Gambling is subject to heavy restrictions under Pakistani law, with certain exceptions.
Legislation[edit]
Gambling is illegal for citizens under the Prevention of Gambling Act 1977, which is based on the British-era Public Gambling Act of 1867. In 1978, the provincial versions of this act were brought into effect.[1] This legislation replaced the earlier laws such as the Baluchistan Prevention of Gambling Ordinance of 1961, West Pakistan Prevention of Gambling Ordinance of 1961, Punjab Prevention of Gambling Ordinance of 1961 and the Sindh Prevention of Gambling Ordinance of 1961.[2]
Under this act, individuals found conducting gambling-related activities may face penalties of varying nature according to the circumstances.[2] Those who knowingly operate gambling facilities may face fines of up to 1,000 rupees or a maximum imprisonment of up to one year, or both.[2] Individuals who are discovered engaging in the act of gambling at 'common gaming houses' are liable for fines of up to 5,000 rupees, a maximum imprisonment of one year, or both. The definition of a common gaming house includes any facility where there is evidence of gaming through the use of playing cards, dice, counters, money or instruments.[2] For people who gamble in public places, the penalty may comprise a fine of up to 500 rupees, a maximum one year of imprisonment, or both. Likewise, individuals who are found gambling in private facilities risk a fine of up to 1,000 rupees, a term of imprisonment extending up to two years, or both.[2]Repeat offenders may face fines extending up to 2,000 rupees or an imprisonment of up to three years, or both.[2] The legislation grants law enforcement agencies the authority to enter and search any premises which is reported or suspected of having acting as a gaming facility.[2]
This law provides an exception for 'tourist complexes,' which would be regulated by the relevant provincial governments, and to which only foreigners are admitted.[2]
Although online gambling is also deemed illegal there are still some who opt to do so, as access to foreign-based sites, although somewhat restricted by the government, is still possible. Lebanon; In Lebanon the law states that gambling of any kind that is unauthorised is illegal, and the government has the power to block online casinos too. Presently, gambling is legal in the UK for anybody above 18 years of age. What’s more, there is no tax in the UK on winnings in Bingo, lotteries, horse-racing, casinos, etc. The act defines gambling as ‘placing or accepting a bet or wager’ and all gambling activities in the country are governed by this act. Also, there are separate set of regulations that govern. A court in Pakistan has released a donkey that had been held following a case of illegal gambling. Eight men arrested in the same case were given bail the day after police targeted an illegal.
References[edit]
- ^Riaz, Haroon (30 January 2016). 'Why Pakistan should legalise gambling'. The Nation. Retrieved 19 April 2020.
- ^ abcdefgh'The Prevention of Gambling Act, 1977'(PDF). National Assembly of Pakistan. 25 May 1977. Retrieved 19 April 2020.Cite has empty unknown parameter:
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