The general opinion of the public appears to be against the federal government's decision to legalise sports betting, if the online polls conducted by three newspapers are anything to go by.

NONE As at 6.10pm today, Chinese daily Nanyang Siang Pau's ongoing survey showed that an overwhelming 87 percent of 23,439 respondents were against legalising sports betting.

A total of 12.55 percent were agreeable to the move while 0.35 percent expressed "no comment".

Similarly, English daily The Edge asked its readers if the move would reduce illegal gambling, resulting in 50.8 percent stating that it would instead encourage more gambling.

NONE Twenty-three percent said the move would not reduce illegal gambling while 26.3 percent agreed it would. There were a total of 372 respondents as of press time. Both polls are continuing.

Unpopular move

Meanwhile, Chinese daily Kwong Woh's recently concluded poll asked readers if legalised sports would do more harm than good.

The 380 people who responded were split down the middle almost equally - 49 percent replied ‘Yes’ and 51 percent replied ‘No’.

The three surveys appear to support claims that non-Muslims too are against sports betting, which has been heavily opposed by Muslim groups and opposition parties.

NONE Religious groups are concerned that legalising sports betting would corrupt youths by associating sports with gambling, especially since there already were sufficient forms of legal gambling for non-Muslims.

A mammoth rally is being planned for July 3, at which thousands are expected to march in Kuala Lumpur to submit a petition to the King to seek his intervention.

Telephone betting too

The controversy erupted when the federal government on May 11 allowed Berjaya Group to activate the sports betting licence it had obtained in 2003.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, who is also finance minister, gave the go-ahead for the licence to Berjaya through its subsidiary, Ascot Sports.

With the licence, Berjaya becomes the sole football gambling company in the country.

In a statement shortly later, Berjaya said Ascot Sports planned to roll out gaming products for international sporting events, including football, basketball, motor racing, tennis and golf.

"Ascot Sports will also offer telephone betting convenience and only adults above 21 years old and non-Muslims will be allowed to open a telephone betting account.

"Muslims are strictly prohibited from betting with Ascot Sports," read the statement.