iGaming in Pakistan: the market is growing despite the ban
The iGaming market in Pakistan is booming thanks to a population of 240 million with a median age under 24.
Market size and growth rate
According to iGamingToday, the total volume of the online gambling market in Pakistan reached $500 million in 2025 and is projected to reach $510 million in 2026. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is 6.4%.
| Year | Market Volume (million $) | Online Players (million) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 300 | 34 |
| 2022 | 400 | 38 |
| 2024 | 460 | 45 |
| 2026 (forecast) | 510 | 50.9 |
Player profile
The majority of players are men aged 18 to 35 (77%). Women account for 23% of the audience, or about 8 million people. Players are predominantly young, digitally literate, and prefer mobile platforms.
| Age | Share |
|---|---|
| 18–24 | 40% |
| 25–35 | 35% |
| 36+ | 25% |
Popular games
The most in-demand are mobile slots, sports betting (especially cricket and football), poker, and live dealer games. The popularity of VR games and esports betting is also increasing.
| Game Type | Popularity (%) |
|---|---|
| Slots | 35% |
| Sports betting | 30% |
| Poker | 15% |
| Live dealers | 10% |
| Lotteries and scratch cards | 5% |
| Esports | 5% |
Payment methods
Players in Pakistan actively use anonymous payment methods: cryptocurrencies account for 30% of all transactions. Skrill and Neteller are also popular (25%), along with bank transfers (20%) and mobile payments (15%).
Key operators
The main traffic goes to international brands, as there are no licenses in the country. Market leaders: 1Win, 22bet, Betway, 888casino.
- 1Win — focus on cryptocurrencies, betting, and casino
- 22bet — wide selection of sports markets and language localization
- Betway — international brand with strong position in live betting
- 888casino — focus on slots and poker
Legal regulation
Gambling is prohibited in Pakistan under the Prevention of Gambling Act 1977, with exceptions for state lotteries and horse racing. Online gambling is not officially regulated, and no licenses are issued.
However, the Virtual Assets Bill 2025 is expected to potentially kickstart regulation of crypto betting. The law is still under review, and no reforms are expected in 2025.
Trends and prospects
The Pakistani market is attractive to operators focused on mobile solutions, cryptocurrency payments, and a young audience. Key trends include:
- Growth of esports betting
- Interest in live dealers and VR
- Games with social elements
Success is possible with localization, anonymity, and resilience to legal risks. It is also important to consider cultural and religious norms.
Conclusion
Pakistan is a dynamically growing market with great demographic potential and technological readiness.
However, legal restrictions and cultural sensitivity require operators to be cautious and flexible in their approach to market entry.