Pakistan has taken a decisive step against illegal online betting and trading by banning 46 mobile applications linked to gambling, forex, and binary options. The move comes on the heels of the Ducky Bhai case, which drew massive attention to how unregulated online platforms lure people with promises of quick profits, only to trap them in losses.
The banned apps include some of the biggest global names in betting and trading such as 1xBet, Bet365, Binomo, IQ Option, OctaFX, and Dafabet, alongside casino-style games like Aviator. Authorities also flagged fintech-style applications that had access to SIM and user data, raising concerns about identity theft and privacy violations.
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) prepared the blacklist and directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to block access immediately. Officials say the crackdown is designed to curb unregulated money flows that not only defraud citizens but also weaken the country’s financial system.
At its core, this ban is about impact. For ordinary Pakistanis, especially those from lower and middle-income backgrounds, betting apps and shady trading platforms present an illusion of easy money. Many users, often with little financial literacy, end up losing their savings. Cases like Ducky Bhai’s controversy only highlighted how deeply such platforms have penetrated the digital economy, normalizing a culture of gambling.
On the regulatory front, this ban signals that Pakistan is moving from simply issuing warnings to taking real enforcement action. Both the State Bank and SECP have repeatedly cautioned against offshore trading and investment apps, but this is one of the first large-scale crackdowns targeting them directly. By blocking apps and shutting off official access, the government aims to protect consumers and strengthen oversight of financial transactions.
However, the road ahead is tricky. Many of these platforms can be accessed through VPNs, and betting companies are notorious for reappearing under new names and domains. Surrogate advertising remains another problem, with gambling companies often sponsoring sports or news content under alternate brands to bypass restrictions. Unless regulators also clamp down on this parallel promotion, the culture of betting is unlikely to disappear.
This latest move should be seen as a strong warning shot rather than the final solution. It shows Pakistan is willing to tighten control of its digital and financial space, but sustained monitoring, public awareness campaigns, and tougher penalties will be needed to make a lasting difference. For now, it is a clear signal to users: those flashy betting and trading apps on your phone are not opportunities, they are risks.
