Sports Betting Abroad — What Pakistani Travelers Should Know
When Pakistani travelers visit countries where sports betting is legal, they encounter a world that doesn't exist back home. Billboards advertise betting apps, stadiums have bookmaker sponsorships, and fans openly discuss odds before matches. For many, it's the first real exposure to regulated betting.
⚠️ Important Legal Note
Sports betting is illegal in Pakistan. This guide is for Pakistani travelers who find themselves in countries where betting is legal and regulated. Always follow local laws wherever you are.
Why This Matters for Pakistani Sports Travelers
If you're traveling to watch a cricket match in England, a football game in the UAE, or the F1 in Singapore, you'll see betting everywhere. Understanding how it works — even if you never place a bet — helps you navigate conversations with other fans and understand a major aspect of global sports culture.
Countries Where Betting Is Legal and Regulated
Many destinations Pakistani travelers visit have fully legal, government-regulated betting industries:
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
- Fully legal and heavily regulated by the UK Gambling Commission
- Betting shops on most high streets
- Online betting widely available
- Government-licensed operators are accessible through both retail shops and online platforms.
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
- Traditional betting is prohibited
- However, licensed international platforms accessible in some contexts
- Horse racing at Meydan has specific arrangements
🇦🇺 Australia
- Legal online sports betting with licensed operators
- Strong cricket betting culture
- Licensed sportsbooks provide nationwide mobile apps and on-course betting options.
🇸🇬 Singapore
- Legal through Singapore Pools (government-run)
- Limited to specific sports and events
- Strict regulations on advertising
🇪🇺 European Union Countries
- Most EU countries have legal, regulated betting
- Each country has its own licensing system
- Popular destinations: Germany, Spain, Italy, Malta
How Sports Betting Actually Works
If you've never engaged with betting, here's a plain explanation of the basics:
Odds Explained
Odds represent the probability of an outcome and determine how much you'd win. They're displayed differently by region:
Pakistan to win: 2.50
→ Bet $10, win $25 total ($15 profit)
Pakistan to win: 3/2
→ Bet $10, win $15 profit + $10 stake
Pakistan to win: +150
→ Bet $100, win $150 profit
Types of Bets
Match Winner
Simply pick who wins the match. Most straightforward bet type.
Over/Under
Bet whether total runs/goals will be over or under a set number.
Handicap
One team gets a virtual advantage to even the odds.
Prop Bets
Specific outcomes: top scorer, number of sixes, first goal time.
Live/In-Play
Bets placed during the match as odds change in real-time.
Accumulators
Multiple bets combined — all must win for payout.
Online Betting Platform Accessible Abroad
When traveling in countries with legal betting, 1xBet is one of the international operators Pakistani fans encounter most often. Here's what to expect:
1xBet
1xBet delivers deep coverage of global leagues, robust in-play markets, and supports a wide range of payment methods suitable for travelers.
What You Need to Start (If Betting Legally Abroad)
If you're in a country where betting is legal and want to try it:
Passport or ID. All regulated platforms require KYC (Know Your Customer) verification.
International debit/credit card, e-wallet (Skrill, Neteller), or cryptocurrency on some platforms.
You must be physically in a country where the platform is licensed. VPN use violates terms of service.
18+ in most countries (21+ in some US states). Verified during registration.
Responsible Gambling — Critical Advice
🛑 Before You Start — Read This
Betting should be entertainment, not income. The mathematical reality is that bookmakers always have an edge — they wouldn't be in business otherwise. If you choose to bet, treat it as a cost of entertainment, like buying a movie ticket.
Set Limits Before You Start
- Budget limit: Decide the maximum you're willing to lose BEFORE you start. Never exceed it.
- Time limit: Don't spend hours on betting apps. Set a timer.
- Loss limit: Stop immediately when you hit your loss limit. Chasing losses leads to bigger losses.
- Win limit: If you're ahead, cash out. The temptation to keep going usually ends badly.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
- Betting more than you can afford to lose
- Chasing losses with bigger bets
- Borrowing money to gamble
- Lying to family about betting
- Betting interfering with work or relationships
- Feeling anxious or irritable when not betting
Resources for Help
- GamCare: International support for problem gambling
- Gamblers Anonymous: Support groups worldwide
- Self-exclusion: All regulated platforms offer options to block yourself
Major Betting Events in 2026
2026 will see record betting volumes on these events:
- FIFA World Cup 2026: Biggest football betting event ever — 48 teams, 104 matches across USA, Canada, Mexico
- T20 World Cup 2026: India & Sri Lanka hosting — massive cricket betting market
- IPL 2026: Indian Premier League remains the largest cricket betting tournament
- PSL 2026: Pakistan Super League (growing international interest)
- Asia Cup 2026: Expected in Bangladesh — regional cricket rivalry
Cricket Betting — What Pakistani Fans Should Know
Cricket has massive betting markets globally. With T20 World Cup 2026 happening in India & Sri Lanka, expect huge betting activity:
Popular Cricket Betting Markets
Traveling to Legal Betting Destinations in 2026
These destinations combine major sporting events with legal betting infrastructure:
🇺🇸 United States
FIFA World Cup 2026 host. Legal sports betting in 38+ states. Massive betting market during tournament.
🇬🇧 England
Premier League, cricket at Lord's, Wimbledon. Fully legal betting everywhere.
🇦🇺 Australia
Cricket, Australian Open, F1 Melbourne. Strong betting culture, licensed operators.
🇸🇬 Singapore
F1 night race (September 2026). Government-regulated betting through Singapore Pools.
🇦🇪 UAE
F1 Abu Dhabi (December 2026). Easiest F1 race for Pakistani fans to attend. Horse racing at Meydan.
🇲🇹 Malta
European gambling hub. Many betting companies headquartered here. Year-round access.
Check visa requirements for these destinations in our e-visa countries guide or specific country guides like the Brazil visa guide.
Key Takeaways
- Sports betting is a normal part of fan culture in many countries you'll visit
- Understanding odds and bet types helps you engage with global sports conversations
- If you choose to bet while abroad, only use licensed, regulated platforms
- Set strict limits and never bet more than you can afford to lose
- Betting should be entertainment, not a way to make money
- Resources exist if gambling becomes a problem — use them