Pakistan’s First Casino That Never Opened
February 5, 2023 Tony ChristopherPakistan’s first casino was set to open in Karachi in the 1970s, but unfortunately, the grand opening never took place. Despite being hailed as a major step forward for the country’s tourism industry, the casino faced a series of setbacks and protests. In today’s blog post, we’ll discuss the casino’s faith and explore the future of Pakistan’s gambling scene.
Following General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq’s coup in 1977, there was a significant morality shift in Pakistan. Therefore, the government decided to shut down the nation’s first-ever casino, slated to open in Karachi and overlook the city’s Clifton beach. The venue’s quick death came at a time when online casinos in Pakistan were non-existent.
What Was the Famous Pakistani Casino in Karachi Supposed to Look Like?
The casino was built in the 1970s and cost over $600,000. Covering an area of over 5,000 sq. yds., it was meant to be a luxurious destination with restaurants, nightclubs, gambling, residential facilities, and arrangements for streetwalkers. The intention was to attract Arab customers who had previously gone to Beirut but were now being directed to Karachi.
The First Casino in Karachi, Pakistan – Some Background Info
The project was initiated by El-Adil International, a company based in Karachi and owned by Tufail Shaikh, a personal friend of former-president Bhutto. The casino’s construction was delayed due to the nationwide unrest in 1977 and the coup of General Zia. The impressive red sandstone building, which was designed to be a place of enjoyment, is now repurposed for “constructive and educational purposes.”
What Gambling Forms are Legal in Pakistan Today?
Pakistan is a country located in South Asia that was established in 1947 through the partition of India, which resulted in the separation of Hindus and Muslims. Most of the population in Pakistan is Muslim. Therefore, gambling is generally prohibited in Pakistan. This includes casinos, which are illegal in the country. However, some forms of gambling are allowed:
- Horserace Betting – legalized in 1979, legal racing in Pakistan is currently held at the Lahore Race Club and the Karachi Race Club.
- Online Gambling – current restrictions do not apply to internet sites and at-home gambling.
- Other Gambling Forms – the Ministry of Finance offers Prize Bond drawings on the internet that start from 100PKR ($0.95).
The Gambling Prevention Act of 1977 was implemented before the widespread use of the internet and, therefore, does not regulate online gambling activities that take place in private settings, such as in one’s home or on a mobile device. Thus, local players can legally access some of the best online casinos in Pakistan.
Pakistani Online Casinos – Legal in 2024
Although the fast death of brick-and-mortar casinos in Pakistan set the tone for generations ahead, the fast rise of online casinos gave Pakistani gamblers the ability to enjoy the real experience of casinos online. Whether they want to try Pakistani live casino sites or the best Pakistani bonus casino, they can do it safely.
Pakistan’s First Casino We Never Saw – Conclusion
While the governments of Muslim countries are known to ban whole entertainment sectors like gambling and alcohol usage, it is common knowledge that people love breaking the law. While we don’t advise you to do so, we still hope that gambling regulations in Pakistan become more liberal, allowing Pakistan’s first casino to resurrect.
Frequently Asked Questions
At the end of our article about the first casino in Karachi, Pakistan, we’d like to introduce you to our very detailed and informative FAQ section. Please read it carefully to avoid any misunderstandings regarding the defunct venue’s history, as well as the local gambling laws.
1️⃣ Why did the first casino in Pakistan never open?
After a series of protests and a severe political crisis, including a coup, the first casino in Pakistan never opened. Its sudden death occurred after the government decided to push the 1977 Gambling Prevention Act just days before the supposed official opening.
2️⃣ Are online casinos legal in Pakistan?
After the passing of the 1977 Gambling Prevention Act in Pakistan, conventional gambling became illegal. However, Pakistani online casinos are a major exception to this. Since the laws are outdated, they do not prohibit any gambling that can be experienced in one's home or smartphone.
3️⃣ What gambling forms are legal in Pakistan?
Unfortunately, there aren't many legal gambling forms in Pakistan in 2024. The 1977 Gambling Prevention Act prohibits a number of betting activities, such as brick-and-mortar casinos. However, the law does include some major exceptions, one of which is playing at Pakistani online casinos.
4️⃣ Who was behind the Karachi casino project in the 1970s?
El-Adil International, a Karachi-based company owned by Tufail Shaikh, who was a friend of former president Bhutto, initiated the project for the first casino in Pakistan. The grand red sandstone building, originally intended to be a place of entertainment, is now being used for "constructive and educational purposes".
5️⃣ What amenities was the first Pakistani casino supposed to have?
Constructed in the 1970s at the cost of over $600,000, the casino in Karachi was supposed to have lots of amenities. It occupied an area of more than 5,000 sq. yds. and was meant to be a luxurious destination, complete with restaurants, nightclubs, gambling areas, residential facilities, and provisions for streetwalkers.
