By ABDULLAH 
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has launched a major crackdown on illegal online gambling and unregulated trading apps in Pakistan, declaring 46 mobile applications illegal across the country.
Officials say these apps were not only promoting online betting and casino-style games but also facilitating financial scams, unregulated forex trading, and unauthorized data sharing — putting millions of Pakistani users at risk.
According to NCCIA, the banned apps include some of the most widely used platforms such as:
- 1xBet
- Aviator Game
- Chicken Road
- Dafabet
- 22Bet
- Pari Match
- Me Let
- Bet365
- Plinko
- 10Cric
- Rabona
- Casumo
Alongside these casino-style apps, several unregulated forex and binary trading platforms have also been blacklisted. Authorities confirmed that these services were operating without proper financial oversight and posed a serious threat of fraud and illegal money transfers.
The NCCIA highlighted three major concerns:
- Illegal Gambling & Betting – Encouraging citizens to engage in unlawful casino-style betting.
- Financial Security Risks – Promoting unregulated forex/binary trading, leading to potential scams.
- Data Privacy Threats – Many apps were found trading personal data, SIM card details, and mobile numbers, risking identity theft.
Officials added that these apps have already siphoned billions of rupees from unsuspecting users in Pakistan.
The NCCIA has requested the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to immediately block these applications nationwide.
NCCIA Director Sarfaraz Chaudhry also warned that anyone found using or promoting these apps could face legal consequences under:
- The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA)
- The Public Gambling Act, 1867
- The Prohibition (Enforcement of Hudood) Order, 1979
Penalties can include fines, imprisonment, or both. Repeat offenders may face up to three years in prison.
The crackdown has already led to major arrests. Popular YouTuber Saadur Rehman (aka Ducky Bhai) was recently detained for allegedly acting as a “country manager” for multiple gambling apps, including 1xBet. Authorities claim he earned millions by promoting illegal platforms on his channel.
He now faces charges of fraud, cheating, electronic forgery, and prize manipulation.
Authorities are urging the public to:
- Avoid downloading or using these apps.
- Delete any installed versions immediately.
- Stay vigilant against offers that sound “too good to be true.”
- Use only PTA-approved platforms for financial transactions.
The NCCIA’s ban on 46 gambling, forex, and trading apps is a big step toward protecting Pakistanis from financial fraud, illegal betting, and data theft. With strict enforcement and public awareness, authorities hope to shut down the booming online gambling racket in the country.
⚠️ Reminder: If you come across suspicious apps, report them immediately to the NCCIA or PTA.