Gambling, including lotteries, is broadly prohibited in Pakistan under federal law as part of efforts to align secular legislation with Islamic principles. The primary statute, the Prevention of Gambling Act, 1977, outlaws all forms of wagering and gaming, imposing penalties on both operators and participants (1).
Under this Act, any activity deemed “gambling”—which explicitly includes private lotteries—is punishable by fines and imprisonment. Provincial adaptations of British-era ordinances further reinforce these restrictions, leaving no statutory provision for the purchase of lottery tickets by private individuals (1).
"Keeping lottery office.– Whoever, keeps any office or place for the purpose of drawing any lottery not being a State lottery or a lottery authorized by the Provincial Government shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both." (2)
The only legal exception under Pakistani law pertains to state-run or officially authorized lotteries, which to date have not been implemented at the federal or provincial level. Consequently, any purchase of a lottery ticket in Pakistan is considered unlawful, exposing individuals to legal sanctions under both federal and provincial regulations (2).
Source:
https://na.gov.pk/uploads/documents/1491542668_144.pdf
https://punjablaws.punjab.gov.pk/uploads/articles/PAKISTAN_PENAL_CODE%2C_1860.pdf
Last updated: 20-05-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
