Cricket Betting in India – Complete Guide to Apps, Sites & Best Odds (2026)

India is a nation of cricket fanatics, and the excitement of the game reaches its zenith with cricket betting. If you’re on the lookout for the top cricket betting apps, cricket betting sites, or simply want to know how to bet on cricket, this is the ultimate guide for you. Along with cricket odds explained and the best sites for betting, we’ll delve into the legal aspects of cricket betting in India and provide you with a comprehensive rundown of everything you need to know about cricket betting. So, let’s dive in!
We know that cricket is the lifeblood of India. The country comes to a standstill every time India plays a cricket match. It isn’t surprising that millions of Indians also bet on cricket. In this essay, we will guide you through the legalities, best Indian betting apps and sites, odds, etc. in simple, easy-to-understand steps. We’ll also give you some valuable safety tips. If you want to make the most of cricket betting in India, you are in the right place.
Legal and Regulatory Landscape
1.1 Betting in India — Now a. Legal Difference between Betting and Gambling: The Public Gambling Act of 1867 outlaws games of chance — gambling. Betting, particularly in sports, is a separate entity, and its practice is monitored at a state level. b. Supreme Court Decisions: The Supreme Court has on multiple occasions endorsed the state’s decision to declare online gambling unlawful. This however doesn’t apply to betting operators licensed outside the Indian soil, a loophole that Indians exploit to bet on online platforms.
1.2 Real-life Impact – Legal Risk: Betting on an offshore website is not illegal for the customer, but Indian authorities can still block sites that break state laws. – No Regulation: Betting sites are licensed usually out of India (Malta, Curacao) so are regulated by foreign gambling authorities. Indian customers are forced to trust the site to follow their own rules.
1.3 Future Development – Legalisation: Various Indian state governments (for example, Sikkim and Goa) have experimented with regulated sports betting. In due course, this trend may eventually lead to a national licensing model.
The gist: Betting on cricket is illegal in most Indian states, however, most Indians bet on offshore sites which cannot be regulated under Indian law. Make sure you’re up to date with your state’s laws before you bet.
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Betting Sites Used by Indian Players
2.1 Criteria for Choosing a Platform 1. License and Reputation – The website needs to hold a license from a reputable jurisdiction (e.g. MGA, UKGC, Curacao). 2. Localization – Support for Hindi language, English, and perhaps even local languages, availability of prices in INR, and the inclusion of popular Indian payment methods. 3. Mobile Experience – Speedy and user-friendly mobile apps, compatible with both Android and iOS.
2.2. Top applications & platforms
- **Betway (licensed by Malta Gaming Authority) – Betway are one of the pioneers when it comes to Indian cricket online betting. They offer UPI, NetBanking, Paytm, and credit and debit cards as payment options. They offer live in-play cricket, great IPL betting promotions and a Hindi language version of the website. 2. 10Cric (licensed by Curacao eGaming) – 10Cric is an online sports betting site which is focused primarily on cricket. It is licensed by Curacao eGaming, and offers deposit options such as UPI, Paytm, PhonePe, Skrill and bank transfer. 10Cric offers a special section for Indian cricket, lower deposits and withdrawals, and bonuses in Indian rupees. 3. Bet365 (licensed by UK Gambling Commission) – Bet365 is a well-known online betting site which offers deposit options such as UPI, Paytm, NetBanking and PayPal through a third party. Bet365 has an excellent cricket section, good market coverage, live streaming, and a bet builder for customising your own parlays. 4. Betwinner (licensed by Curacao eGaming) – Betwinner is another online betting site which is popular in India for its cricket section. It is licensed by Curacao eGaming, and offers deposit options such as UPI, NetBanking, and Bitcoin. Betwinner offers higher odds, various promotions during the IPL and ICC World Cup, and a Hindi language version of the website. 5. Unibet (licensed by Malta Gaming Authority) – Unibet is a popular online betting site which has a user-friendly interface. It is licensed by Malta Gaming Authority, and offers deposit options such as UPI, Paytm, and credit and debit cards. Unibet has an excellent cricket section, a simple user interface, and a tool for comparing odds. 6. Parimatch (licensed by Curacao eGaming) – Parimatch is an online betting site which is very popular in India. It is licensed by Curacao eGaming, and offers deposit options such as UPI, Paytm, PhonePe, and Bitcoin. Parimatch offers frequent promotions, a ‘Fast Bet’ one-click option for cricket, and a Hindi language version of the website.
