​Online cricket betting has surged in popularity across India, intertwining the nation's fervent passion for the sport with the thrill of wagering. As digital platforms become more accessible, numerous online sportsbooks have emerged, offering Indian bettors a plethora of options to engage with their favorite matches. TopNews Team delves into the top online sports betting platforms in India, explores the burgeoning realm of fantasy sports, examines the legal landscape of gambling in the country, and reflects on India's enduring love affair with cricket. India has also witnessed strong growth in fantasy gaming online which is considered as a game of skill and not betting.

Top Online Sports Betting Platforms in India Offering Unlimited Betting Options to Indian Sports Fans

1. Stake.com: A Crypto-Friendly Betting Frontier

Stake.com has rapidly become a favorite among Indian bettors, offering a seamless digital interface and a wide selection of markets. Known for its cryptocurrency integration, Stake enables quick deposits and withdrawals, catering to tech-savvy users.

Why it stands out:

Supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital coins.

Offers competitive odds on cricket and international sports.

Regular promotional events and loyalty rewards.

2. 1xBet: A Hub of Betting Variety

Renowned for its breadth of options, 1xBet covers nearly every sport imaginable. From IPL to Premier League, it provides in-depth betting markets and live wagering tools.

Why it stands out:

Live streaming and in-play betting.

Multiple local payment methods including UPI and Paytm.

Multilingual interface for regional users.

3. Parimatch: Sleek, Secure, and Optimized for India

Parimatch combines modern aesthetics with functionality. Its mobile app is robust and tailored to Indian betting behaviors, particularly cricket.

Why it stands out:

Intuitive mobile platform with Hindi support.

Competitive welcome bonuses.

Trusted by a growing Indian user base.

4. Dafabet: Veteran Operator with Regional Appeal

Dafabet has established itself as a reliable platform in Asia, offering comprehensive cricket coverage, especially during marquee tournaments like IPL and World Cup events.

Why it stands out:

High odds and extensive cricket betting markets.

Strong customer support in Indian time zones.

Well-established reputation across Asia.

5. Betway: International Trust, Local Adaptation

Betway’s reputation is built on global trust and refined user experience. Its platform has been well-received in India due to its straightforward interface and localized content.

Why it stands out:

Crisp UI and consistent odds.

App tailored for Indian sports fans.

Special cricket promotions and bet boosts.

6. 22Bet: Diversity in Sports and Currency

22Bet appeals to bettors who value flexibility. It supports over 100 payment systems and covers both mainstream and niche sports.

Why it stands out:

Accepts INR, cryptocurrency, and local wallets.

Quick registration and verification.

Regularly updated with betting tutorials.

7. Melbet: Real-Time Wagering with High Engagement

Melbet focuses heavily on live betting and fast market updates. With dynamic odds and responsive UX, it caters to users looking for real-time action.

Why it stands out:

Fast-loading interface.

Rich betting statistics and insights.

Popular with mobile-first users.

8. 10Cric: Designed for the Indian Bettor

10Cric is uniquely Indian in design and strategy. Built specifically for cricket lovers, it boasts an array of IPL specials, live betting options, and local payment support.

Why it stands out:

Cricket-centric user interface.

Accepts UPI, NetBanking, and cryptocurrencies.

Targeted promotions during Indian tournaments.

9. Bet365: Global Leader with Local Access

Bet365 offers one of the most polished sportsbooks in the industry. Its live streaming, deep statistical integration, and real-time updates make it a powerhouse for serious bettors.

Why it stands out:

Unrivaled range of betting markets.

Native app with robust features.

Trusted by millions of users globally.

10. 1Win: Rising Star with User-Centric Features

1Win is a relatively new entrant, but its clean design, swift payout system, and mobile optimization have earned it a growing fanbase in India.

Why it stands out:

Fresh design, fast performance.

Cashback programs and referral bonuses.

Good support for regional cricket leagues.

Fantasy Sports in India: A New Digital Obsession

Fantasy sports have disrupted the traditional viewership model, transforming passive fans into active strategists. Platforms like Dream11, MPL, My11Circle, and Gamezy allow users to build teams, predict performance, and compete in paid contests.

The Indian Premier League has been a key catalyst for fantasy sports’ meteoric rise. The model appeals particularly to millennials and Gen Z users who crave interactivity and gamification.

Growth trajectory:

Over 180 million fantasy sports users in India as of 2023.

Expected to surpass 500 million by 2027.

Significant investor interest and app-based expansion.

Gambling Laws in India: A Fragmented Framework

India’s legal approach to gambling is layered and inconsistent. The Public Gambling Act of 1867 prohibits operating or visiting gambling houses, but the law predates digital technology and leaves room for interpretation in online contexts.

Each state retains the right to regulate gambling independently. For example:

Sikkim and Goa allow licensed operations.

Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh have imposed bans on real-money games.

Online fantasy sports have been legally distinguished as games of skill in several court rulings, offering some operational clarity.

Crucially, most betting platforms popular in India are hosted offshore, allowing them to legally offer services while bypassing local regulatory friction.

Cricket and Indian Betting Culture: A Deep-Rooted Passion

India’s love affair with cricket is generational and deeply embedded in its cultural DNA. Whether it’s a backyard gully match or the ICC World Cup final, cricket evokes unparalleled emotion.

This passion has seamlessly transitioned into digital betting, where fans place real-money stakes not just on match outcomes, but on niche events—like number of boundaries, player dismissals, or over-under runs.

Why cricket dominates the betting ecosystem:

IPL’s glitzy format and fast pace.

Round-the-year international fixtures.

Personalities like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma act as engagement magnets.

Bottomline: India’s Digital Betting Landscape Is Just Getting Started

India’s digital sports betting industry is at a fascinating inflection point. With increasing smartphone penetration, rising disposable incomes, and a sporting population eager to engage more deeply, the environment is ripe for scalable, localized, and responsible betting platforms.

As regulatory frameworks begin to evolve and player protections become more standardized, the next decade could see India becoming one of the world’s largest digital betting markets. The top platforms are already adapting to local sensibilities—combining international experience with regional relevance.

Whether through fantasy sports or traditional wagering, one thing is certain: India’s love for cricket is only getting stronger—and betting is becoming a natural extension of that passion.