Poker in Pakistan – Online Poker Games Guide 2025
Poker is one of the most popular card games, and many players in Pakistan are keen to play it online. Despite strict local gambling laws, international poker sites make it possible for Pakistani gamblers to play various poker games on secure websites. This guide provides a factual and comprehensive review of poker in Pakistan – covering legal considerations, game rules, popular variants, how to start playing, and more.
Join a reputable online poker casino today to start playing and claim a welcome bonus for real-money poker action!
Written by Arshad Khushk
Page Content
Poker Game Overview for Pakistani Players
Poker is a known card game that involves the law of probability and calculated betting. To the Pakistani players, the online version of poker has facilitated different kinds of games, representations, and bets, and the type of tournaments on the international sites. The following is a mere outline of what is meant by poker in the online casino setting in Pakistan.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Game Category | Card / Casino Game |
| Main Variants Online | Texas Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, Short Deck (6+ Hold’em), Seven-Card Stud |
| Player Count | Typically, 2–9 players per table |
| Betting Structures | No-Limit, Pot-Limit, Fixed-Limit |
| Objective | Form the best 5-card hand or force opponents to fold through betting |
| House Edge | Not fixed; game outcome depends on player skill and rake (usually 2–5%) |
| Game Speed | 25–40 hands per hour (live tables) / 60–100+ hands per hour (online fast-fold) |
| Currency Used | PKR, USD/EUR |
| Skill Requirement | Medium to High |
| Available Platforms | Web browser clients, PC/Mac software, Android & iOS mobile apps |
Is Online Poker Legal in Pakistan
Pakistan’s gambling laws are very restrictive. Under the Prevention of Gambling Act of 1977, all types of gambling are officially unlawful for players. This means there are no locally licensed online poker sites. Most Pakistani players, however, continue to use international poker sites. The legality of these offshore poker rooms is in a gray area because they are not licensed in Pakistan (as they just do not exist), and accept Pakistani players.
Popular Online Poker Variants
Every version of online poker possesses its own rules, and they attract the concerns of various gamers.
| Poker Variant | Cards Dealt | Typical Betting Format | Key Features & Appeal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Hold’em | 2-hole cards; 5 community cards | No-Limit (most common) | Most popular format. Easy rules with depth in strategy; played in cash games and tournaments worldwide. Great for beginners and pros alike |
| Pot-Limit Omaha | 4-hole cards; 5 community cards | Pot-Limit (common) | Action-packed variant. Should use 2 of the 4-hole cards, leading to bigger hands and swings. Favored by experienced players seeking more thrill |
| Short Deck Hold’em (6+) | 2-hole cards; 5 community (36-card deck) | No-Limit | Uses 36 cards (2–5 removed). Changes odds: flush beats full house. Fast-paced, high-action game with more frequent strong hands |
| 7-Card Stud | 7 cards per player (3 down, 4 up) | Fixed-Limit (typical) | Old-school poker, no community cards. More information from exposed cards requires memory and strategy. Slower, strategic gameplay for enthusiasts |
Poker – Basic Rules and Gameplay in Pakistan
Poker is played through the customary 52-card decks. The purpose is to win chips through the possession of the best hand or to get others to fold. The most popular is Texas Hold em. The step-by-step gameplay is presented below (the example of Texas Holdem):
- Starting the hand. Each player receives two private cards (hole cards). Two players post blinds (forced small bets).
- Betting rounds. Pre-Flop: First round of betting after players see their hole cards. Flop: 3 community cards are dealt face-up. Second betting round. Turn: A 4th community card is dealt. Third betting round. River: A 5th community card is dealt. Final betting round.
- Player actions. Check – pass the action without betting. Bet / Raise – put chips into the pot. Call – match another player’s bet. Fold – give up your hand and wait for the next round.
- Showdown. If more than one player remains after the final betting round, all reveal cards. The best 5-card poker hand wins the pot.
Poker Hand Rankings
Poker hands are ranked from strongest to weakest, and every game is decided based on these standard combinations. Understanding hand rankings is essential before you begin playing, as they determine who wins each round. Below is the full hierarchy of poker hands, listed from the highest possible to the lowest.
