Pakistan is one of the largest countries in the South part of Asia. The country has been under Islamic law since 1957, and therefore, one would be right to think that gambling is not allowed. As we speak, gambling in the country is not permitted and constitutes an offence that could even lead to prosecution. But the thirst of people to place bets isn’t matched, resulting in the intrusion of the foreign bookmakers, establishing themselves unlawfully and gaining great success.
Top Betting Sites in Pakistan
If you are looking for where to bet in Pakistan, you shouldn’t be bothered by anything. We have a list of online betting sites in Pakistan that will give you a fantastic betting chance. Are you in to see these wonderful bookies?
After doing our homework well in finding out the best list of online bookmakers in Pakistan for you, we came up with the following recommendations that you should try out as early as now:
22bet
The history of 22bet started in early 2017, and the company has continued to demonstrate significant progress in the betting market. TechSolutions Group N.V. owns the brand and operates under licenses from Curacao. It also has several local permits, especially in African countries. 22bet accepts registration from Pakistan bettors.
Despite being slightly new, Pakistanis will not be disappointed with 22bet’s sportsbook, casino, esports, and virtual sports offerings. The platform has managed to stay up with its competition thanks to exciting features that gamers find appealing. With a wide variety of betting markets, reasonable odds and many bonuses, there are loads of fun for Pakistan punters here.
- Pros
- Provides dedicated apps to Pakistan punters
- A wide range of betting markets
- Relatively high odds
- Cons
- Limited payment options
20Bet
20bet is one of the fastest-growing bookmakers in 2022. Having joined the industry in 2020 and being managed by the experienced TechSolutions Group N.V. gives it a competitive edge over other bookies. Its competitive gambling products and acceptance of cryptocurrencies gives Pakistani punters a reason to smile all the time.
20bet offers products such as sportsbooks, casino and e-sports. Its sportsbook is in-house developed, giving about 94% and above overall payout, especially in football. Its library is rich and offers over 1500+ events daily in 30+ sports. Though you won’t find features like bet builder, the betting options are in abundance.
- Pros
- Intuitive and smooth website design
- Supports cryptocurrency
- 24/7 customer support
- Unique features like quick bet and cash out are available
- Cons
- No native app
1xbet
The brand 1xbet recently has been taking the world of betting by storm. This bookmaker has operated for about a decade now and has entered different markets globally, not forgetting the punters from Pakistan. 1xbet has licenses in many jurisdictions, but since gambling is illegal in Pakistan, it accepts online players from the country.
Though its website is a bit sluggish, its offering surpasses this. 1xbet allows Pakistan bettors to experience a fantastic betting experience entrenched in lucrative bonus deals, high odds, and fast payouts. It provides a vast library of games in its sportsbook, casino, and virtual sports.
- Pros
- It gives a massive welcome bonus
- Offer admirable odds to Pakistan players
- Live streaming services available
- Cons
- In-play betting not available for all sports
Parimatch
Parimatch is a bookmaker that started in Cyprus back in the 1990s. Although it’s one of the oldest bookies, Parimatch’s popularity began to spread recently, and Pakistani punters enjoy its presence. Part-Match N.V owns Parimatch, and its primary license is from Curacao, with its headquarters in Cyprus.
When it comes to offering, this bookmaker owns the ground. It provides a comprehensive library of games in its sportsbook, virtual sports, and casino. With its bonus offers, Pakistan can’t let go of the bookmaker. Its rich sportsbook provides high odds, especially in cricket and football.
- Pros
- Offers over 1000+ sports events daily for Pakistan bettors
- Has a dedicated app
- Fast transactions
- Competitive odds
- Cons
- Live betting takes time
Stake
With the rise of the crypto world, many anticipate the inclusion of cryptocurrency in the gambling world, and Stake.com seems to have an answer. Stake.com was launched in 2017, and due to the anonymity of crypto transactions, punters in countries where betting is illegal, like Pakistan, can gamble with ease. The Stake is Watford’s official partner.
Like any other bookmaker, Stake.com houses a sportsbook and casino. A custom-built sportsbook gives excellent odds, especially on major football leagues. Apart from the website’s aesthetics, Stake has put a lot of effort into the community where Pakistan bettors can benefit.
