Pakistani authorities are stepping up efforts to combat illegal online gambling and betting amid growing concerns over financial fraud, cybercrime and consumer protection.
The campaign comes as investigators examine suspected illegal gambling networks that may expose users to financial losses, identity theft and the misuse of banking information.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) investigates suspected cybercrime, online fraud and unlawful financial transactions. Its investigations into alleged gambling networks may involve examining bank accounts, digital payment records and other financial evidence to trace suspicious transactions.
The FIA recently registered a case against eight individuals over an alleged online gambling and illegal financial network involving transactions worth more than PKR 119.93bn. The case has raised concerns about the potential misuse of Pakistan’s digital payment systems, including JazzCash and Easypaisa.
JazzCash, operated by Veon’s digital financial services business, has reportedly closed or suspended more than 100 aggregator accounts following an FIA investigation into suspected online gambling transactions. Meanwhile, Easypaisa-linked merchant payments have reportedly faced settlement delays, affecting legitimate businesses.
FIA case documents indicate that investigators traced financial flows through 11 companies suspected of facilitating online gambling transactions. The allegations remain under investigation and have not been proven in court.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) can also take regulatory action against online platforms under applicable laws and procedures. However, blocking websites and applications may not fully eliminate illegal betting activities, as operators can attempt to move their services to alternative platforms.
Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution when using unfamiliar online applications, avoid sharing banking credentials and refrain from transferring money to unverified accounts.
Illegal gambling is a common issue in countries with highly restrictive legal frameworks. Earlier this month, police in Malaysia's Perak state cut electricity to 33 premises identified as being involved in illegal gambling.
Last month, Turkish authorities launched legal proceedings against 58 suspects in Istanbul over allegations involving online betting operations and payment infrastructure linked to unlicensed websites.
Pakistan maintains tight legal restrictions on gambling, with authorities targeting unlicensed online betting and gambling platforms
