The federal government's about turn in the legalisation of sports betting has become a standing joke among Penangites.

penang assembly roof collapse 010510 lim guan eng Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng ( left ) joined in today by joking that the federal government has flip-flopped in just about every issue.

"It is flip-flopping on sports betting as with others like the Goods and Services Tax , New Economic Model and the new system for selling petrol," he told reporters during a press conference at his office in Komtar today.

"There appears to be a lot of flip-flops, but Penang is very clear, sports betting is banned here," he added.

Lim said he has yet to receive any appeal from Ascot Sports to rescind the ban.

On Sunday, Lim said the state was open to any appeal on the matter but is firm on its decision to bar football betting.

Tan to appeal ‘over and over'

Berjaya Corp tycoon Vincent Tan, whose company Ascot Sports is the sole beneficiary of the sports betting licence, said he would appeal "over and over again" to Pakatan Rakyat states to rescind the ban, after announcing his pledge to donate over half a billion ringgit to charity.

lingam tape hearing 300108 vincent tan 02 Tan ( right ) also insisted that the legalisation of sports betting will help curb illegal bookies, who offer credit at cut-throat rates.

The controversy continues, with rallies still to be held in protest at the legalisation of sports betting.

Premier Najib Abdul Razak has defended the legalisation, saying that it is a form of control and would curb illegal betting.

It is currently one of the hottest topics in this Parliament sitting, second only to Israel's attack on the ships carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.