Sports betting is steadily gaining traction in Pakistan, especially as digital platforms become more accessible and user-friendly. With the rise of mobile applications and online portals, enthusiasts now have the chance to place bets on their favorite sports with just a few taps. One such platform making waves in the country is download apk, offering a seamless experience for sports bettors. This article explores the most popular sports to bet on in Pakistan, breaking down what makes each one a top choice for punters.
1. Cricket – The Undisputed King
Cricket is more than just a sport in Pakistan; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Whether it’s a local street match or an international test series, Pakistanis are glued to the game. Betting on cricket has become a natural extension of fans’ passion, offering them a chance to capitalize on their deep knowledge of the game.
Popular Cricket Formats for Betting:
- Pakistan Super League (PSL): As the nation’s premier T20 tournament, PSL garners huge betting interest every season.
- International Matches: Matches involving Pakistan, India, Australia, or England tend to attract massive bets.
- ICC Events: Tournaments like the ICC World Cup and T20 World Cup are peak betting periods.
Common Cricket Bets:
- Match winner
- Top batsman/bowler
- Total runs in an innings
- Over/under bets
- Live betting during matches
2. Football – A Global Obsession
Though cricket rules the local scene, football enjoys a dedicated and growing fanbase in Pakistan, particularly among the youth. With global coverage of leagues like the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and La Liga, football betting has seen exponential growth.
Popular Football Leagues for Betting:
- English Premier League (EPL)
- UEFA Champions League
- FIFA World Cup
- Serie A and La Liga
- Bundesliga
Types of Football Bets:
- Match outcome (win/draw/lose)
- Correct score
- First goalscorer
- Number of goals (over/under)
- Half-time/full-time result
- Asian handicap and European handicap
3. Tennis – Fast-Paced and Predictable
Tennis is a surprisingly popular betting sport in Pakistan due to its frequent tournaments and relatively easier prediction patterns. Events are hosted throughout the year, offering plenty of betting opportunities.
Top Tennis Events:
- Wimbledon
- US Open
- Australian Open
- French Open
- ATP & WTA Tours
Tennis Betting Options:
- Match winner
- Set betting
- Total games over/under
- First set winner
- Live in-play betting
Tennis appeals to bettors looking for quick results and high turnover, with matches often completed within a few hours.
4. Kabaddi – A Traditional Favorite
Kabaddi holds a special place in Pakistan’s sporting culture, especially in rural areas. With the rise of televised kabaddi leagues like the Kabaddi World Cup and Pro Kabaddi League (in India), betting on kabaddi has become popular among local punters.
Kabaddi Betting Markets:
- Match winner
- Total points
- First team to reach a score
- Player performance bets
Though less structured than cricket or football, kabaddi betting is growing rapidly thanks to its fast-paced action and loyal fanbase.
5. Horse Racing – The Classic Betting Sport
Horse racing is one of the oldest forms of sports betting and remains relevant in Pakistan today. Events like the Lahore Race Club and Karachi Race Club host regular races, drawing interest from bettors across the country.
Betting Types in Horse Racing:
- Win/Place/Show bets
- Quinella and Exacta
- Trifecta and Superfecta
- Daily doubles and accumulators
Many bettors appreciate the tradition and prestige that comes with horse racing. It also allows for detailed analysis based on jockey stats, horse lineage, and previous performances.
6. Esports – The Future of Betting
With Pakistan’s tech-savvy youth increasingly turning to competitive gaming, esports has carved a niche in the betting market. Titles like Dota 2, CS:GO, and League of Legends now have major international tournaments, and betting platforms are quick to include them.
Top Esports for Betting:
- Dota 2
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)
- League of Legends (LoL)
- PUBG Mobile
- Valorant
Esports Betting Categories:
- Match winner
- Map winner
- Total kills
- First blood
- Tournament winner
The fast-paced, unpredictable nature of esports keeps bettors on the edge of their seats, making it a thrilling option.
7. Boxing and MMA – High Stakes and High Drama
Combat sports like boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) attract a different kind of bettor—someone looking for adrenaline-filled action and potential upsets. Events under the UFC banner and major boxing bouts such as those involving Tyson Fury or Canelo Alvarez receive heavy international attention.
Common Bets:
- Fight winner
- Round betting
- Method of victory
- Over/under rounds
- Draw bets
The one-on-one format makes these sports easy to follow and analyze, enhancing their betting appeal.
8. Basketball – Fast and Furious
Basketball, especially the NBA, enjoys a decent following in Pakistan. Its high-scoring nature makes betting on basketball particularly exciting, with multiple betting opportunities during a single game.
Key Basketball Events:
- NBA
- FIBA World Cup
- Olympic Basketball
- EuroLeague
Popular Basketball Bets:
- Point spread
- Total points (over/under)
- First team to score
- Player props (points, rebounds, assists)
- Quarter and half-time markets
Basketball is also popular in live betting formats due to frequent score changes and player substitutions.
9. Table Tennis and Badminton – Under-the-Radar Gems
Often overlooked, these two sports have a niche but growing betting market. Their quick matches and consistent schedules offer regular opportunities to place bets.
Popular Events:
- Olympics
- BWF World Championships
- ITTF World Tour
Betting Options:
- Match winner
- Correct score
- Over/under sets
- First to 10 points
These sports appeal to those who want high-frequency, low-duration betting experiences.
10. Motor Sports – For the Speed Enthusiasts
Formula 1 and MotoGP have small but loyal fan bases in Pakistan. These high-speed sports offer unique betting opportunities and attract bettors who enjoy the thrill of engines roaring and milliseconds deciding outcomes.
Top Events:
- Formula 1 Grand Prix
- MotoGP
- NASCAR (less popular but available)
Betting Types:
- Race winner
- Fastest lap
- Podium finishes
- Qualifying times
- Team bets
These are not as mainstream in Pakistan but offer solid opportunities for seasoned fans and risk-takers.
Final Thoughts
The sports betting scene in Pakistan is evolving rapidly. With increased access to mobile apps and platforms like download apk, it’s easier than ever for fans to engage with their favorite sports on a deeper level. While cricket continues to dominate, other sports are quickly catching up, giving bettors a wide range of choices to test their knowledge and strategy.
As always, it’s essential to approach betting with caution and responsibility. Set limits, do your research, and focus on the fun and analytical side of the game. Whether you’re backing Babar Azam to score a century or predicting the next Premier League upset, Pakistan’s diverse sports betting landscape offers something for everyone.