes
- No requirement to download before playing
Cons
- No direct rakeback from the operator
- Expensive charges for card deposits
How to Pick the Best Online Poker Site in Malaysia for You
There’s a lot to think about when choosing where to play online poker in Malaysia. The following considerations, however, are the most crucial of all.
The best online poker sites in Malaysia offer plenty of Hold’em cash games and tournaments. However, if you’d like to play a less common form of poker, you’ll need to check that your chosen site offers the game.
In addition, take a look at the number of available tables. If there are never enough free seats, it doesn’t really matter whether the game is present or not.
Researching the players found at a poker site is another crucial step. Firstly, you’re looking for volume. Sites can offer as many weird and wonderful games as they wish, but if the tables are always empty, it’s a waste of time.
On the other hand, busy games aren’t especially desirable if they’re always full of sharks. It can be good to test yourself against better players sometimes. But softer games make it easier for you to profit in the long run.
Generous promotions are often the mark of a good poker site. We’re not just talking about a sizable welcome bonus, which is something you’ll find at every gambling site these days.
Looking after regular players with reload bonuses and other promotions is just as important.
The best online poker sites in Malaysia also provide a structured loyalty program, where players obtain reward points as they play. These can be exchanged for all kinds of rewards, including tournament tickets, merchandise and cash.
It’s impossible to play online poker for real money in Malaysia if you’re not able to quickly, easily and securely transfer funds. As such, looking into the different banking methods available at a poker site is imperative.
We always favour cryptocurrency options when playing online poker in Malaysia, as they usually facilitate same-day withdrawals, as well as adding an additional layer of privacy.
But the top sites know that everyone has different preferences, which is why they also offer bank wires, ewallets and credit card payments.
User-friendliness is another vital consideration when looking to play online poker in Malaysia.
A site could feature the softest cash games and the best payment options, but if it’s hard to use, people won’t have the patience.
That’s why we’re looking for sleek, well-designed websites and mobile apps that make our lives as easy as possible.
Intuitive navigation, simple registration forms, quick deposits and software that doesn’t take up too much space on your device are all crucial considerations.
Popular Online Poker Games in Malaysia
What games do the best online poker sites in Malaysia offer? Let’s take a look.
Texas Hold’em
Unquestionably the most popular online poker game in Malaysia, Hold’em is easy to learn, but tough to master. Make the best five-card hand possible from your two hidden hole cards and five community cards.
Hold’em games are spread at three different limits. Conservative and disciplined players might be better suited to the Fixed Limit tables.
However, loose and aggressive personalities may have more success playing Pot-Limit or No Limit Hold’em.
Best Malaysian Poker Site for Hold’em: Ignition
Omaha
Born out of Texas Hold’em, Omaha was previously known as “Omaha Hold’em”.
Its exact origins are unknown, but it was certainly popularised in Las Vegas in the early 1980s. Today, it’s the second most commonly-played game for online poker in Malaysia.
The rules are the same as its Texan cousin, except you’re dealt four hole cards. You must use exactly two of these. Usually played in a Pot Limit format, patience is the key to winning at Omaha, as big hands are much less dominant than in Hold’em.
Best Malaysian Poker Site for Omaha: CoinPoker
Omaha Hi-Lo
A popular variant of Omaha, this version of the game is mostly played with a Fixed or Pot Limit structure.
It’s well-suited to patient players, due to the high volume of split pots, and it makes up the “O” level in a HORSE game.
The rules are essentially the same as Omaha, but the pot is chopped in two. Half is awarded as usual, to the player with the strongest hand. However, the rest goes to whoever holds the best “low” hand, meaning eight high or less.
Best Malaysian Poker Site for Omaha Hi-Lo: Black Chip Poker
Seven Card Stud
Sadly, this game isn’t as popular as it used to be, but it’s not quite died out yet.
Although many online poker sites in Malaysia have ditched their Seven Card Stud cash tables, you’ll still find the occasional tournament.
As the name suggests, players receive seven cards each. Two of these are dealt face-down, followed by four upcards and a final downcard.
Unlike Omaha and Hold’em, there are no community cards.
Best Malaysian Poker Site for Seven Stud: ACR Poker
Eight Or Better
This popular variation of Seven Card Stud features in HORSE games as the letter “E”. It’s comparable to Omaha Hi-Lo, in that pots are split into two parts.