| Rank | Hand Example | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush | Ace of Spades, King of Spades, Queen of Spades, Jack of Spades, Ten of Spades | Ace-high straight flush (highest possible hand) |
| Straight Flush | Eight of Hearts, Seven of Hearts, Six of Hearts, Five of Hearts, Four of Hearts | Five consecutive cards, same suit |
| Four of a Kind | King of Diamonds, King of Spades, King of Hearts, King of Clubs, Three of Diamonds | Four cards of the same rank |
| Full House | Ten of Spades, Ten of Diamonds, Ten of Clubs, Six of Hearts, Six of Clubs | Three of a kind + one pair |
| Flush | Ace of Diamonds, Jack of Diamonds, Eight of Diamonds, Four of Diamonds, Two of Diamonds | Any 5 cards of the same suit |
| Straight | Nine of Spades, Eight of Clubs, Seven of Diamonds, Six of Hearts, Five of Spades | Five consecutive cards, mixed suits |
| Three of a Kind | Seven of Spades, Seven of Hearts, Seven of Diamonds, Queen of Spades, Two of Clubs | Three cards of the same rank |
| Two Pair | Nine of Spades, Nine of Hearts, Five of Diamonds, Five of Spades, King of Clubs | Two different pairs |
| One Pair | Four of Diamonds, Four of Clubs, Ace of Spades, Nine of Hearts, Seven of Diamonds | One pair of equal cards |
| High Card | Ace of Clubs, Jack of Spades, Eight of Diamonds, Six of Hearts, Three of Spades | None of the above, highest card counts |
How to Start Playing Poker Online in Pakistan
The process of entry into online poker in Pakistan is not complicated. By following this guide, you are bound to have a nice start in online poker. The trick is to select a safe poker casino and develop the discipline of playing well early on. To start playing in a smooth and safe way, do the following:
-
Choose a reputable casino that offers poker
Research and select a trusted online poker site that accepts players from Pakistan. Look for sites with a good reputation, proper licensing, and positive player reviews. Avoid unlicensed or unknown sites.
-
Sign up for an account
Visit the poker site’s homepage and register for a new player account. You’ll need to provide a valid email, create a username/password, and enter personal details truthfully. Account verification (KYC) is usually required later by submitting ID and proof of address, so use your real information.
-
Deposit funds (PKR)
Go to the casino’s Cashier or Banking tab and deposit money into your account. Since the local currency (PKR) may not be supported directly on all sites, you can deposit in another currency (USD/EUR) and your money will be converted (your bank or e-wallet does the conversion). Preferred payment methods for Pakistan include e-wallets like Skrill or Neteller (fast and widely accepted), local mobile payment services like EasyPaisa or JazzCash on some sites, cryptocurrencies, or credit/debit cards.
-
Claim your welcome bonus
Most casinos offer a welcome bonus for new players, such as a 100% match of your first deposit (for example, deposit 14,000 PKR, get an extra 14,000 PKR).
-
Download software or use a web version
Decide whether to play via the downloadable poker client (Windows/Mac software) or a browser-based client.
-
Start at low-bet games
As a new player, it’s wise to begin with low-bet cash tables (like blinds of 30/60 PKR) or low buy-in tournaments. This allows you to get familiar with the gameplay, user interface, and pace without risking large amounts.
-
Play and improve
Now you’re ready to play poker online. Join a table or register for a tournament of your choice. Pay attention to the flow of the game and other players’ actions.
Deposits and Withdrawals Methods for Pakistani Players
To handle money during online poker, the player ought to employ the appropriate payment means, especially in Pakistan, where banks place restrictions on gambling transactions. The key highlights in Pakistani poker deposit and withdrawal include:
- Use e-wallets or local payment services. Because many Pakistani banks and credit card issuers block or decline payments to gambling sites, e-wallets are the most popular solution. Services like Skrill and Neteller are widely accepted on major casinos and provide a layer of separation from your bank. Additionally, Pakistan-specific mobile wallets EasyPaisa and JazzCash have become popular; some international casinos and poker rooms partner with these for direct deposits/withdrawals to cater to Pakistani users;
- Credit/debit cards. Visa and Mastercard can work for deposits on some sites, but success is hit-or-miss. Even if the poker site accepts PKR or international cards, your bank might block the transaction as per government regulations. If you do use a card, be aware it might require calling your bank or trying multiple times. Withdrawals to cards are usually not possible back to Pakistani banks;
- Cryptocurrency. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies (Ethereum, USDT) are increasingly used by Pakistani gamblers. Crypto offers high privacy and bypasses the traditional banking system. Many top offshore poker sites now accept Bitcoin deposits and can pay out in Bitcoin;
- Direct bank transfer. A few sites may offer bank wire withdrawals or P2P transfer via an intermediary. For example, some casinos have local bank account options where you can deposit/withdraw in PKR. However, these often involve higher fees and longer wait times.
Conclusion
Poker is still very popular among Pakistani players, though with stringent restrictions on gambling and the entry point offered through a major international poker casino website. Texas Holdem and Pot-Limit Omaha are the most popular, and cash games begin with low-bet blinds, and tournaments begin with about 100 PKR. The payments are usually conducted on e-wallets, mobile wallets, or by cryptocurrency, because local banks limit transactions related to gambling. Online poker requires players’ skills, discipline, and the ability to select secure and well-known casinos. Select the casino you know best and enjoy your welcome bonus to play poker today!
FAQ
What payment methods can Pakistani players use to deposit and withdraw?
The most viable are e-wallets such as Skrill and Neteller, which many poker websites accept, and through which the local bank laws are bypassed.
Are poker tournaments available online for Pakistani players?
Yes. There are several various events that the top poker websites offer to international players, including Pakistanis.
How do I know if an online poker site is safe for Pakistani players?
Some of the key criteria that need to be taken into consideration when evaluating safety are reputation, security measures, and an appropriate licence. A license should be issued on a safe poker site and that is by a reputable international regulator such as the UK gambling Commission or the Malta Gaming Authority.