*Note: These sites accept Indian payment options, but they pay out in INR or the site’s default currency (often EUR or USD). Some exchange fees might apply.
- 2.3 Mobile App Experience a. User Interface: The presence of a dark mode interface, shortcuts to cricket betting, and a ‘Live Betting’ section is a general trait among these apps. b. Security: Ensure that the app has an SSL certificate, enables 2FA, and has a KYC policy in place.
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- Types of cricket bets
Here is a list of popular cricket betting markets along with their average odds ranges: 1. Match Winner – Bet on the team which is most likely to win. Average odds – 1.30 – 2.50 2. Top Batsman – Select the batsman who will score the highest runs. Average odds – 4.00 – 10.00 3. Top Bowler – Select the bowler who will take the highest number of wickets. Average odds – 5.00 – 12.00 4. Innings Total – Over/Under – Predict the total runs scored by a team over or under the set number. Average odds – 1.70 – 2.10 5. Man of the Match – Predict who will be the Man of the match. Average odds – 5.00 – 15.00 6. Session Betting/Over-Under – Bet on the runs scored in a particular session. For eg: Runs scored in the powerplay, etc. Average odds – 1.80 – 2.00 7. Live Betting – Place a bet on any live match. Betting odds keeps changing. 8. Parlay/Combo bets – Place a bet on multiple outcomes at once. Average odds – 5.00 or higher.
3.1 What are “Value” Bets? A “value” bet is when you think the chances of something happening are greater than the odds suggest. Shrewd punters look for these opportunities by studying form, the state of the pitch, the weather, injuries etc.
Understanding cricket odds is the next step. Basically, odds tell you how much you can win if your bet is successful. They come in different formats: moneyline (e.g., -150), fractional (e.g., 2/1), or decimal (e.g., 3.0). The moneyline system is commonly used in the US. A negative number shows how much you need to bet to win $100. A positive number shows how much you’ll win on a $100 bet. Fractional and decimal odds are more common outside of the US. Fractional odds are what you might expect (e.g., 5/2), and decimal odds are just the fractional odds in decimal form (e.g., 3.50 for 5/2).
In India, the following formats are commonly found:
Format Example Explanation Decimal 1.85 Return = Stake × 1.85 (inc. stake). Fractional 5/2 Return = Stake × (5/2) + original stake. Indian (Moneyline) +150 or -200 Positive (+) = profit on a ₹100 stake; Negative (‑) = amount required to stake ₹100 to profit ₹100.
Example Calculation – Decimal Odds Stake: ₹500 Odds: 2.40 Potential Return = 500 × 2.40 = ₹1,200 (profit = ₹700).
For instance, Example Calculation Indian Odds Odds +250 Stake 200 Profit (200 250) 100 500 Total Return 200 (stake) 500 700.
4.2 What is the process of setting the odds? The bookies use a complex set of algorithms and data, apart from real time information (like weather conditions, who won the toss, if a key player is injured) to set odds in a manner that evens out the book for them. For big events like an IPL game, there is heavy betting and so the odds change frequently.
4.3: Reading Live Odds In live betting, the odds change every few seconds. A smart bettor follows the scoreboard and utilizes the “Bet Builder” tool to freeze the best odds before they drastically change.
Now that you’ve understood the various aspects of cricket betting, here are the steps to follow to place your first cricket bet: Read the different odds: The odds for cricket betting are provided in terms of the runs a team is expected to score. An odds compiler will offer you odds based on their forecast of how many runs the team will score. Choose the odds you feel the most comfortable with. Place your bet: Once you have read the odds, it is time to place your bet. All you have to do is click on your selection and the amount you want to bet will appear in the slip. Check your bet: Before making your final move, check your selection. This is to ensure you have placed the bet you wanted to place. Finally, place the bet: Once you have checked your selection, it is time to confirm your bet. All you have to do is click on the ‘place bet’ button.
Step 1: Select a Betting Site in India – Visit our Betting Sites Section. Step 2: Register with the Betting Site – Name, Email, Phone Number & then Verify with the OTP. Step 3: Complete the KYC – For withdrawals above the minimum threshold, upload your Identity Proof (Aadhaar, PAN Card) & address proof if required. Step 4: Add Money to Your Betting Site – Select a payment method (UPI, Paytm, NetBanking, etc.) and add money in INR. Step 5: Select Cricket – Via Sports Menu, Click on Cricket followed by selecting the Tournament (IPL, ICC World Cup etc.) Step 6: Select the Type of Bet – Select “Match Winner” or “Top Batsman” or any other bet type of your choice. Step 7: Add your Stake – Add the amount of money you wish to bet. The platform will display your returns based on the odds. Step 8: Place your Bet – Review your bet slip and click on “Place Bet”. You will get a receipt on your screen and an email/SMS confirmation. Step 9: Keep track of your Bet – Go to “My Bets” and keep a track of your bet status and settlement.
