India’s sports betting market has undergone a transformative evolution, with cricket standing tall as its undisputed anchor. Valued at USD 6.91 billion in 2024, the sector is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1% through 2033. While the Indian Premier League (IPL) plays a pivotal role, this surge is also underpinned by a confluence of cultural loyalty, mobile penetration, and real-time digital betting infrastructure. A comparative lens reveals distinct regional preferences: while the U.S. bets big on football and basketball, and Europe leans into soccer and tennis, India’s infatuation with cricket remains unrivaled.

Cricket’s Commanding Position in Indian Sports Betting

Cricket is not merely a sport in India—it is an institution that influences popular culture, national sentiment, and now, a multibillion-dollar betting industry.

More than 80% of all sports betting in India is cricket-focused, with major events like the IPL and ICC World Cup fueling the majority of this volume.

The IPL alone draws over 340 million active bettors each season, thanks to its short format, high-stakes drama, and celebrity-driven brand equity.

Fantasy gaming and live micro-betting are two of the fastest-growing betting formats tied to cricket, enabled by real-time data feeds and smartphone access.

What Fuels Cricket’s Betting Supremacy?

Several socioeconomic and technological factors bolster cricket’s iron grip on India's betting market.

Cultural Attachment: Cricket is deeply embedded in Indian society. From school grounds to stadiums, the sport evokes unparalleled passion and loyalty.

Technological Reach: Widespread access to smartphones and low-cost internet has enabled millions to participate in online betting platforms across urban and rural areas.

Digital Integration: Features like live streaming, digital wallets, and AI-powered odds generation have made real-time betting seamless and secure.

Other Sports Trying to Catch Up

While cricket reigns supreme, other sports have carved out niches in the Indian betting landscape—though still distant runners-up.

Football: Interest in the English Premier League and FIFA World Cup has driven a moderate uptick in football betting.

Kabaddi: Leveraging its local roots, the Pro Kabaddi League has introduced regional audiences to structured sports betting, albeit at a smaller scale.

Tennis and Badminton: These sports see spikes during Grand Slams and Olympic seasons, but their overall betting volumes are minor compared to cricket.

Sports Betting Trends in the United States

Since the 2018 repeal of PASPA, the U.S. sports betting industry has expanded rapidly across regulated states.

American Football (NFL): The Super Bowl remains the single most bet-upon event in the U.S., with billions of dollars wagered annually.

Basketball (NBA): With its long season and high scoring nature, basketball invites substantial in-game betting.

Baseball and Hockey: MLB and NHL have loyal fanbases, though they draw less betting volume than football or basketball.

European Betting Habits: A Different Ball Game

Europe’s long-standing and mature betting markets offer a broader variety of sports wagers.

Soccer: The dominant sport in Europe, soccer attracts huge betting volumes from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and Champions League.

Tennis: Events like Wimbledon and the French Open see heavy betting action, particularly on online platforms.

Horse Racing and Formula 1: These traditional sports continue to see strong engagement in betting circuits, especially in the UK, France, and Italy.

India’s Fantasy Sports Boom: A Byproduct of Cricket Betting

India’s fantasy sports industry has grown in lockstep with cricket’s popularity.

The 2025 IPL season is projected to push fantasy revenue to between $500 and $525 million, up 25-30% from the previous year.

Over 150 million users are expected to engage in fantasy sports platforms during the tournament.

Ethical and Regulatory Considerations

While growth is evident, so is the need for responsible regulation.

India currently operates in a grey zone legally, with some states allowing online betting while others ban it outright.

A uniform regulatory framework could potentially unlock tax revenues and ensure consumer protection.

Technology-driven regulation—such as blockchain for transparency and AI for fraud detection—will be critical moving forward.

Conclusion: Cricket Is the Crown Jewel of Indian Betting

India’s sports betting ecosystem is uniquely shaped by its obsession with cricket. While other sports are gradually rising in popularity, none come close to the cultural and financial gravity cricket holds. Compared globally, India’s market is still maturing, but it boasts immense potential—particularly if guided by thoughtful policy and technological oversight. Whether it's through traditional odds, fantasy formats, or in-play micro-betting, cricket is not just a sport in India—it’s a high-yield economic phenomenon.

