Most Popular eSports Bookies in Pakistan

Pakistan offers citizens a robust infrastructure for internet access and residents frequently enjoy online entertainment, such as online eSports competitions and gambling. Ranked 5th in population size as of publication, the country is one of the world’s largest.

Its citizens are overwhelmingly practicing the Islamic religion, which views gambling unfavorably. Gambling is illegal in the nation due to the government following the edicts of the Muslim faith. Let’s explore the history of gambling in Pakistan.

Pakistan established independence from British rule in 1947 when it separated from British India. Upon dividing, the two countries of India and Pakistan also separated Pakistan’s Muslims from India’s Hindu population. By 1977, lawmakers passed the Act for Gambling Prevention.

The Act doesn’t technically apply to modern gambling and online activities participated in from home because legislators enacted the law before the internet’s popularity. However, since the law covers all gambling in the region, it may remain applicable to gambling on the internet. Fortunately for Pakistan’s gamblers, regulators focus primarily on illegally operating bookmakers, not gamblers.

Changes in eSports

Esports dates to the origin and popularity of home video games in 1972. By 1980, 10,000 gamers participated in a Space Invaders nationwide competition in America. In 1981, a Donkey Kong tournament continued the expansion of video game competitions. It was not until 2021 that Pakistan recognized eSports as a regular sport.

In fact, fans and enthusiasts are turning passion for gaming into careers. Video games is big business. Major brands, such as Red Bull, Mountain Dew, and Nike, are sponsoring competitions to attract the attention of the sport’s loyal fanbase. Once a fringe hobby, playing video games has become the ticket to lucrative winnings and endorsement deals. Professionals may earn millions by offering online tutorials via YouTube or Twitch and by winning competitions.

Revenue and viewers are driving eSports explosive international growth. As one of the world’s most lucrative sports, eSports revenue surpassed $1 in market value by 2019. Global fans login from Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific.

The Asia-Pacific region attracts nearly 60 percent of international eSports viewers. Viewers grew by more than 50 percent in 2017 alone. With the possibility of staggering earnings for talented eSports professionals, new players are picking up the sport.

One of the highest earners in eSports, Johan Sundstein, claimed nearly $7 million in cash prizes from more than 100 competitions by the age of twenty-six. Therefore, the door is wide open for Pakistani esports gamers to excel in international tournaments, earnings, and popularity.

Pakistan prohibits most forms of gambling, reducing options for fans to wager on video game competitions. The 1977 Act for Prevention of Gambling is based upon the 1867 Public Gambling Act from the time the British controlled the region.

Pakistan’s 1977 Act for Prevention of Gambling sets the legal framework for the entire country bet on egaming. The Act effectively repeals previous legislation, such as Prevention of Gambling Ordinances for Punjab, Sindh, West Pakistan, and Baluchistan, according to legal experts.

Citizens found guilty of facilitating betting or participating in gambling activities face imprisonment and fines. Prolific offenders face strict punishment up to three years and fines of 2,000 rupees.

Legislation affords police the ability to enter any place under suspicion of serving as a gambling venue. Exceptions to the law include tourist venues, which the government regulates and only allows foreign gamblers to participate in gambling activities.

Despite the strict laws and regulatory oversight, gambling is a major part of Pakistan’s culture. According to online reports, crime syndicates and police control the gambling odds. While wagering on horse racing remains legal, online gambling opportunities attract citizens who choose to take a chance wagering online rather than frequent illegal bookies in the region.

It is simple to find online casinos, which are licensed and regulated in other regions. Plenty of online sites allow each interested Pakistan resident to set up an account and wager.

Pakistan served as the host city for the PUGB Mobile National championship. This sports tournament is a prelude to the region’s future prolific participation in the eSports arena. During the tournament, 16 teams completed 24 matches to with Team Babu emerging as champions to walk away with the $10,000 prize.

With the win, Team Babu qualified to join the Pro League. Notable teams during the tournament include i8 eSports, X Generation, and Freestyle.

While CSGO is popular for bettors in Pakistan, Dota 2 holds its own. The pro gaming market is intensely competitive. Gamers recognize that millions of dollars are available to win at major tournaments. Online betting sites are particularly interested in setting odds for national competitions to attract local citizens.

How Does a Person Wager on eSports in Pakistan?

Betting in Pakistan is illegal and those who violate the law are subject to fines and imprisonment. Exceptions include government-run betting opportunities, such as tourist betting venues. However, online betting sites are increasingly offering opportunities for Pakistan’s citizens to wager on eSports competitions from the comfort of home.

Researching popular sites will give a bettor information about which sites are licensed outside of Pakistan and secure for depositing betting funds. After choosing a site to wager, a gambler will simply follow the site directions to register for an account, agree with the terms, and deposit funds to wager. Those who wager online are still in violation of the Act and should proceed with caution.

Can a Gamer Make a Living Playing eSports in Pakistan?

For those who master video games and are enthusiastic about winning, competitive gaming offers several career options, such as playing, coaching, and team ownership. With millions of dollars available from competitions, gamers hope to win lucrative prize pools.

Certainly, there are players from Pakistan who have developed lucrative careers by mastering popular eSports titles, such as CS:GO, FIFA, and DOTA 2. However, playing eSports at the professional level takes years of practice.