- Pros
- Relatively high football odds
- Accepts cryptocurrency
- Compatible with mobile devices
- Cons
- No mobile apps
- Limited bonus offers
Why Choose Online Betting in Pakistan
From the beginning, gambling in Pakistan was an offence prohibited by the law to protect the citizens. The oldest gambling regulations Public Gambling Act of 1867 and The Prevention of Gambling Act of 1977, have always held water. Unfortunately, these have been sidelined, and the people in Pakistan haven’t been able to resist the frenzy of joining foreign bookmakers. Here, they can comfortably place their bets and enjoy gambling in its entirety.
When playing in Pakistan, you will enjoy many foreign bookmakers. More pleasurable, your winnings will not be taxed as gambling is not a source of income in the country.
Is Online Betting Legal in Pakistan?
Online betting is illegal and prohibited in Pakistan. The activity has been banned through two major colonial regulations that were legislatured when Pakistan was a British colony. Through the Public Gambling Act of 1867 and the Prevention of Gambling Act of 1977, all forms of gambling in the country are illegal. You can’t engage in casino gaming, sports betting, lottery, or bingo.
Up to 1979, however, there was a reserve for the horse racing tote bets that were left to be legal for the purpose of the wealthy social class.
Trivia/Did you know that…
- There are countless illegal betting shops in the streets of Pakistan cities.
- Gambling in Pakistan is illegalized through regulations in the colonial Pakistan-The Prevention of Gambling Act of 1977 and the Public Gambling Act 1867.
- Out of the many bookmakers that operate in Pakistan, none of them has been licensed
- Winnings from gambling in Pakistan are not taxed whatsoever
Are there restrictions on Pakistanian players by some bookmakers?
Gambling in Pakistan is prohibited. This makes the industry in the country only conduct clandestine gambling activities through many foreign bookmakers. While the number of bookies remains high, it becomes hard to distinguish between scamming sites and trustworthy bookmakers.
Some offshore bookmakers restrict punters from Pakistan as gambling is illegal. However, punters can still play through VPN services that help them bypass some restrictions in such instances.
Gambling Facts at a Glance
Wondering how the Pakistan gambling landscape is? Here is the chance to have a good picture of it:
- Currency
The currency of Pakistan is the Pakistan Rupee, abbreviated as PKR. - Population
Going by the recent statistics by the World Bank, Pakistan has a population of 220.9 million people. - Active players
Out of the total population of 220.9 million people, it is intimated that around 10 million of these are avid gamblers. - Regulatory authority
Gambling in Pakistan is prohibited, and therefore, there is no legal, regulatory authority that oversees it. - Licensed gambling products
There are no licensed gambling products in Pakistan. But, horse racing is acceptable. - Types of operators
The betting industry of Pakistan has many foreign bookmakers that don’t have any licenses in the country.
How to Choose the Right Online Betting Site
The list of online betting sites in Pakistan is long and has many different bookmakers. This makes choosing a bookmaker to play at a tough test as most of them have all the appealing values that one would be looking for. To avoid falling prey to some scam bookies in Pakistan, you should consider each of the following points before you are certain of the bookmaker you need to join:
The cash-out option, also known as stop a bet, is the feature that enables you to terminate a bet even before the last whistle of the match. When you feel that your bet might not get you the desired win, you can go on and stop the bet, something that gives you a refund of your stake at the current odds.
Looking out for a top bookmaker that gives you the cash-out feature is an excellent idea as you can permanently save your stake.
The live streaming feature not only makes betting in sports lively but also engaging. Nothing surpasses the pleasure of having your adrenaline involved in the whole match as you spectate your team while watching how it fights it out in the pitch.
If possible, go for bookmakers that offer an unlimited live streaming option.
In-play betting is also known as live betting. This is a possibility of placing bets on the ongoing matches. Settling for a bookmaker that offers this betting option ensures you catch the thrill of new stats that will always add value to your bets.
As much as you check all the other aspects, you also need to consider the design of the bookmaker you should settle for. A simple design that won’t cost you much effort when placing your bets is the best.
While you are done choosing where to bet in Pakistan and are sure that everything is okay, you should ensure the bookie has good customer support. The support will significantly affect your experience. You might occasionally come across issues like payment delays or any other difficulties that might need attention.
Bonuses for Pakistani Players
Despite happening as a clandestine activity, gambling in Pakistan still has profound roots. The foreign bookies in the country are consistently treating their punters with betting sites bonuses that one can’t resist.
