Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities
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Pertanika · Universiti Putra Malaysia Press

Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities

Official journal of Universiti Putra Malaysia for scholarly work across the social sciences, humanities and related interdisciplinary fields.

e-ISSN 2231-8534 ISSN 0128-7702
Research article

Gambling-Related Financial Crimes by Politicians

Kamaluddin Kamaluddin, Muhammad Taufiq and Rahmad Hidayat

https://doi.org/10.47836/pjssh.33.4.16
KeywordsCorruption, embezzlement, forgery, gambling, politicians
Article content

Abstract

This article is a narrative literature overview providing a comprehensive analysis of gambling-related offenses committed by politicians. It aims to explore the roles and motivations of politicians involved in such criminal activities and the use of the gambling industry to launder illicit corruption proceeds. The review applies a selective search method, focusing on conceptual-empirical primary materials, and employs a narrative summary for analysis. Politicians within the gambling business engage in a range of gambling-related financial crimes, characterized by distinct typologies such as corruption, embezzlement, money laundering, and bribery. These illicit activities entail improperly utilizing public funds or exerting political influence to secure personal benefits. It reflects that the gambling industry is susceptible to political corruption due to inadequate regulatory measures and oversight procedures. Politicians' involvement in gambling-related financial crimes stems from personal, financial, and political factors, including political ambition, economic burdens, addiction struggles, criminal networks, and lack of supervision. Politicians can act as patrons, facilitating gambling activities and reducing jurisdictional constraints. They may also receive bribes from managers and use money laundering strategies, such as casino chips, fraudulent bets, and intermediaries, to legitimize unlawfully acquired funds.