Football Betting in India: Complete Guide to Top Sites, Apps & Best Odds

Over the last few years, the sport of football has gained immense popularity in India. From the English Premier League to the Indian Super League (ISL), there are millions of fans watching, talking about, and now betting on these games. Cheap internet plans, smartphones, and digital payment options have opened the doors for punters in India to bet on football.

This ultimate guide for football betting in India will cover all aspects you need to know: Legality of Betting Betting odds The best football betting sites Betting apps How to deposit money Popular banking options Tips for gambling responsibly

The legality of football betting in India is a bit of a grey area. The legal framework for gambling in India is governed by the Public Gaming Act of 1867, which is an archaic law that was enacted during the British colonial era. The law prohibits operating or managing a public gaming house or being present in one for the purpose of gaming. However, it does not explicitly prohibit online gambling.

Over the years, various attempts have been made to update the law to include online gambling. For instance, in 2019, a report titled “Regulation of Online Fantasy Sports Platforms in India” was published by the Central Government. The report discussed the need to regulate online gambling activities and suggested establishing a licensing regime to allow operators to offer online sports betting legally. Nevertheless, as of my knowledge cutoff date of 01 March 2023, there has been no further development on the implementation of the report’s recommendations.

In addition, some Indian states have their own laws regarding gambling. For example, the state of Sikkim has enacted the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Act, 2008, which permits online betting and gaming activities through an intranet or internet terminal. Similarly, the state of Nagaland has introduced the Nagaland Prohibition of Gambling and Promotion and Regulation of Online Games of Skill Act, 2016, which regulates games of skill.

Despite these state laws, the majority of Indian states do not have specific laws regulating online betting. As a result, it is generally advisable for Indian players to bet on football games through offshore bookmakers. It is crucial to ensure that the chosen bookmaker is licensed by a reputable jurisdiction and has a good reputation among players.

In summary, while there is no specific federal law in India that regulates online betting, it is generally considered safe for Indian players to bet on football games through licensed offshore bookmakers.

There are no specific laws in India that prohibit sports betting. The Public Gambling Act 1867 outlaws ‘owning or frequenting a gaming house’. Internet betting via servers outside the country is in a legal gray area. There is no single governing body that oversees online betting. Legitimate sites will typically be licensed by Malta, Curacao, United Kingdom, etc. The legal age to bet in India is 18 and over. Betting winnings are subject to taxation by the Income Tax Act. Indians betting should report net gambling income on their tax returns. Betting sites with an offshore license, that employ secure SSL encryption and that have reasonable TOS (terms of service) with regards to deposit and withdrawl are generally secure.

In short: Online football betting is in a gray area but, yes, you can bet safely on football online in India as long as you choose a reputable and licensed international betting site and gamble responsibly.

You haven’t presented any options for me to evaluate. Please provide the choices for me to compare and select from.

Odds represent a measure of the likelihood of an event happening. They can be expressed in different formats, such as Fractional Odds (e.g., 7-2), Decimal Odds (e.g., 3.5), or American Odds (e.g., -210). It’s essential to know how to convert between these formats. For instance, converting 7-2 Fractional Odds to Decimal Odds would give you 3.5, and to American Odds, it would be -210.

Odds are a measure of the likelihood of an event happening and what you will be paid out. As an Indian player, you will most likely come across decimal odds, though it’s also not uncommon to see fractional or American odds on some foreign sites.

Decimal odds, the most common method for betting in India.

• Formula: Payout = Stake × Decimal Odds
• Example: ₹500 bet on odds of 2.75 returns a total of ₹1,375 (₹500 × 2.75), the stake included.

2. Fractional Odds (used in the UK)

• Format: Numerator/Denominator (e.g. 5/2)
• Formula: Profit = Stake × (Numerator ÷ Denominator)
• Example: 500 × (5 ÷ 2) = 1,250 profit = 1,750 total return

3. American Odds (used by some US-based sites)

• Positive odds (+): Your winning if you bet ₹100. * Negative odds (‑): The amount you need to bet to win ₹100.

