Online Cricket Betting Set to Break Records During 2025 IPL Season; Parimatch, Dafatbet, BET365 Betting Big on India
IPL 2025 season is all set to break cricket betting records in India and online betting platforms are expecting strong revenue from Indian markets. In addition to sports betting platforms, fantasy sports is also expecting strong growth during the current season. The brands have been spending a lot on marketing and cricket is one of the biggest opportunities for these brands to reach out to Indian bettors. Online cricket betting in India is no longer a niche—it's a national phenomenon. With over 600 million cricket fans in the country, platforms facilitating real-time wagers on IPL, international fixtures, and domestic leagues are thriving. As smartphone usage and digital wallets proliferate, so does interest in fantasy sports and regulated online betting. Indians are also diversifying into kabaddi, football, and esports. While the legality of betting is a state subject, online platforms have found space in the grey areas of the law, especially through fantasy sports. TopNews Team explores the top 10 betting or fantasy sports platforms in India and analyzes the ecosystem fueling their growth.
Popular Sports for Betting in India
Cricket reigns supreme, accounting for over 80% of all online betting activity in India. This includes fantasy formats and real-time wagers during matches.
Cricket: IPL, ICC World Cups, bilateral series
Kabaddi: Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) sees rising engagement
Football: English Premier League, La Liga, and Indian Super League
Esports: Titles like BGMI and CS:GO are emerging betting arenas
As broadband access improves, niche sports and live in-play bets are growing steadily.
Legal Landscape: Gambling Laws in India
India does not have a centralized gambling law; regulation is state-specific.
Betting is legal in Sikkim, Goa, and Nagaland (in controlled environments)
The Public Gambling Act of 1867 prohibits operating a physical betting house in most states
Online betting falls into a grey zone, especially with foreign platforms
Fantasy sports like Dream11 and MPL are deemed “games of skill,” and are legal in most states
Despite legal ambiguity, enforcement is minimal, and platforms continue operating using offshore licenses and tech loopholes.
Rise of Fantasy Sports: India’s New Betting Frontier
Fantasy sports have become India’s gateway to legalized, skill-based wagering.
The industry is valued at Rs 30,000 crore, according to FICCI-EY reports
Platforms operate under guidelines from the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF)
User base expected to touch 250 million by 2027
Fantasy sports have normalized betting behavior, particularly among younger demographics, without triggering regulatory backlash.
Platforms Indian Bettors Should Watch Out
1. Betway India – International Trust Meets Local Insight
Betway offers one of the most user-friendly interfaces for Indian punters, combining international experience with tailored local features like INR transactions and cricket-focused markets.
Offers live betting for IPL, T20 internationals, and Tests
Accepts UPI, Paytm, PhonePe, and other local payment methods
Generous welcome bonus and ongoing promotions
With a strong reputation globally, Betway is ideal for both beginners and seasoned bettors.
2. 10CRIC – Designed Exclusively for Indian Sports Enthusiasts
10CRIC is arguably the most cricket-centric betting platform available to Indian users.
Features odds on Ranji Trophy, Indian Premier League, and Asia Cup
Interface available in Hindi, with Bollywood-style branding
Integrated fantasy and casino games
It’s a go-to hub for cricket lovers who also dabble in online casino entertainment.
3. MPL (Mobile Premier League) – India’s Largest Fantasy Gaming Platform
MPL has emerged as India’s biggest homegrown fantasy sports app, with over 90 million users and significant celebrity endorsements.
Specializes in fantasy cricket, football, and basketball
Real-money contests during every major cricket tournament
Recently partnered with Indian Premier League teams
Although MPL doesn’t offer traditional sports betting, its impact on India’s fantasy sports culture is undeniable.
4. Dream11 – Pioneer of Fantasy Sports in India
Dream11 revolutionized online fantasy sports in India, with over 150 million users and BCCI partnerships.
Offers skill-based cricket betting through team selection formats
Daily fantasy leagues during IPL, ICC events, and domestic matches
Fully compliant with Indian legal standards on "games of skill"
Dream11 has played a key role in normalizing fantasy betting across urban and semi-urban India.
5. MyTeam11 – Hindi-Friendly and Market-Focused
MyTeam11 caters aggressively to regional audiences, particularly Hindi-speaking states.
Interface available in multiple Indian languages
Daily fantasy contests in kabaddi, cricket, football, and volleyball
Low entry fees and micro-leagues appeal to small-town users
It’s one of the fastest-growing fantasy sports platforms in India, especially among tier-2 cities.
6. Bet365 – Global Leader with Deep Cricket Markets
Bet365 offers one of the deepest and most reliable sportsbook infrastructures in the world.
In-play betting with detailed match statistics
Markets on everything from top batsman to total sixes
Accepts INR, although requires international e-wallets or cards
While not India-native, Bet365 remains trusted due to its robust platform and global credibility.
7. Parimatch – Stylish UI with Cricket Focus
Parimatch has carved out a niche with visually appealing design and reliable performance.
Focused on IPL, Big Bash League, and Asia Cup markets
Offers combo bonuses and accumulator boosts
Cryptocurrency-friendly with INR support
Its modern approach attracts younger, tech-savvy Indian bettors.
8. League11 – Rising Star Among Local Fantasy Platforms
League11 is gaining traction as a budget-friendly fantasy sports provider.
Instant withdrawals and UPI integration
Low competition leagues with high winning odds
Features focused mostly on cricket and kabaddi
League11 is a promising upstart in a market dominated by MPL and Dream11.
9. Dafabet India – Asia-Focused Platform with Global Reach
Dafabet has tailored its offerings to Indian players with INR transactions and cricket-specific promotions.
Offers betting on emerging sports like esports and MMA
Dedicated India page with localized customer support
Dual platform model: sportsbook + live casino
Dafabet’s long-standing presence in Asia adds trust and scale.
10. FairPlay Club – Sportsbook with Crypto and Casino Options
FairPlay Club is known for its fast payouts and crypto-friendliness.
Popular for cricket, football, and tennis betting
Offers peer-to-peer betting models
Features VIP loyalty programs
It appeals to a more premium, high-roller segment of Indian bettors.
Bottomline: A Regulated Future for a Passion-Driven Market
India’s online betting industry, led by cricket passion and smartphone penetration, is on the verge of mainstream legitimization. While the legal environment remains fragmented, fantasy platforms have created a robust template for monetizing sports engagement legally. International bookmakers like Betway and Bet365 continue to dominate real-money betting, while homegrown heroes like Dream11 and MPL redefine how Indians interact with sports.
The future of betting in India lies at the intersection of technology, regulation, and culture—and cricket will remain its beating heart.