In India, cricket is more than just a sport—it’s an obsession, a social glue, and now, a multi-billion-rupee digital battleground. Online sports betting, once a hush-hush affair, has grown into a structured, tech-savvy, and increasingly popular pursuit among Indian bettors. From the crack of the first ball in the IPL to the nail-biting pressure of the final over, betting platforms have transformed how fans engage with their beloved game. The landscape, however, is as complex as it is exciting—entwined with local laws, emerging trends like fantasy sports, and a flood of platforms catering to every kind of punter.

The Legal Labyrinth of Betting in India

Online betting in India operates in a legal gray area shaped by colonial laws and 21st-century technology.
The Public Gambling Act of 1867 still governs most of India’s betting framework. While it bans physical gambling houses, it’s largely silent on digital betting—leaving states to set their own rules. Goa, Sikkim, and Daman have embraced certain forms of gambling, including online casinos. Meanwhile, conservative states like Maharashtra uphold strict bans. Most betting platforms operate offshore but accept Indian players, using INR payment methods like UPI and Paytm to ensure seamless access.

India’s Undying Love for Cricket

Cricket is the soul of Indian sports betting—its heartbeat, its rhythm, and its high-stakes playground.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) alone draws tens of millions into the betting ecosystem. Every over is a new opportunity. Every boundary shifts the odds. Bettors wager not just on match outcomes, but on toss results, strike rates, over/under runs, and “man of the match” picks. The excitement of predicting outcomes enhances the cricket-watching experience, transforming passive viewership into dynamic engagement.

The 10 Best Online Sports Betting Platforms in India

The sheer number of platforms available today can overwhelm even the most seasoned bettor. Below is a curated list of the most reliable, feature-rich, and bettor-friendly sites operating in India:

10CRIC
Designed specifically for Indian punters, 10CRIC is a cricket-first betting site with IPL specials, competitive odds, and generous welcome offers. Its mobile app is smooth, and it supports INR transactions through UPI, Netbanking, and even Bitcoin.

Betway
With a sleek interface and decades of international credibility, Betway is a top choice for cricket and football betting in India. Their live betting feature during IPL matches is particularly engaging.

Dafabet
Originating in Asia, Dafabet is widely trusted for its cricket coverage and odds. The site also features a unique VIP program for high-rollers and betting pros.

Parimatch
One of the most intuitive betting interfaces, Parimatch offers local language support and responsive customer service. They also provide casino options like Teen Patti and Andar Bahar.

1xBet
A global giant in betting, 1xBet’s strength lies in the variety of sports and markets it covers, along with instant withdrawals and 24/7 live chat.

Bet365
Known for its real-time odds, in-play betting, and streaming services, Bet365 is a solid choice for bettors looking for precision and reliability.

22Bet
From kabaddi to international football, 22Bet covers niche Indian interests while offering attractive bonuses for newcomers.

Melbet
Melbet features a robust mobile platform and diverse betting markets. Their real-time stats make it a favorite for analytical bettors.

Stake
One of the few crypto-first platforms in India, Stake is gaining traction among younger bettors looking for speed and anonymity.

Mostbet
This platform combines sleek design with Hindi language options and low minimum deposits, making it ideal for first-timers.

The Fantasy Sports Boom in India

Fantasy sports have democratized sports betting, blurring the line between skill and chance.
Platforms like Dream11, My11Circle, and Howzat now command massive user bases, with Dream11 alone boasting over 150 million users. These apps allow fans to create virtual teams using real players and earn points based on their real-time performances. Unlike traditional betting, fantasy sports are often categorized as “games of skill,” making them more legally tenable under Indian law.

With tournaments like the IPL, fantasy leagues reach fever pitch—where office pools, WhatsApp groups, and family rivalries converge in spirited, competitive fun.

What Sports Are Indians Betting On Besides Cricket?

While cricket is the crown jewel, Indian bettors are beginning to diversify:

Football: English Premier League (EPL), UEFA Champions League, and even ISL are now key betting events.

Kabaddi: Thanks to the Pro Kabaddi League, this traditional sport is seeing a surge in online wagers.

Horse Racing: With a legacy going back to British colonial times, horse racing retains a loyal betting base, especially in metros.

Tennis: Grand Slams and ATP events are popular among bettors who prefer international action.

Local Language and Localization: The New Battlefield

Betting platforms are rapidly localizing, offering services in Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, and Telugu to capture regional users.
From vernacular interfaces to regional deposit methods and cricket-specific promotions, localization has become the competitive edge. Most top sites now support INR transactions and include Indian card games in their casino sections, making the platforms more familiar and accessible.

Responsible Betting: Don’t Bet the House

Betting can be thrilling, but discipline is non-negotiable.
Set clear limits, never chase losses, and always bet within your means. Most leading platforms offer tools to control losses, self-exclude, or take time-outs. The industry is slowly adopting responsible gaming frameworks, but the onus still lies with the user.

For Indian bettors, it's not just about winning—it's about sustaining your play and enjoying the journey.

Final Word: The Future of Betting in India

India’s sports betting landscape is at a turning point. Legal ambiguities remain, but digital adoption, increased smartphone penetration, and cultural acceptance are shifting the narrative. Cricket will continue to dominate, but fantasy sports, regional preferences, and localized platforms are carving out a more inclusive and nuanced betting ecosystem.

For the Indian bettor, the game is only just beginning—and it’s never been more exciting.