Scenario

Harry has placed his bet of RM50k with the local bookie on Argentina to win the match against Belgium as he has full confidence that Messi will lead the team into semi-finals. He could not be happier when Higuain scored the first goal in the 8th minute and the game has ended with no further goal. However his excitement was immediately turn off when he was informed that his bet was not placed successfully. Angrily, he shouted to the bookie that “I will sue you!”

Mythbusted.

In conjunctive reading of Section 10 and Section 24 of the Contracts Act 1950, the consideration and object of the agreement must be for a lawful consideration and with a lawful object. Betting is expressly prohibited under the Betting Act 1953 thus it is unlawful. As such, Harry not only has no valid cause of action to sue. In fact, he has committed an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding RM5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or both.

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