Half goes to the strongest hand, with the remainder awarded to best qualifying “low”, meaning eight high at most.
Stud games are usually played with a Fixed Limit structure, making them seem less glamorous than action-packed alternatives like No Limit Hold’em. As such, Stud Eight Or Better is one for the poker purists.
Best Malaysian Poker Site for Eight Or Better: ACR Poker
Five Card Omaha
What began as a fun Omaha variation has quickly acquired a hardcore following, particularly among low-stakes players.
Although the rules are broadly the same as regular Omaha, players receive an additional hole card.
This may not seem like a big difference. But it greatly affects strategy, as players receive a much higher frequency of powerful cards like aces. Five Card Omaha usually employs a Pot Limit structure.
Best Malaysian Poker Site for Five Card Omaha: CoinPoker
Draw
Any game in which you can trade cards in your hand for fresh ones is a form of draw poker. Five Card Draw is perhaps the most famous online poker in Malaysia, as it’s the basis for video poker, the classic casino game.
These days, so few people play any form of draw poker that it’s not worth an online site spreading any games. Any that do will most likely offer 2-7 Triple Draw, but we’re not aware of any sites in Malaysia running such games.
How to Join Poker Tournaments in Malaysia
It’s easier than you think to start playing an online poker tournament in Malaysia. Simply follow the step-by-step guide below to get going. We’ve used CoinPoker for illustrative purposes, but all sites feature a similar process.
1. Download the Mobile App
The first step to playing online poker in Malaysia is to visit the homepage of your chosen site and install the software. The button to download the poker client will be clearly marked. Many sites also allow instant play in a browser, but using the software offers a better experience.
2. Create an Account
After setting up the software, you’ll need to open an account. The best online poker sites in Malaysia make this extremely straightforward and it won’t take more than a couple of minutes. Add your details to the form, create the account, and log in.
3. Head to the Lobby
After accessing your new account, tap the three lines to access the main menu. Use this to navigate to the lobby to view the available cash game tables and tournaments.
4. Filter the Available Games
Use the filters to help narrow down the choices. Hit “Show Games” to display the full list of tables and tournaments that meet your chosen criteria.
5. Pick a Tournament
All that remains is to click on your desired tournament in order to enter. When the relevant page opens, click “Register” and wait for the tournament to begin.
Malaysia Online Poker Bonuses
Here are some of the many poker bonuses offered by the best online poker sites in Malaysia.
All poker sites offer some kind of signup incentive. That will usually be a match bonus, where a reward equal to your first real money deposit is paid.
But it could also include free tournament entries, as well as access to exclusive freeroll tournaments.
This is a special type of tournament that doesn’t require a buy-in. Simply register your details and play to win whatever prizes are offered by the poker site.
However, keep in mind that freeroll prizepools are often quite low.
New registrants for online poker in Malaysia are typically invited to play in exclusive freerolls.
These allow players to buy into real money events, without needing to pay a fee. Naturally, if you cash, the money is yours to keep, despite using a free entry ticket. This type of bonus isn’t the same as a freeroll, where nobody has paid to enter.
Many of the best online poker sites in Malaysia reward loyal players with reload bonuses.
They are simply deposit match bonuses, just with lower percentages used than standard welcome offers.
A rakeback deal involves players receiving a percentage rebate of whatever rake was paid in a given period of time. In the past, you could only receive such an arrangement from a third-party sponsor.
Today, though, many top sites for online poker in Malaysia offer players rakeback directly.
All of the best online poker sites in Malaysia offer some kind of loyalty program. You’ll earn points as you play, which can be traded in for gifts or bonus funds.
They also propel you up through the loyalty ranks, gathering increasingly beneficial perks along the way.
Best Banking Option for Poker Online in Malaysia
If you want to play poker in Malaysia online, you’ll need some cash in your account.
Although many sites offer traditional banking methods, such as credit cards, cheques and direct transfers, cryptocurrency is the way forward with a choice of top bitcoin poker sites to play at.
Payment methods like Bitcoin, Ethereum and Tether, offer an additional layer of privacy, helping to keep your transactions away from prying eyes. Best of all, they facilitate extremely quick withdrawals when playing online poker in Malaysia.
