N Sivananthan said this would in turn enable the government to get more revenue in the form of gambling tax for every ringgit placed as a bet.
“The local gaming industry, especially the numbers forecast sector, is very lucrative.
“The government is losing out millions in the form of tax as illegal syndicates make higher payments to punters,” he said.
Sivananthan, however, said it is left to be seen whether punitive action would bring about the desired result.
“It all boils down to the enforcement of the law,” he said.
In tabling the 2020 Budget proposal, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said the government will propose a higher minimum mandatory penalty of RM100,000 and mandatory six-month jail term for illegal gamblers.
For illegal operators, Lim said a higher minimum mandatory penalty of RM1 million and a 12-month minimum mandatory jail sentence will be imposed.
Only non-Muslims, above the age of 18, are permitted to offer bets at registered outlets.
Lawyer A Srimurugan said currently punters who bet illegally can be sentenced to a fine of up to RM50,000 or up to six months’ jail or both under the Common Gaming Houses Act.
Illegal operators can be fined up to RM50,000 and up to three years, or both.
“It is obvious the current penalty does not serve as a deterrent as the court can impose a minimum one day’s jail and a fine,” he said.
Srimurugan said the new proposal would also lead to the government collecting a higher “revenue” in the form of court fines from offenders.
“At the same time, the offenders will have spent time in prison as it is mandatory for the court to mete out the jail term,” he said.
Srimurugan said illegal betting syndicates, run by cash-rich individuals and groups, usually would help rescue operators if they are charged in court.
“They will even help pay the fine,” he added.
Meanwhile, a punter said illegal outlets offered better returns compared with the licensed ones.
“Some even conduct draws every day and you need only make telephone calls or conduct transactions via online,” said the punter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.