Pakistan, a country where gambling is officially illegal, is home to a vast and thriving underground betting network that spans across cities, villages, and even rural areas. From cricket to horse racing, football, and virtual games, underground betting rings are an integral part of the nation’s sporting culture, despite the official prohibition of such activities. While most of this gambling happens in the shadows, it is a major industry that generates billions of rupees each year.
In this blog, we take a deep dive into the inner workings of Pakistan’s underground betting rings—how they operate, who runs them, and the risks involved. Despite government crackdowns and a pervasive sense of illegality, these networks continue to thrive, fueled by the nation’s passion for sports, technological advancements, and a pervasive culture of secrecy.
The Rise of Underground Betting in Pakistan
Gambling in Pakistan is banned under the Prohibition (Gambling) Act of 1977, yet sports betting has a long history in the country. The love for cricket, in particular, is intertwined with betting, with cricket matches—especially those involving Pakistan—being prime targets for gamblers. From informal neighborhood wagers to large-scale organized betting operations, the underground sports betting industry has grown exponentially over the past few decades.
With the advent of digital technology and the widespread use of mobile phones, the scope of this market has expanded beyond traditional in-person betting. Mobile phones and the internet have made it easier for bettors to access illicit betting platforms, communicate with bookies, and place bets from the comfort of their homes. The shift from traditional street betting to online platforms has given rise to more sophisticated and harder-to-detect betting operations, which operate through encrypted messaging apps and international websites.
The Mechanics of Underground Betting Rings
1. The Role of Bookmakers (Bookies)
At the heart of Pakistan’s underground betting scene are bookmakers, or “bookies,” who act as the intermediaries between the bettors and the gambling operators. Bookies are typically well-connected individuals, often operating in local communities, who organize and manage betting activities. They use personal networks and word-of-mouth to recruit new bettors and keep existing ones engaged.
A bookie’s job involves setting odds, accepting wagers, recording bets, and ensuring that the financial transactions flow smoothly. These individuals are often highly discreet, operating under the radar to avoid detection by authorities. Many bookies run legitimate businesses like tea stalls, travel agencies, or mobile phone shops as a front to disguise their real activities.
2. Online Platforms and Mobile Apps
While traditional street-level bookies still dominate some areas, the rise of online betting has revolutionized the underground market in Pakistan. Many bookies now run their operations through encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal, which provide anonymity and security. These platforms allow them to communicate with bettors, provide real-time updates on odds, and accept bets 24/7.
In addition to these messaging services, there are a growing number of offshore gambling websites where bettors can place wagers on sports events. These platforms are usually hosted in countries with lax gambling laws, such as the Isle of Man, Curacao, or Malta, making it difficult for Pakistani authorities to monitor or block access.
Some of these apps even offer live betting, where users can place bets during matches, such as on cricket games or football matches. These “in-play” bets add another layer of excitement, as users can bet on specific events during the game (e.g., the next wicket in a cricket match or the next goal in a football game). The real-time nature of this kind of betting has attracted a younger, tech-savvy demographic, further increasing the volume of gambling activity.
3. Payment Systems and Cryptocurrency
One of the major challenges for law enforcement in Pakistan is the use of alternative payment methods that facilitate underground gambling. Traditional banking channels are often bypassed, and payments are made through digital wallets, peer-to-peer transfer systems, or even cryptocurrency.
Platforms like PayPal, Western Union, and increasingly cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are used to transfer funds between bettors and bookies. Cryptocurrencies, in particular, have become an attractive option because they provide anonymity and are difficult to trace. As a result, bettors can easily deposit or withdraw funds from international gambling platforms without leaving a trace.
In addition, local mobile money services like Easypaisa and JazzCash are increasingly used for small-scale, local bets. The ability to transfer money quickly through these mobile wallets has made the gambling process seamless and more accessible, even for those in rural areas.
4. Types of Bets and Sports
While cricket is by far the most popular sport for betting in Pakistan, the underground market is not limited to just cricket. Other sports and events include:
- Football (Soccer): With the rise of global football leagues like the English Premier League and La Liga, football has gained a significant following among bettors in Pakistan. Betting on international tournaments, like the FIFA World Cup or UEFA Champions League, is particularly popular.
- Horse Racing: Although less popular than cricket, horse racing has a niche market in Pakistan, particularly in cities like Karachi and Lahore. Betting on horse races is often done in private clubs or through informal channels.
- Basketball and Tennis: Sports like basketball and tennis have grown in popularity in Pakistan, especially with the rise of online sports streaming and social media. Betting on major tournaments like the NBA or Wimbledon attracts a growing base of local gamblers.
- E-Sports: With the growing popularity of digital gaming, betting on e-sports tournaments like Dota 2, League of Legends, and PUBG has found a foothold in Pakistan’s betting market.
Who is Behind Pakistan’s Underground Betting Rings?
The individuals running underground betting rings in Pakistan come from various backgrounds, but they share one common goal: profit. At the top of the chain are the bookies, who control the flow of money and information. Beneath them, there is a network of agents and runners who help facilitate bets and collect money from bettors.
Many of these bookies have international connections, allowing them to operate on a global scale. These links to offshore gambling operators enable them to handle large sums of money and offer bettors the opportunity to place bets on a wide variety of sports and events.
It’s also important to note that illegal betting is often linked to organized crime. In some cases, betting rings are controlled or influenced by criminal organizations that use gambling as a front for money laundering and other illicit activities. These criminal networks take a cut of the profits and ensure that the system operates smoothly, even if it means intimidating or pressuring those involved.
The Risks of Engaging in Underground Betting
While betting in Pakistan may seem like a harmless way to make money or enjoy sports, it comes with significant risks:
1. Addiction and Financial Ruin
Many individuals, especially young people, become addicted to gambling. The easy access to mobile and online platforms makes it easy for bettors to become hooked. Addiction can lead to financial hardship, debt, and damaged relationships. There is also a growing risk of loan sharks and illegal lending practices, with people borrowing money to cover their gambling losses.
2. Legal Consequences
Although the law enforcement apparatus in Pakistan struggles to tackle illegal gambling, being caught in a betting operation can lead to severe penalties. Pakistani authorities have the power to confiscate assets, issue hefty fines, and impose imprisonment for those found guilty of participating in illegal betting. For those involved in running underground operations, the consequences are even more severe.
3. Fraud and Scams
Since many betting operations are unregulated, there is a significant risk of fraud. Bettors may place their money on a bet only to find that the bookmaker has disappeared with their funds. The absence of a regulatory body means there is no recourse for victims of fraud, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.
4. Match-Fixing and Corruption
Underground betting is often linked to match-fixing, particularly in cricket. Betting syndicates can influence the outcome of a game to ensure they make a profit, leading to corruption within the sport. This erodes the integrity of competitive sports and can tarnish the reputation of athletes involved in these schemes.
Conclusion: The Future of Underground Betting in Pakistan
Despite the risks, Pakistan’s underground betting rings are not going anywhere. The passion for sports, particularly cricket, combined with the rise of digital technology, has made betting more accessible than ever before. The government’s inability to regulate online gambling, coupled with the lack of widespread education on the dangers of gambling, means that the underground betting market will likely continue to grow.
To address this issue, Pakistan needs a more comprehensive approach that combines stronger enforcement, education about the risks of gambling, and potential regulation to offer a safe, legal alternative for sports enthusiasts. Until then, the underground world of sports betting will remain a hidden yet thriving industry.
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