Most real money online poker sites in Malaysia offer same-day crypto payouts, but you’ll almost never wait for longer than 48 hours.
Can I Play Poker Online in Malaysia with Ringgit?
We’re not aware of a site that offers games using Malaysian ringgit. To play poker online for real money in Malaysia, you’ll usually have to deposit in a different currency.
This is likely to be US dollars if using traditional payment methods like the following:
- Credit and debit cards
- Ewallets
- Bank wires
- Prepaid vouchers
Poker in Malaysia
Having learned about the best sites, it’s now time to take a deeper dive into the Malaysia poker scene. We’ll start by looking into the legal situation.
Laws and Regulations in Malaysia
The Betting Act of 1953 criminalises pretty much every form of gambling, except for some lotteries. However, this document was put together long before the invention of the Internet. As such, it doesn’t extend to online poker sites in Malaysia.
Not really, but it’s not exactly illegal, either. It would be against the law to play poker online in Malaysia if the site were hosted within the country.
However, there’s nothing written into law that says you can’t play at offshore poker sites. Many people do exactly that without a problem.
Technically, you must declare winnings earned from playing online poker in Malaysia as the sites themselves do not report taxes.
The 1967 Income Tax Act states that all gambling profits should be treated as income. They should, therefore, be subject to your usual personal income tax rate.
Top Malaysia Poker Players
Here are some of the most notable Malaysian faces in the world of poker.
- Paul Phua – This nosebleed-stakes legend is the leading Malaysia poker player on the all-time money list, with over $30 million in tournament winnings. Hailing from Miri, he co-founded the Triton Series.
- Richard Yong – Another driving force behind the Triton Series, Yong has earned over $17 million from high stakes tournaments in his career.
- Michael Soyza – Born in Kuala Lumpur, Soyza appeared on the popular reality show Game Of Gold. He’s claimed more than $15.5 million in live tournament cashes.
Conclusion
The country’s outdated gambling legislation has created a legal loophole that means it’s perfectly safe to play online poker in Malaysia. Countless players create new accounts every day, to enjoy popular games like Hold’em, Omaha and Seven Card Stud.
It couldn’t be easier to get involved. Simply read our reviews and choose one of the best online poker sites in Malaysia, before opening a new account. You’ll be up and running in a matter of minutes.
FAQs – Online Poker for Real Money in Malaysia
What is the best online poker site in Malaysia?
Many sites claim to offer the best online poker in Malaysia, but our favourite is CoinPoker. Vetted by our expert team, the software looks great and is extremely user-friendly. Expect fast crypto payments and plenty of busy cash game tables and tournaments.
Can you play online poker in Malaysia?
Absolutely. You can play poker online in Malaysia due to a legal loophole. All of the sites featured on this page accept Malaysian registrants. You’ll have no problems joining, depositing or playing popular games like Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven Card Stud.
Is poker legal in Malaysia?
Technically, almost all forms of gambling are illegal. However, there’s a grey area around online gambling sites, which are hosted in foreign countries. Malaysian law enforcement has no jurisdiction over such companies, including poker sites. Things could change in the future, as the laws are currently under review.
Can you play free online poker with friends in Malaysia?
Yes. There are several free-to-play apps and sites in Malaysia offering poker online. Ignition is one such example. This is primarily a real money site, but you can also compete against other people for fun using play money chips.
What is the best poker app for Malaysian poker players?
Our experts have concluded that CoinPoker is currently the best app for Malaysian poker players. Ignition and ACR Poker run it close, but there isn’t a smarter-looking or more user-friendly app around than CoinPoker.
References
- https://tcclaw.com.my/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/BETTING-ACT-1953.pdf (Betting Act 1953)
- https://spacecoastdaily.com/2023/07/tax-implications-of-online-casino-winnings-in-malaysia-what-you-need-to-know/ (Tax Implications of Online Casino Winnings in Malaysia)
- https://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/player.php?a=r&n=253964 (Hendon Mob: Paul Phua)
- https://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/player.php?a=r&n=243324 (Hendon Mob: Richard Yong)
- https://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/player.php?a=r&n=189800 (Hendon Mob: Christopher Michael Soyza)
- https://agbrief.com/news/malaysia/01/06/2023/malaysia-to-push-gambling-laws-review-says-prime-minister/ (Asia Gaming Brief: Malaysia to push gambling laws review)