India’s Top Cricket Betting Platforms: A Guide to the Best Legal and Trusted Options

As India’s online betting landscape continues to grow rapidly, several platforms have emerged as trusted favorites among cricket enthusiasts. From massive bonuses and user-friendly mobile apps to real-time analytics and diverse payment options, the Indian market is teeming with opportunity for legal, secure, and rewarding online betting. Cricket remains the focal point, with platforms competing to deliver premium wagering experiences tailored for Indian users. Below is a professional breakdown of five of the most prominent betting platforms operating in India that are legally recognized and optimized for local bettors.

1XBet: A Feature-Packed Leader in Cricket Betting

With a global reputation and a loyal user base in India, 1XBet remains a top choice for online bettors seeking variety and functionality.

Welcome Bonus: Up to Rs. 65,000, one of the highest in the market.

Cricket Coverage: Extensive options, from IPL to international tours.

Interface: Slightly cluttered but packed with advanced features like live streaming, real-time odds, and in-play markets.

1XBet also supports a broad array of deposit methods, including UPI, Paytm, and cryptocurrencies, enhancing its appeal to Indian players looking for convenience and flexibility.

Parimatch: Designed for Live Betting Excellence

Parimatch stands out in India for its seamless user interface and emphasis on real-time engagement.

Bonus Offer: A lucrative 700% bonus on initial deposits.

Live Betting Tools: In-depth stats, live scoreboards, and predictive tools.

Sports Variety: Besides cricket, Parimatch also excels in football betting.

The platform’s international credibility and legal clearance give Indian users peace of mind, while its intuitive interface ensures even first-time bettors feel comfortable navigating.

22Bet: Versatility and User Simplicity Combined

22Bet appeals to Indian players through its straightforward layout, multilingual support, and broad market offerings.

Welcome Bonus: Simple and attractive, ideal for new users.

Betting Options: Covers over 40 sports with a focus on cricket, tennis, and football.

Payment Flexibility: Supports Indian wallets and UPI for smooth transactions.

While its mobile app could benefit from a design overhaul, the platform makes up for it through competitive odds, fast withdrawals, and transparent operations.

4rabet: India-First Betting Experience

What sets 4rabet apart is its Indian-centric approach, from interface language to preferred payment modes.

Bonus Offering: An unmatched 700% package for new users.

Mobile App: Highly rated for performance and accessibility.

Cricket-Focused Features: Custom bet builders, instant cash-out options, and regional language support.

4rabet’s user experience is deeply tailored to Indian preferences, making it a preferred destination for bettors who want a localized yet world-class platform.

10Cric: Cricket-Centric Platform with IPL Appeal

For fans who live and breathe cricket, 10Cric delivers a refined, India-focused sports betting experience.

Sign-Up Bonus: 150% bonus up to Rs. 40,000.

Specialization: Highly optimized for IPL and other domestic leagues.

Tools and Features: Bet builder, real-time match previews, and mobile alerts.

10Cric's legal standing and India-specific interface contribute to its popularity. It also offers timely promotions during key tournaments, enhancing engagement and ROI for users.

How to Choose the Right Cricket Betting Platform

With the availability of multiple platforms, selecting the best option depends on personal betting preferences and objectives.

Legal Compliance: Ensure the platform is licensed and complies with Indian regulations.

Payment Convenience: Look for platforms that accept UPI, Paytm, and other Indian payment gateways.

Customer Support: A platform with responsive support channels can enhance user experience significantly.

Bonus Terms: Always read the fine print on promotional offers to understand wagering requirements.

Each of the five platforms listed here meets stringent international standards while providing localized features suited to Indian users.

Key Takeaways:

Cricket dominates India’s betting market, contributing over 80% of total betting revenue.

Other sports like football and kabaddi are growing but still lag significantly.

The U.S. and Europe have diversified betting patterns with regional preferences in NFL, NBA, and soccer.

Fantasy sports during IPL play a significant role, with user engagement and revenue reaching record highs.

The path forward includes legal clarity and ethical innovation to ensure sustainable and responsible market development.