Sports betting is one of the fastest growing industries globally where sports meets prediction. Globally the sports betting market was valued at USD 100.9 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 187.39 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 11% between 2025 and 2030. This growth is driven by increasing internet penetration, mobile technology and legalization of betting in many countries.
But where does Pakistan fit in this massive global trend? While gambling is restricted in Pakistan, sports betting – especially online – has quietly grown. Millions of Pakistani fans follow cricket, football and even esports and some have turned to international platforms to bet. Popular digital solutions like 1Win apk have made it easier for users to explore betting markets from their mobiles, despite local restrictions. To understand the future of sports betting in Pakistan we need to look at global trends and local dynamics.
The Sports Betting World
In 2024 Europe had 48% of the global market. The UK has one of the most regulated sports betting environments in the world with both retail and online options available. Offline betting shops and casinos still have a big share of the market in Europe and Australia but online is growing fastest globally.
Football is the most bet on sport globally due to tournaments like the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League and top domestic leagues like the English Premier League. In terms of betting types live/in-play betting is the trend, users can bet during the match in real time. Esports betting is also growing with younger audiences with titles like Dota 2, Counter-Strike and League of Legends getting huge volumes of bets.
Operators are investing in AI-driven analytics, personalized betting recommendations and partnerships with media platforms. This is blurring the line between watching and betting and making it part of the broader entertainment ecosystem.
Pakistan’s Place in the Sports Betting Market
In Pakistan, sports betting is in a legal grey area. The Public Gambling Act of 1867 prohibits most forms of gambling but international betting platforms are available online. With millions of Pakistanis following cricket and football, betting is unofficially widespread.
Unlike countries with regulated markets, Pakistan’s sports betting environment has no licensed operators, no tax structure and no consumer protection framework. Despite this, the demand is strong and driven by three main factors.
Cricket’s Dominance
Cricket is the heartbeat of Pakistan’s sports culture. Events like the Pakistan Super League (PSL), the ICC Cricket World Cup, and T20 leagues attract massive betting activity. The fast pace of T20 cricket, combined with multiple betting markets (runs per over, wickets, partnerships), makes it especially attractive to bettors.
Football’s Growing Popularity
While cricket rules the nation, football betting is growing, especially among younger fans who follow the English Premier League, La Liga, and UEFA Champions League. Many Pakistani bettors use international apps to place wagers on football matches, given the sport’s year-round tournaments.
Digital and Mobile Growth
Pakistan has over 195 million mobile subscribers and increasing smartphone penetration. With cheap internet data packages, mobile betting apps and websites are becoming the primary way bettors engage with sports.
Sports Betting in Pakistan
Sports betting in Pakistan is rapidly evolving despite the absence of formal legalization. While land-based betting venues are virtually nonexistent, millions of Pakistani users actively participate through betting sites in Pakistan and international mobile platforms. Fueled by a young, tech-savvy population, growing internet penetration, and the popularity of sports like cricket and football, the market has quietly expanded into a vibrant digital ecosystem. This shift reflects both global betting trends and the country’s unique regulatory and cultural landscape.
Online Betting
Worldwide online betting is expected to grow at 12.9% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. In Pakistan, most betting is happening through mobile apps and international platforms and not physical venues. Depositing funds through e-wallets or cryptocurrencies makes it even more convenient.
Live and In-Play Betting
Live betting allows you to bet during a match. In Pakistan, cricket fans love to bet ball by ball or over by over, it’s one of the most exciting form of betting. Football fans are also getting into live betting, betting on goals, cards or corners in real time.
Esports Betting Among Youth
With the rise of PUBG Mobile, Counter-Strike, and Dota 2, esports betting has gained momentum in Pakistan. Young, tech-savvy audiences are not only watching but also wagering on international gaming tournaments via streaming platforms.
Cryptocurrency and Digital Payments
Since traditional banking options for betting are restricted in Pakistan, cryptocurrencies and online wallets are playing a major role. Bitcoin and stablecoins are frequently used to deposit and withdraw funds from international sportsbooks, allowing bettors to bypass regulatory and banking hurdles.
Regulation and Responsible Gambling
While Pakistan has not legalized betting, global trends show increasing emphasis on responsible gambling tools, including self-exclusion, deposit limits, and AI-powered behavior monitoring. If Pakistan were to regulate betting in the future, these frameworks would likely become part of the system.
Opportunities and Challenges
Opportunities:
- Economic Potential. If legalized and taxed, sports betting could generate significant revenue for Pakistan’s economy. Countries like the UK and India (where betting is partly regulated) earn billions in taxes from the industry.
- Job Creation. Regulation could create employment opportunities in customer support, IT, compliance, and marketing.
- Consumer Protection. A legal framework would help protect bettors from fraud, scams, and unfair practices.
Challenges:
- Religious and Cultural Resistance. Gambling remains a sensitive issue in Pakistan, with strong cultural and religious opposition.
- Regulatory Barriers. Establishing a regulated framework requires significant legislative changes and government approval.
- Illegal Market Risks. Without regulation, unlicensed operators dominate, increasing the risks of addiction, fraud, and unprotected financial transactions.
Future
By 2030 the global sports betting market will almost double and Pakistan will see more participation even if it remains illegal. Cricket betting will grow due to PSL and international tournaments and esports betting will target younger demographics.
If Pakistan moves towards regulated sports betting the country can tap into a massive economic opportunity and consumer safety. Until then the underground market will continue to grow with smartphones, internet and international platforms.
Conclusion
Sports betting in Pakistan is at a crossroads. On one hand it’s everywhere during major cricket and football tournaments. On the other hand billions of revenue and tax is being lost to offshore operators.
Globally, sports betting is becoming more integrated with entertainment, driven by technology, live betting, and esports. For Pakistan, the demand already exists – it is the legal framework and societal acceptance that will determine whether the country can transform this underground activity into a regulated, revenue-generating industry.
As the world heads toward a $187 billion sports betting market by 2030, Pakistan’s bettors will remain active players in the digital space, whether through legal reform or continued reliance on international platforms.