In this section of our review, we examine the nature of the bonuses and how to claim each of them in a simple process.
When new players register their accounts, they are treated with luxurious welcome bonuses. These bonuses are offered on specific conditions and mostly come as free cash, deposit-based amounts or free spins.
Whatever the welcome bonus, you will have to create an account and deposit some qualifying amount in most cases.
After exhausting the new customer offer, the Pakistani customers still have other offers. These can be broadly put into different categories. Examples of these include cashback, reload bonuses and refer a friend bonus.
To claim these betting sites bonuses, the existing players don’t have much but to follow a simple process that involves depositing and entering simple bonus codes for activation. After activation, the offers are freely available for use for Pakistan customers.
The bonuses for Pakistan customers are not the only ones you are likely to find. Other emergent ones will show up from time to time.
Most Popular Sports to Bet on in Pakistan
There are many top bookmakers in Pakistan. Due to the vast number, there are many sports that you are likely to find on the catalogues of these betting sites. While the usual sports like football and basketball are the most apparent, you will still find many others at the bookmakers.
To give you a clear picture of the most popular sports you can gamble in Pakistan, we have listed them on the table below:
- Cricket
- American Football
- Hockey
- Horse Racing
- Kabaddi
- Cycling
- Motor Racing
- Snooker
- Skiing
- Jumping
- Water Polo
- Soccer
- Greyhounds
- Squash
- Chess
- Volleyball
- Handball
- Rugby Union
- Scuba Diving
- Politics
- Badminton
Mobile Betting in Pakistan
Mobile betting is the new trend in online gambling, and Pakistan hasn’t been left behind. Almost all the foreign bookmakers operating in the country have developed a particular mobile app that enables players to access their bookmaker account through their handheld devices. For the bookmakers without these unique apps, universal mobile websites are available through any mobile device.
All the bookmakers we have analyzed in this review have either the mobile app or the mobile website version. Therefore, punters from Pakistan enjoy unparalleled convenience and great pleasure when gambling.
Are Online Casinos Popular in Pakistan?
Yes, online casinos are popular in Pakistan. Although all forms of gambling in the country are illegal, there is no specific law banning new betting sites, especially foreign ones. This has opened up great chances for the best online casinos to establish themselves in the country, serving a significant number of punters.
The best online casinos in the country serve the players in various games. While the traditional table games like Roulette, Blackjack, and Baccarat are available, there are also scratch cards, bingo, slots, and poker games on the Pakistan casinos.
Supported Payment Methods
The payments portfolio of the foreign bookmakers that operate in Pakistan is much diversified. You will find that some of the top bookmakers are fond of credit cards while others strictly take electronic wallets. The wallets are loved as they can’t be traced, unlike banks.
Cryptocurrencies are also a dalliance to many bookmakers and players alike, thanks to their excellent security features. Such include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and Bitcoin Cash.
The method of payment you choose when betting on the top bookmakers in Pakistan determines the speed of payment processing. Some methods take less time, while others may take quite a while.
No, there are no taxations on the winnings from gambling in Pakistan. The country doesn’t allow gambling. Therefore, no amount of win is subject to taxation.
FAQs
Are winnings taxable in Pakistan?
No, winnings from gambling in Pakistan are not subject to tax.
Which new betting sites do I join in Pakistan?
You can join the new betting sites mentioned in this review if you are a punter from Pakistan.
Can I be face jail if caught gambling in Pakistan?
Yes, you could be prosecuted and jailed if found gambling in Pakistan as it is illegal.
Are there any bonuses for Pakistan customers that I can benefit from?
Sure, there are many bonuses for Pakistan customers that you can benefit from. The bonuses include welcome offers and those for existing punters.
What payment methods do I use when playing in Pakistan?
When gambling in Pakistan, you can use credit cards, electronic wallets, or cryptocurrencies to transact.
Are Pakistan punters restricted by bookmakers?
Mostly, there are no restrictions on Pakistan players by bookmakers. Even if they were, they could easily use VPN services to register accounts.
How do I register an account on Pakistani bookmaker?
To register an account on Pakistani bookmaker, load the website and follow all the instructions given under the registration form.
Final Comments
Despite banning all forms of gambling in the country, there is still a considerable loophole that give punters in Pakistan a chance to access foreign bookmakers. This comes as a great advantage to players. They can sort out their bookmakers of choice from the many that have already set their foot into the country’s gambling market.