In India, we know that Cricket betting is illegal. Still, people bet online. But as per the government, any type of game of chance is illegal. But, for some parts of India, it is legal.
Now, you must be asking. So, what about Pakistan? Is online betting legal in Pakistan?
We will talk about it in this blog.
So, let’s get started.
Let’s talk about history.
What’s the story with Pakistan bookmakers?
Betting in Pakistan has a contentious history. It makes for compelling reading. The laws are still not as clear as they should be. Many people do not follow them.
In 1867, gambling was made against the law.
According to British law, those who are caught gambling or accepting bets are subject to fines.
Despite this, sports betting remains widespread. It is due to a lack of policing and in many cases. Police corruption that protects the illegal sportsbook rings.
Let us have some important things to keep in mind.
Gambling offences can result in a 1000 PKR fine. You could be sentenced to up to five years in prison. For breaking these rules, foreign nationals have even been deported. Pakistan has strict anti-gambling laws.
In many other countries in the region, gambling is also illegal.
They struggle to enforce bans on online gambling sites. It is because existing legislation does not cover internet wagers.
It’s hard to catch people. The framework isn’t there to punish those caught betting online.
While you’d have to be extremely unlucky to be punished for gambling online, it’s not a risk-free pastime.
Despite the government’s opposition to gambling, there are a large number of gamblers in Pakistan, both offline and online, with cricket being by far the most popular sport for betting.
The big question is, Can you gamble online in Pakistan?
Sports betting in Pakistan continues to grow in popularity. With more gamblers signing up to the biggest bookmakers every day. If you’re looking for the best Pakistan betting sites, you’ve come to the right place.
Like India, Pakistan too has outlawed all types of betting under the 1977 Gambling Prevention Act.
Being the Islamic Republic, the enforcement of this law is much stricter.
Because gambling and betting are viewed as sins by religion. However, at the time, the internet and online gambling were not very common. Online gambling is not mentioned in the law.
Online gambling is therefore illegal in Pakistan, just like it is in India, even though many foreign websites accept Pakistani players.
These websites allow bets from Pakistani players because they are hosted in nations like Malta and Curacao, which are outside the purview of Pakistani law.
Now, you must be asking, Are gambling winnings taxed in Pakistan?
Yes, officially. Horse racing prize bonds must be taxed at the appropriate rate by the individual. The tax code also applies to winnings from gameshows, raffles, and even crossword puzzles!
There are crackdowns on businesses that give away prizes without deducting taxes, and people are targeted for failing to file their taxes.
So, How can you fund an online gambling account in Pakistan?
Since gambling is prohibited, using payment methods like:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Bank transfers
as they block deposits to gambling sites.
And most people would not want to draw attention to the fact they were gambling online anyway.
Open your eWallet, add funds to it via an extensive choice of options, and then use the eWallet to send money to your betting account to gamble and place bets.
Note that it’s rare to be able to deposit in PKR at most big European brands. Although some Asian-based sites let you.
For the rest, you would need to choose to deposit in dollars. Another main international currency. But your eWallet can do the international currency transactions for you.
Now, Why is gambling banned in Pakistan? Read On!
There are various reasons. But the main reason is mentioned in this paragraph.
Any government looking to relax gambling laws would face extreme opposition. They will face problems from the country’s religious hardliners. Their supporters wield huge power.
Pakistan is an Islamic republic. With over 96% of the population identifying as Muslim. Gambling is not permissible in Islam.
So, what about payment methods betting sites?
Although most betting sites accept deposits. They allow withdrawals by various methods including:
- Bank transfers
- Credit cards
- Debit cards.
Oh, it is advisable to use the alternate methods available:
- International e-wallets
- Neteller
- Skrill
- AstroPay
- ecoPayz.
There are two main reasons for that.
Let’s get started.
The first being transactions with betting sites are reflected in your bank and card statements. It can easily be traced back to you by the authorities.
Betting being illegal, you can be in for some trouble.
E-wallet and prepaid card transactions are private and challenging to eavesdrop on.
Additionally, since you won’t have to give the websites your card or bank account information, using these methods is safer.
If you still want to bet, then Here are some Best Betting Sites.
- Parimatch – 150% welcome bonus up to PKR 20,000
- Crickex – 100% first deposit bonus up to PKR 5,000
- ICCWin – 100% first deposit bonus up to PKR 10,000
- Jetwin -100% first deposit bonus up to PKR 20,000
- Sportsbet.io – Receive free bets worth 3x the first stake.
Here are the key benefits:
- Bet anytime from anywhere
- Enjoy the same, or probably more, features as on the website
- Faster and easier login
Let’s read Factors To Consider for Online Betting in Pakistan.
Credibility:
Well, let’s say you signing up for any site. Check if they are associated with a legitimate gambling association such as the:
- UK Gambling Commission
- Curaçao eGaming
- Malta Gaming Authority.
You can even check the validity of licences and registrations online.
Bookmaker margin:
Margins are the profit percentages that bookmakers deduct from your bets. Bookies do not mention the percentage upfront.
You can find it through online review sites or by chatting with fellow bettors.
Remember, the lower the margin, the better. That said, never compromise on any
security features
Odds
Bonus.
Regardless of how high or low the margins are.
Active promos and bonuses:
Promotions and bonuses are a great way to begin your betting career, though they are not necessary.
Some websites welcome you with free bets, while others give you early payouts. However, you should always read the terms and conditions that are included.
Ease of payments:
Make sure you conduct preliminary research on
Payment processing fees, withdrawal times
Before making a deposit for online cricket betting in Pakistan. Always check ahead of time that the bookmaker accepts your preferred banking methods.
Variety in markets:
You must look for cricket betting sites in Pakistan that offer a range of markets, especially when searching for in-play betting sites. More markets give you wider exposure and increase betting options.
Cricket betting odds:
How competitive a site’s betting odds are will single-handedly determine how much profit you stand to make. Calculate the overground percentage of the cricket betting odds offered by a bookmaker to work out if you’re getting good value.
Customer support:
It is critical to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable online betting experience. You should look for a live chat option available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Because this is the quickest. A very convenient way to solve any problem you may have.
Live betting option:
Nothing compares to the excitement of making bets while attending a live game. If you enjoy playing cricket and want to have the most fun possible. The excitement of this encounter. Choose a betting site for Pakistani cricket that allows in-play wagering.
