In 2025, gambling regulations news Pakistan has become a hot topic across the South Asian iGaming community. Once considered a “closed market” due to religious and legal restrictions, Pakistan is now slowly entering global conversations around digital betting, online casinos, and the legality of games of chance.
If you’re watching the market, building an affiliate network, or considering platform expansion, the gambling news Pakistan today may surprise you. Things are shifting—both on the surface and behind the scenes—and those who understand these changes early will be in the best position to grow with them.
A Snapshot of Gambling Laws in Pakistan
To understand current gambling regulations Pakistan, we need to look at the foundation.
Pakistan’s gambling laws date back to The Prevention of Gambling Act of 1977, which prohibits most forms of betting and gambling. It criminalizes betting in public places, running a gaming house, and even participating in lotteries outside of government regulation. However, there are some grey zones:
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Horse race betting is legal under specific licenses.
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Prize bonds (a form of government-sanctioned lottery) are widely used and accepted.
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No direct legislation exists (yet) on online gambling, which is where the debate heats up.
This legal vacuum around digital gambling has triggered growing discussions on how to regulate—and tax—an industry that’s already happening under the surface.
Gambling News Pakistan: What’s Happening in 2025?
As of Q2 2025, these are the biggest developments shaping gambling regulations news Pakistan:
⚖️ 1. Parliamentary Debates on Digital Gambling
For the first time in decades, lawmakers are openly discussing the potential of regulating online gambling. A recent session in the National Assembly explored whether Pakistan could introduce legal frameworks similar to India’s new digital gaming act or Malaysia’s eGambling codes.
While no bill has passed yet, this marks a major shift in tone. From religious condemnation to economic exploration—Pakistan is looking at digital gambling as a potential revenue stream.
💻 2. Rise of Offshore Platforms
Despite restrictions, thousands of Pakistanis already participate in online gambling through offshore platforms based in Curacao, Malta, and Southeast Asia. These platforms accept payments via crypto, e-wallets, or international gateways.
This trend has led to increased concerns from the government about capital flight, unregulated play, and lack of tax collection—further fueling the desire for clearer gambling regulations Pakistan can control.
🧠 3. Growing Public Dialogue
Thanks to platforms like YouTube, Threads, and Twitter/X, Pakistani youth are openly discussing online slots, cricket betting, and lottery apps. Influencers in Karachi and Lahore are even sharing “how-to guides” for using international gambling sites.
This cultural shift is causing pressure from both religious conservatives and tech entrepreneurs. The latter want to localize and legitimize the sector; the former fear moral decay.
Why This Matters for the Regional Market
So why is gambling news Pakistan so important to the wider Asia region?
Because Pakistan is:
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The fifth-most-populous country in the world (240+ million people)
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Has over 130 million internet users
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Is a major cricket hub, making it ripe for sportsbook development
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Shares a cultural-linguistic link with India, Bangladesh, and the Middle East
If the country opens up even slightly—say, to digital raffles, skill-based games, or fantasy sports—it could unlock massive affiliate and B2B opportunities across the iGaming and fintech world.
What Business Operators Need to Watch
If you’re a white-label casino provider, affiliate network manager, or iGaming platform builder, the gambling regulations news Pakistan carries several key signals.
🚀 1. Emerging Grey Zones
While full-blown casino games are still banned, skill-based games, prediction markets, and crypto games are operating in a legal gray area. Entrepreneurs are launching quiz apps, fantasy cricket, and even virtual “spin-to-win” platforms that don’t call themselves gambling—but serve the same psychological reward mechanisms.
🧩 2. API & Platform Localization
Pakistani players prefer platforms with Urdu language options, low-stakes tables, e-wallet support (like JazzCash, Easypaisa), and mobile-friendly UI. Developers who tap into this can start soft-launching services while remaining under the radar of current enforcement.
📢 3. Affiliate Traffic from Pakistan is Underrated
CPMs in Pakistan remain relatively low, yet engagement with casino-style ads is rising. This makes Pakistan an attractive traffic source for SEO, Telegram marketing, and influencer partnerships—even if the funnel leads to offshore brands for now.
Global Influences on Local Policy
In 2024, countries like India, the Philippines, and Thailand began rewriting their own gambling frameworks. These reforms are indirectly influencing Pakistan’s internal debate, especially as:
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India passed a Digital Gaming Act with tax guidelines for fantasy and online real-money games.
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Thailand is preparing to legalize its first land-based casino.
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The UAE is exploring regulated online betting with Western partners.
Pakistani policymakers are watching closely. Many officials are starting to ask: If our neighbors are profiting and controlling it, why shouldn’t we?
Predictions: Where Gambling Regulations Pakistan Could Go
✅ Short-Term (2025–2026)
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A regulatory commission may be established to study gambling frameworks.
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Crackdowns on illegal offshore promotions may rise.
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Soft approvals for “entertainment apps” and skill-based games may expand.
🚧 Mid-Term (2026–2028)
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Introduction of a legal licensing system for fantasy cricket and esports.
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Pilot zones or digital sandboxes may test regulated gambling environments.
🎯 Long-Term (2029+)
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Full legalization of online gambling, with central taxation and KYC compliance.
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Local brands may emerge under partnerships with regional white-label providers.
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Integration of iGaming into Pakistan’s fintech innovation roadmap.
How to Position Yourself Now
You don’t need to wait for the government to legalize everything before entering the space. Smart operators are already:
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Building localized platforms branded for Pakistani audiences (Urdu, low bandwidth, mobile-first).
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Creating content on YouTube and TikTok that educates about safe play and responsible betting.
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Partnering with influencers in Pakistan’s digital space for affiliate awareness.
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Offering skill-based games and crypto-enabled platforms that toe the line but stay legal.
This is the Moment
The gambling regulations news Pakistan is no longer about total prohibition—it’s about transformation. The government, the people, and the businesses are slowly aligning around one truth: digital entertainment that involves real money is inevitable.
For the South and East Asian iGaming world, this creates an urgent opportunity. Whether you’re in Singapore, Mumbai, Jakarta, or Sydney—if you understand how to launch culturally-aligned, regulation-aware gambling platforms, Pakistan could be your next big market.
Don’t wait until the laws are fully formed. Start building trust, infrastructure, and visibility now. When the doors open, you’ll already be inside the room.
