India’s passion for cricket has transcended stadiums and television screens to create a booming digital betting ecosystem, driven by mobile access, aggressive platform growth, and a love for in-game engagement. Despite a murky legal framework and the threat of illegal operators, the country’s online cricket betting market continues to thrive, especially during high-octane tournaments like the IPL. This article delves into the key drivers of growth, legal ambiguities, major platforms, and future trajectories shaping India’s online betting landscape.

The Cricket Betting Craze: India’s Multi-Billion Dollar Obsession

Cricket accounts for the lion’s share of sports betting activity in India, with the market pegged at over £80 billion annually—outpacing even China’s football betting sector.
The Indian Premier League (IPL), ICC events, and major bilateral series generate surges in user participation across platforms. Bettors are drawn not only to traditional match-winner predictions but also to nuanced in-play options like “next ball outcome” and “total runs in an over,” making the experience immersive.

Digital betting has erased geographical barriers. A mobile device and an internet connection now offer bettors from remote regions the same real-time access as those in metro cities.

Beyond Cricket: The Rise of Multi-Sport Wagering in India

While cricket reigns supreme, football betting—especially the EPL and ISL—has gained traction, particularly in states like Goa and West Bengal.
Additionally, kabaddi, field hockey, and tennis are carving a presence in northern and central India. Platforms now offer global betting options including the NBA, UFC, and even eSports, responding to India’s growing digital literacy and sporting appetite.

Fantasy Sports: India’s Parallel Betting Universe

Fantasy gaming has emerged as a mainstream complement to betting.
The fantasy sports market in India is projected to grow from $751 million in 2023 to over $3.4 billion by 2031, according to industry estimates.
Apps like Dream11 and MPL have capitalized on IPL seasons to pull in millions of users, who build virtual teams and win real money based on real-world player performances.

Unlike betting, fantasy sports benefit from a “game of skill” classification in many Indian states, giving them better legal protection and brand credibility.

Top 10 Sports Betting Platforms in India (2025 Snapshot)

These platforms offer fast UPI payments, Hindi content, and personalized support. Many also include IPL-specific betting sections, making them ideal for Indian users.

Local Betting Portals: India’s Homegrown Edge

Domestic platforms are gaining ground by offering vernacular support, popular local games like Teen Patti and Andar Bahar, and faster withdrawals.
New entrants such as 4rabet and Rajabets are setting themselves apart through regional integration and promotional creativity, while fantasy platforms like “India’s Fantasy” are winning over cricket loyalists with real-time contests and updates.

The Legal Matrix: India’s Gambling Regulations

India’s betting landscape is caught between archaic laws and modern demands.
The Public Gambling Act of 1867 governs physical betting houses but is silent on digital betting, creating a legal gray area.

States like Sikkim and Nagaland have introduced frameworks for licensing, while others, including Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, have imposed blanket bans.

Recent regulatory developments include:

28% GST on online gaming

Aadhaar-based KYC requirements

Flat 30% tax on winnings above Rs 10,000

The central government is mulling a unified digital gambling code, aimed at consumer protection and standardization across states.

The Dark Side: Dangers of Illegal Betting

Illegal betting apps, syndicates, and offshore operators pose a triple threat—legal risk, financial fraud, and potential data breaches.
Unregulated platforms often evade taxes, misuse personal data, and lack consumer protection tools.

Offline cricket betting remains rampant, and users caught transacting through such means may face fines or imprisonment under state laws.

Why Legal Platforms Make Sense

Licensed platforms provide:

Transparency through clear T&Cs and payout policies

Tools for responsible gambling like deposit limits and self-exclusion

Consumer protection via grievance redressal mechanisms

They also ensure compliance with AML laws and data privacy regulations, offering users a safer environment.

Emerging Trends and Future Outlook

India’s betting future will be shaped by:

Increased use of cryptocurrencies and blockchain for security and transparency

Live dealer games and VR-based betting rooms

Regulatory overhaul to streamline licensing and taxation

The meteoric rise of eSports and fantasy sports

With mobile-first design, vernacular content, and innovative formats, the sector is poised to attract younger, digital-native audiences.

Final Word: Bet Smart, Stay Legal

Cricket’s unparalleled grip on the Indian psyche guarantees that online betting—whether fantasy or traditional—will remain a growing force.
But success in this space depends on responsible usage, legal compliance, and awareness of evolving rules.
For bettors, the safest path is through licensed platforms with full regulatory adherence and consumer protection.

The future of online betting in India will depend not only on technology and market demand but also on how quickly the legal system evolves to meet the needs of a digital economy. Until then, those engaging in this realm must do so with caution, clarity, and care.