Local horse racing events that operate in strict conformance to the local rules are an integral aspect of the fabric of Pakistanis. However, regarding sports betting in Pakistan, Pakistani players can only play at offshore sites that accept bettors from the country.
This article explores the subject of betting in Pakistan, with a keen focus on the history of gambling activities in the country, the legality of sports betting, favorite sports in the country, payment methods, and anything that can influence a player's gaming experience.
Pakistan is a relatively new country, with the country's history as a whole being somewhat less than a century old, let alone the history of gambling. Before gaining independence from British rule in 1947, it is believed that betting was somehow prohibited in the country, just like in most nations under British control at the time.
However, in 1956, Pakistan was declared an Islamic state almost immediately after gaining independence. As a result, this meant that Islamic laws underpinned most of the country's laws and enacted legislation ever since.
Before independence, gambling was outlawed under the Public Gambling Act of 1867. According to this British law, anyone guilty of betting or abetting betting risked punishment or fines. Over the following years, several notable acts were adopted in various British territories.
A century after adopting the Public Gambling Act of 1867, in 1977, the Prevention of Gambling Act was passed, overriding all pieces of legislation on gambling in Pakistan. According to this 1977 Act, all forms of wagering were deemed illegal.