Pakistan is surrounded by India in the east, China in the northeast, Afghanistan in the northwest, Iran in the west and Arabian Sea in the south. Since the interest in sports such as cricket and hockey has risen over the years so has the demand for betting on the said games. This guide is designed to give the reader a better understanding of the current state of Pakistan Bookmakers with regard to its legal status, historical background, regulatory environment and the general mechanics of sports betting.
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Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
Gambling Laws and Legislation in Pakistan
Pakistan is an Islamic country and being under the Sharia law, gambling is forbidden in Pakistan. Therefore, gambling is formally prohibited in Pakistan. Reality of the matter is that the illicit gambling activities have continued to expand and have become a multi-billion dollar business.
Key Legislation
- Public Gambling Act of 1867: This colonial law is still the primary anti-gambling law in Pakistan and has not been changed to this date. It prohibits gambling in all its forms.
- Prevention of Gambling Houses Act of 1977: This act complements the Public Gambling Act and is applicable to businesses that are engaged in gambling services.
Exceptions
Horse racing and certain lotteries are allowed under the laws but only under some circumstances.
Pakistan Bookmakers Regulatory Agencies
However, there is no specific authority in place to regulate gambling in Pakistan even when the laws are very strict. The enforcement of the laws is usually by the local police as well as other local government bodies. However, because the activities of the IGO are clandestine, enforcement is irregular and thus frequently lacks credibility.
Enforcement and Penalties
The act and regulation of gambling in Pakistan is controlled by the Penal Code, and certain articles describe the consequences of gambling activities.
Specific Penalties
- Operating Gambling Houses: Imprisonment may be for up to one year and/or a fine of up to one thousand rupees.
- Participation in Gambling: Up to one year in prison or fines up to 5,000 rupees or both.
- Public Gambling: Up to one year in prison with a fine of up to 500 rupees or both the options are available.
- Private Gambling: Up to two years in prison or a fine of up to one thousand rupees or both.
- Repeat Offenses: Stiffer sanctions that include imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or a fine which may extend to two thousand rupees or both.
Bookmakers Licenses and Cost
Gambling is unlawful in Pakistan therefore there is no government approval of bookmakers or sports betting operators. It is allowable for certain clubs to acquire licenses to engage in the business with certain restrictions especially on horse racing.
Licensing for Horse Racing
- License Issuance: At the permission of local authorities.
- Fees: Differ with the jurisdiction but usually refer to a large sum to guarantee compliance.
Bookmakers Gambling Taxes
Since all kinds of gambling are prohibited, there is no particular taxation system for the gambling activities. However, the licensed horse racing clubs are taxable, however, the details of tax rates are not readily available in the public domain.
Prohibited and Allowed Bets
Prohibited Bets
- Casino Games: All forms are contradiction of the law.
- Sports Betting: It is prohibited, however, it is allowed in horse racing provided certain conditions are met.
- Online Gambling: Also prohibited and the offenders are usually punished severely if apprehended.
Allowed Bets
- Horse Racing: This was done under strict guidelines of the set regulations that govern the granting of such loans.
- Certain Lotteries: It was allowed only to those people who had the permission of the government to do so.
- LUCKNOW: Pakistan sports betting – Description of the offered services
However, due to the legal prohibitions, sports betting especially on cricket is still popular and widespread.
Popular Sports for Pakistan Bookmakers
- Cricket: Cricket games especially in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and other international games are the most popular betting events.
- Hockey: Since the country has recently done well in the sport, hockey also has some level of betting associated with it.
- Kabaddi and Polo: The betting activities are also present in these traditional sports, but not as frequent as in the modern ones.
Common Betting Markets
- Match Outcomes: A bet on the team which is expected to win a match.
- Player Performances: Placing bets on specific players and their performance in terms of runs or wickets they get.
- In-Game Events: Wagering on certain events in a cricket match for example the number of fours in an over.
Sporting Milestones in Pakistan
- 1992: Pakistan lifts the Cricket World Cup.
- 2009: Winning the world Cup in the T20 format of the cricket.
- 2017: Pakistan wins the ICC Champions Trophy, that was held in England and Wales.
- 2018: Domination in the Asia Cup.
- Olympic Achievements: Three gold medals in Field hockey for men (1960, 1968, 1984).
Conclusion
Sports betting is not legal in Pakistan as there are strict laws and yet it still goes on in the country albeit covertly. It is therefore important to have an understanding of the law to anybody who is involved or has an interest in this activity. Although, the government has not changed its stance towards gambling, the love for sports coupled with the thrill of betting does not cease to exist and remains a part of Pakistani culture in the form of a banned activity.
FAQ of Pakistan Bookmakers
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