In Malaysia, there are many forms of conventional gambling channels; from online casino and poker games to sports betting and 4-D lottery. However, there are also non-conventional gambling activities such as cock-fighting that are still practiced today.

When a person thinks of the word “gambling”, in an instant the mind conjures up an image of a smoke-filled casino packed with thousands of players shouting to place their bets. Some also would imagine a poker session among friends in the comfort of a home while some simply imagines a 4-D outlet where there are long lines of people waiting for their turn to buy that “special” number! These are all pretty much considered to the “conventional” type of gambling. There are many other forms of gambling that is “unconventional”, to say the least, that is still practiced here in Malaysia.

In this context, non-conventional would mean “blood sport” and one of the most popular form of “blood sport” here in Malaysia is cock-fighting. Although not widely practices in Peninsular Malaysia, cock-fighting is prevalently popular in both Sabah and Sarawak. With deep connections to the traditions of the people living in these two states, cock-fighting quickly became a form of gambling for the masses. Player places bets on which bird he or she thinks will win. Ultimately the loser of the fight would become dinner.

With animal rights movement gaining momentum around the world in the past few decades, these cock-fight activities have dwindled in numbers significantly. Many have since stopped promoting or organizing such cock-fights for fear of prosecution. In Malaysia, cock-fighting is now an illegal activity and those caught participating or organizing such activities can be slapped with a maximum of 3 years’ jail time.