Gambling Age In Pakistan

Minimum Age: No specified age

Details and Explanation

Legal Age Requirement: In Pakistan, gambling is illegal, with no specified minimum legal age, as per the Prevention of Gambling Act 1977, reflecting a ban under Islamic law to curb social harms.

Offline / Land-Based Gambling: Land-based gambling, including casinos and betting shops, is illegal under the Prevention of Gambling Act. Horse race betting is permitted in Karachi, with no explicit age requirement but restricted to adults. The betting market, valued at PKR 1 billion annually, offers no casino game catalogs, contrasting with your interests.

Online Gambling: Online gambling is illegal, with the Act prohibiting all forms of remote gambling. Offshore sites contribute to a $50 million unregulated market in 2024, with players using VPNs facing risks without legal protections, aligning with unregulated markets you’ve explored. Website blocking is enforced.

Regulation and Oversight: The Ministry of Interior oversees limited betting, with no dedicated gambling regulator. Pakistan’s Sharia-based stance prioritizes social control, lacking the licensing rigor you’ve inquired about. No regulatory updates occurred in 2024.

Enforcement and Penalties: Pakistan enforces its gambling ban moderately. Operators face fines up to PKR 100,000 or imprisonment up to one year, while players face fines or detention. Online enforcement includes website blocking, maintaining a small, betting-focused gambling environment.