Penang gov’t firm on decision to ban football betting

(Bernama) – Penang government would stand by its decision not to allow sports betting in the state.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state government would not change its decision to deny Ascot Sports Sdn Bhd, which has been given a sports gaming licence, to carry out such betting activities in the state.

“We had sent a letter to the company stating our decision and we will still stand by our decision to ban them (the company) from opening betting outlets in the state,” he said.

Lim was commenting on a report today that business tycoon Vincent Tan was quoted as saying that he was ready to appeal to states under opposition rule, including Selangor, Penang and Kedah which have banned sports betting.

The sports gaming licence was issued to Vincent Tan’s Ascot Sports early this year.

However, Lim said the state government has yet to receive any appeal letter from Ascot Sports, seeking to reverse the state government’s decision.

“Although the state government is always ready for discussion but we have not received any appeal letter from the company,” he said.

It was reported today that, Vincent Tan had announced to donate to charity the entire proceeds of the RM525 million accrued from the sale of his 70 per cent stake in Ascot Sports to Berjaya Corporation Bhd.