PETALING JAYA: The absence of 4D outlets in Kedah saw their counterparts in Seberang Perai Utara in Penang enjoying brisk business, according to news reports.
There were 50% more punters reported at all 4D outlets in the area, many of them from Kedah, said China Press, which quoted a Sports Toto staff member as saying that most of them came from Sungai Petani, Kuala Muda, Gurun and Bedong.
“They not only placed bets for themselves, but also for their friends,” she told the daily.
Another staff member said that some punters helped up to eight others to place bets of between three and six draws.
The staffer said the bets were often small, ranging between RM1 and RM10.
Another staff member from a Magnum 4D outlet in Bagan Ajam said business at her workplace increased by some 30% in the past week after Kedah banned 4D outlets in the state.
Punters from Kedah revealed that they made a “pit stop” in Seberang Perai Utara to place a bet while en route to Kepala Batas for business and leisure.
While the ban in Kedah did not affect them, they said it was not the same for others, as some had to travel further to Butterworth to place their bets.
Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor had said the state government would stop renewing business licences for gaming operators this year.