PTA Bans 184 Gambling and Betting Apps in Pakistan – August 2025 Crackdown

PTA Bans 184 Betting and Gambling Apps in Pakistan – August 2025 Crackdown

In a major digital crackdown, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has blocked 184 online betting and gambling platforms across the country. The action was taken under Section 37 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, aimed at restricting access to unethical, illegal, and harmful online content.

The banned websites and applications were reportedly involved in promoting online gambling and sports betting, activities which are considered illegal in Pakistan and contrary to Islamic and cultural values. This includes popular international platforms as well as locally accessed betting portals that had gained traction in recent months, especially during major sports tournaments.

The PTA issued a statement confirming that it received multiple complaints from the public, media, and religious bodies regarding the widespread use of such apps, particularly among youth. Many of these platforms were luring users with fake rewards, targeted ads, and cryptocurrency-based transactions, pushing them into financial and moral traps.

> “We are committed to safeguarding the socio-religious fabric of the country. Promoting gambling is not only illegal under Pakistani law but also harmful to the mental health of individuals,” said a PTA official.

This step aligns with the government’s broader mission to regulate digital space in line with religious, constitutional, and moral obligations. The authority has also requested Google, Apple, and other app marketplaces to remove these gambling apps from Pakistani access.

Legal experts have applauded the move, stating that these platforms exploit loopholes in payment gateways and lack of public awareness. Many users, especially teenagers, end up losing thousands of rupees with no legal protection or refund policies.

Critics, however, have raised concerns over freedom of the internet and warned that blocking without digital literacy campaigns may not be a long-term solution. They argue that better awareness, education, and parental controls are also needed alongside banning.

Meanwhile, PTA has advised the public to report any suspicious gambling-related platforms through its complaint portal. It has also warned that anyone found promoting or facilitating such content can face legal consequences under PECA 2016, including imprisonment and heavy fines.

This is not the first time PTA has launched such a campaign. Over the last few years, the authority has blocked thousands of websites and apps involved in immoral or illegal activities, including pornography, blasphemy, and cryptocurrency fraud.

With this recent action against 184 apps, the government signals that digital regulation will remain a top priority, especially with increasing reliance on mobile apps and internet content in Pakistan.