Decimal Fractional American 1.50 1/2 +150 2.00 1/1 (evens) +100 2.75 7/4 +175 3.20 11/5 +220

When shopping for bookies, always use the same odds format (I suggest decimals) to compare prices.

It’s no secret that placing football bets is an extremely popular activity, with a growing number of people signing up to online bookies in their droves. So, what types of bets are most commonly placed on football? Here are some of the most popular football bets currently on the market:

1. Both Teams to Score: Betting on whether both teams will score during a football match has become increasingly popular over recent years. This type of bet can be found on a huge number of football matches, with such bets working well when combined with other wagers.
2. Accumulator: An accumulator is a bet in which four or more selections are combined in order to gain potentially significant returns. However, each individual selection must win in order for the bet to be successful.
3. First Goalscorer: Betting on the first player to score in a football match is another popular market, with odds often being greater than in the anytime market. This type of bet requires some research however, with some players not being known for their goalscoring prowess.
4. Correct Score: Betting on the correct score at both half and full-time is a fun way of wagering on football. Such bets often come with attractive odds, however predicting the exact score is extremely challenging.
5. Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Betting on the number of goals scored during a football match is popular, with the over/under 2.5 goals market being one of the most common. This type of bet requires an understanding of the attacking and defensive qualities of both teams.
6. Match Result and Both Teams to Score: Betting on the match result and both teams to score in one bet can be an exciting way to watch football. Such bets often come with good odds, while some bookies offer price boosts and promotions surrounding this market.
7. Hat-Trick Hero: Betting on a player to score a hat-trick during a football match is another exciting option, often with very appealing odds. However, this type of bet is again a challenging one, making it perfect for those looking to place a wager with a smaller stake.

Here are some of the most popular football betting markets in India: 1. Match Result (1X2): Betting on either the home team to win (1), a draw (X), or the away team to win (2). 2. Over/Under (Total Goals): Betting on whether there will be more or less than a set number of goals scored in the match (e.g. over 2.5, under 2.5). 3. Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Betting on whether both teams will score or not. 4. Asian Handicap: Betting where a draw is taken out of the equation (for example, a team starts with a -1 goal disadvantage, or a +1 goal advantage). 5. Correct Score: Betting on the final result of the match (e.g. 2-1, 3-0, 1-1 etc). 6. First Goal Scorer: Betting on which player will score the first goal in the match. 7. Half-Time/Full-Time: Betting on the result of the match at both half-time and full-time. 8. Parlays/Accumulator: Betting on a number of outcomes which must all come true in order for the bet to pay out.

Learning the types of bets allows you to broaden your betting horizons and discover markets that cater to your footballing expertise.

Some of the best betting sites for Indian players are; Betway, 22Bet, Bet365, Casumo, and Royal Panda. Indian players can also wager through Betfair, Dafabet, Unibet, 888Sport, and 10Cric.

Here are the best websites that serve the Indian market, with a license from an offshore regulator, and which accept Indian payment methods.

1. Betway India

• Licence: MGA
• Pros and Cons: * Various football betting markets (Premier League, La Liga, ISL, etc.) * Best Asian Handicap and Over/Under odds * Live-betting platform with live streaming on some games * Generous welcome bonus: 100% up to ₹10,000 + 10 free bets

2. 10Cric

• License — Curacao eGaming
• Best part:
  1. Designed for Indian players, accepts and displays bet prices in INR
  2. UPI, Paytm, PhonePe, and most other Indian e-wallets accepted for instant deposit and withdrawal
  3. Separate sections for cricket and football betting, also includes ISL and I-League
  4. Offers weekly free bets as “Bet and Win” promotions

3. Bet365

United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) Top rated mobile betting app (4.8/5 on both iOS & Android) “Bet Builder” feature, enabling customers to combine different outcomes on the same event Fast live-betting (prices updated every 2-3 seconds) Deposit limits & responsible gambling tools for self-exclusion

