In Pakistan, mobile wagering is closely tied to national sports culture. Betting patterns reflect both the sporting calendar and the passions of the people — especially when it comes to cricket, football, and increasingly, eSports and MMA.
This page explores which sports dominate the mobile betting space in Pakistan, when activity peaks, and how different sports attract different types of bettors.
🏏 Cricket: The Nation’s Obsession
Cricket is deeply embedded in Pakistani culture, and unsurprisingly, it’s the leading sport for mobile betting. From local leagues to global tournaments, betting volumes spike during:
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Pakistan Super League (PSL)
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ICC World Cup (ODI and T20)
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India vs Pakistan matches
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Test series involving Pakistan or top-ranked teams
Popular types of cricket bets:
| Bet Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Match Winner | Pakistan to beat England |
| Over/Under Total Runs | Over 175.5 runs in 1st innings |
| Player Performance | Babar Azam to score 50+ runs |
| Fall of Next Wicket | 3rd wicket to fall before 100 runs |
| Toss Winner | Karachi Kings to win toss |
⚽ Football: A Global Game with Local Fans
While cricket holds national pride, football enjoys widespread popularity in urban areas, particularly among younger users.
Top football betting markets include:
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English Premier League (EPL)
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UEFA Champions League
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La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga
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FIFA World Cup & Euro Championships
Football bets focus on:
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Match result (1X2)
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Total goals
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First goalscorer
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Double chance
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Corners and bookings
Late-night match times often match well with betting patterns in Pakistan, especially during weekends. Many users bet in Telegram groups while watching streams on YouTube or sports networks.
🎾 Tennis & Combat Sports: Fast-Paced Alternatives
Tennis and MMA (especially UFC) are gaining momentum due to their regular schedules and fast outcomes.
Tennis betting appeals to those who enjoy multiple events per day. Key options include:
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Set betting
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Total games
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Player to win a set
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Live betting after each point
UFC and boxing have fewer events but attract high activity due to:
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High-profile matchups
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Betting on round finish, method of victory
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Pre-fight stats and hype in local sports media
🎮 eSports & Virtual Sports: The New Wave
Among younger bettors, eSports is carving out a serious niche. Popular games include:
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Dota 2
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CS:GO
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PUBG (esp. in regional leagues)
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League of Legends
Betting options include match winners, map results, first kill, and total score.
Virtual sports like instant football, cricket, and racing simulations are used as fillers between live matches — and attract bettors looking for faster outcomes.
⏰ When Do Pakistanis Bet Most?
| Sport | Peak Season | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Cricket | Feb–April, Oct–Nov | PSL, World Cup, bilateral series |
| Football | Aug–May | European league seasons |
| Tennis | Jan–Nov (Grand Slams) | Almost year-round activity |
| MMA/UFC | Monthly PPVs | High-profile cards on weekends |
| eSports | Irregular, trending | Based on tournament schedules |
📊 Local Trends & Behaviors
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Group Betting: Many users consult with friends or group admins before placing bets. This is especially common with cricket parlays.
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Low-Stake Bets: A large percentage of wagers are under 500 PKR, particularly among new or casual users.
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Live Odds Switching: Users frequently edit or cash out bets based on shifting momentum, especially in cricket and football.
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Mobile-Only Users: Many bettors do not use desktops at all — mobile is their only point of access.