Tip: Bet with lower amounts (₹50–₹100) till you understand how the odds work.
- Payment Methods and Security for Indian Users
Here is the list of payment methods available on online betting sites, along with their transaction times, any applicable fees, and the minimum and maximum limits for each payment method. The list below is general in nature and may vary depending on the betting site you are using. Method Speed Fees Typical Limits UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, BHIM) Instant Nil (often) ₹100 – ₹50,000 per transaction Paytm Wallet Instant Small (₹5 – ₹10) ₹100 – ₹20,000 NetBanking 15-30 min Nil-₹30 ₹500 – ₹100,000 Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard) Instant 1-3 % ₹500 – ₹100,000 E-wallets (Skrill, Neteller) Instant-1 hr 0-2 % ₹500 – ₹200,000 Cryptocurrency 5-30 min Varies Depends on platform
6.1 Safe Betting Tips – Use 2FA wherever available (betting site & UPI pin), Do not use public internet (public Wi-Fi or networks) for money transfer, Complete KYC ASAP to avoid withdrawal problems.
- Responsible and Successful Betting Tips.
Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your cricket betting experience: 1. Bankroll Management – Decide your betting bankroll (say ₹5,000), and do not bet beyond that limit. Bet only 1-2 % of your bankroll on each bet. 2. Do Your Homework – Go through pitch reports, stats of head-to-head encounters, recent performances of teams and players, squad news, etc. The official website of ESPN Cricinfo offers all the stats you need. 3. Don’t Chase Losses – When you lose a bet, you may get the urge to recover that loss by betting more. Refrain from that urge. Instead, bet the amount that you had previously decided. 4. Take Advantage of Bonuses and Offers – Betting sites offer various bonuses and offers like a first-deposit bonus, risk-free bet, etc. Before availing these offers, read through the fine print which may include wagering requirements (say 5 times of the bonus). 5. Responsible Betting – Betting sites allow you to control your betting through various tools like Self-exclusion, Deposit Limit, etc. Betting operators in India have to compulsorily offer you these tools as per the regulations. 6. Keep a Tab on Your Bets – Maintain a simple Excel sheet of your bets (Date, Market, Stake, Odds, Outcome) to keep a tab on how you have performed over a period. It will help you to refine your betting strategy.
- Risks and Legal Considerations
- Legal risks: Although it’s not illegal to bet on a site that is offshore, your funds can be confiscated or the website may be blocked by the Government of India.
- Gaming addiction: It is easy to get addicted to betting. If you think you are betting more than you should, or if it is making you anxious, consider reaching out to support groups like Nasha Mukt Bharat or Gamblers Anonymous India.
- Funds risk: Betting is based on chance. Even if you have done your research on the teams, the outcome of the game cannot be predicted. Bet only as much as you can afford to lose.
- Cheating and scam: Illegal, black-market websites may try to sell you ‘tips’ or assure you of a win. Avoid such websites, and check for the license (mostly found at the bottom of the webpage) before you deposit money on any betting site.
- Future of Indian Online Betting: Cricket Betting
- Taxation and Legalisation: Betting tax of 5% is already levied by the state of Sikkim. Perhaps this is an indicator for the national licensing of the industry. -Tieups with IPL: Tieups with various franchises of the Indian Premier League that offers exclusive “fan zones” and fantasy-betting formats. -AI: AI-based prediction engines to support bettors for setting more precise betting odds. -Lightweight apps: Betting apps that offer 4G/5G data-efficient interface, as the smartphone penetration is upwards of 70% in India. -Cryptocurrency: Multiple platforms that support cryptocurrency as a mode of payments, for their speed and anonymity although regulation of cryptocurrencies is becoming more and more stringent.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Betting on cricket in India is a mix of passion, innovation, and legality. Make sure you know your legal rights, choose a good betting app or site, learn how to read odds, and bet responsibly. Who knows? Maybe we will have legal betting in India soon. Until then, always bet like it could go either way!