4. Betwinner

• License : Curacao eGaming
• Highlights
  • Huge football selection of over 30,000 pre match events per week
  • “Cash out” on most Indian football games
  • Both cryptocurrencies (BTC, USDT) and local Indian payments accepted
  • Betting rewards with tiered levels of rewards based on spending

5. Other Notable Platforms

Here is the list of the best betting sites in India in 2023: Betting Site License Indian Deposit Methods Main Bonus 1xBet Curacao UPI, Netbanking, Paytm 100% up to ₹12,000 + 200 free bets Parimatch Curacao UPI, PhonePe, Google Pay 150% up to ₹15,000 (first deposit) LeoVegas MGA Paytm, PhonePe, Skrill “Play-and-Bet” free bet for new users

Tip: Do make sure the licence number is present and the licensing authority is credible. Seek advice on Indian forums (TeamBet, BettingTalk etc) regarding their experience with payouts and customer care.

Nowadays, there are mobile betting apps for everything. Sportsbooks, poker rooms, bingo apps, and much more. With the latest advancements in smartphone technology and 4G networks, we can now access the best betting apps from anywhere, at any time.

The majority of India players choose to bet through the smartphone. Below is a rating of the most convenient and secure mobile applications.

Now that we have our list of the best cricket betting apps in India, let’s compare their features side-by-side: Source: TheTopBookies Key Features of the best cricket betting apps for android and ios Betway India App iOS 13 or higher Android 8 or higher User-friendly interface Fast UPI deposit option Live streaming of some events 10Cric Mobile App iOS version Android version Prices are in Indian Rupees Has the “Bet & Earn” section for promotions Account verification using the Aadhaar card Bet365 Betting App iOS 12 or higher Android 7 or higher Lightning-fast odds update for live betting Bet Builder feature Personalised notifications for your favourite sports Betwinner App iOS version Android version Has a multi-currency account (INR, USD, cryptocurrencies) Cashout option available on 90% of the games Live chat support available in the app Parimatch App iOS version Android version Excellent interface Fast deposit using UPI Bet of the day — daily free bet offer

All the apps use the same 256-bit SSL encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA) for withdrawals, and meet the same license regulations as their browser counterparts.

In India, the following methods of payment can be used for deposits and withdrawals: Bank Wire Transfer, Neteller, Skrill, Debit Card, Credit Card

For Indian players, having the option to easily deposit and withdraw from their betting accounts is important. Below you can find a quick overview of the most common deposit methods.

1. Unified Payments Interface (UPI)

• Speed: Fast (often instant) * Fee: Zero or a nominal fee (no more than ₹10) * Availability: Betway, 10Cric, Parimatch, Betwinner

2. E-Wallets
3. Paytm – Deposit – Instant, Withdrawal – 1-3 business days, Limit – ₹500 – ₹50,000 per transaction
4. PhonePe – Deposit – Instant, Withdrawal – 2-4 business days, Limit – ₹500 – ₹30,000
5. Google Pay – Deposit – Instant, Withdrawal – 1-3 business days, Limit – ₹1,000 – ₹40,000
6. Skrill – Deposit – Instant, Withdrawal – 24 hours (if verified), Limit – ₹2,000 – ₹100,000

3. Net banking

• Direct transfers from major Indian banks (SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis)
• Processing time: 10 minutes – 2 hours (deposit), 1–3 days (withdrawal)

4. Credit/Debit Cards.

Visa, Mastercard, RuPay (only if allowed by issuer) **Deposit time: Instant; Withdrawal time: 2–5 days (usually processed through card-enabled e-wallet)

1. 5. Cryptocurrencies

• Available at: Betwinner, 1xBet, a few smaller bookies
• Pro’s: Anonymous, fast (a few minutes), no banking limitations
• Cons: Need to convert to INR to report for tax; value can fluctuate

Pro tip: Use a specific e-wallet for betting, so you can monitor all your deposits, withdrawals and spending.

To ensure that your betting experience is both enjoyable and secure, here are some guidelines to follow:

• Always bet with money that you can afford to lose. Set a budget and stick to it.
• Research the teams, players, and conditions before placing a bet. Informed decisions tend to yield better outcomes.
• Understand the terms and conditions of any betting site or bookmaker you use. Knowing the rules can protect you from unexpected surprises.
• Keep your betting activities private. Not everyone may approve of gambling, so it’s best to maintain discretion.
• Betting should be a form of entertainment. If you find that it’s causing stress or negatively impacting other areas of your life, it may be wise to step back or seek advice.

Following these tips can help you have a positive and responsible betting experience.

1. Do Your Homework

– Research teams, head-to-head stats, injuries, form etc. – ESPN, Goal.com and the official ISL website are trusted sources. – Follow local sports analysts on YouTube, Twitter and Telegram to get in-depth information.

This is an important one, as a lot of players tend to ignore it and end up losing big. The term bankroll refers to the amount of money you have available for playing poker and it’s crucial that you learn how to properly manage it. Start by setting a budget for yourself and make sure you do not exceed it. Secondly, always adjust your bankroll according to your current winnings or losses. This will help you maintain a sense of control over your spending. For example, if you have a bankroll of $1000 and you lose half of it, do not keep betting with $1000. Instead, reduce your bets to half as well, so you do not end up losing everything.

1. 1% – 2% per Bet – Ensure you only stake a maximum of 1 – 2% of your bankroll. 2. Daily/Weekly Deposit Limits – Take advantage of sites that offer a daily and weekly deposit limit, eg. Skybet have a ‘Deposit Limit’ facility 3. Keep a record – Even something as simple as a spreadsheet with the following: Date, Market, Stake, Price, Result will help identify strengths and weaknesses

3. Make the Most of Bonuses

• Always check the terms and conditions as they often include a wagering requirement (for example, five times the bonus amount). – Focus on free-bet bonuses rather than deposit-match ones, as they typically have lower rollover requirements. – Place bonus money on low-risk markets (such as Asian Handicap) to meet the rollover requirements without betting big.

4. Take advantage of the “Cash‑Out” option

• Cash out: you settle your profit or loss before the game is over.
• Great when the game is unpredictable (someone just got a red card, an early goal, etc.).

5. Practice Responsible Gambling: Betting should be kept within enjoyable limits. Set budgets and stick to them to avoid financial stress.

• Decide a loss limit that you can bear to lose every month. – If you think betting is impacting your job, personal relationships and your finances, consider utilising the self exclusion feature provided by most licensed betting websites. – Approach Indian organisations such as Gamblers Anonymous India or the National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (NIMHANS) for help.

FAQs

Q1. Is it legal to bet on football in India? A: Although there’s no law that says it’s illegal to bet on sports online, it exists in sort of a grey area. It’s safe to play on offshore licensed sites that accept Indian players, as long as you’re 18 or over.

Q2. Which odds format should I use? A: Decimal is the easiest and most common format in India. If you come across any odds in fractional or American, you can simply convert them to decimal to find your profit.

Q3. Can I bet in Indian Rupees (INR)? A: Yes. Betting sites that focus primarily on India like Betway India, 10Cric, Parimatch usually have stakes and prices in INR so you do not have to worry about currency conversion.

Q4. What is the withdrawal processing time? A: The processing time for withdrawals depends on the chosen payment method. For UPI and e-wallets, it is usually processed within 24 hours whereas the bank transfer takes 1-3 working days.

Q5. Do I have to pay tax on my winnings? A: Yes. Your winnings from gambling are taxable under the Income Tax Act and you will have to disclose your net winnings while filing your income tax returns and will be taxed as per your slab rate.

Conclusion

As the number of football fans is on a surge in India, and with the availability of fast internet services and various mobile payment options, football betting has gained popularity among the Indians. With a bit of knowledge about the legality of betting in India, managing different types of odds, selecting a safe betting website or application, and a great football betting strategy, people in India can bet on football without any difficulties.

Always keep in mind that the keys to betting success are: information, money management, discipline. This guide can serve as a starting point, keep updated, and may the odds be ever in your favour.