List of Indian Betting Sites for June 2024
Is Online Betting Legal in India?
The Public Gambling Act of 1867 is the earliest and the main official law controlling all gambling activities in India. The law prohibits from operating or being in charge of a public gambling establishment. Violation of this law will result in a fine of ₹200 or imprisonment of up to 3 months. The law also prohibits visiting land-based gambling establishments. This is punishable by a fine of ₹100 or imprisonment for a term of up to one month.
At the same time, there are no legal acts that would restrict the activities of online wagering platforms, so local players can freely place bets on offshore sites. Many of these foreign websites operate under the jurisdiction and regulation of respected international entities such as the Malta Gaming Authority, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, or Curacao eGaming. Typically, these websites display information about their regulatory authority at the bottom of their pages, allowing users to verify their legitimacy before registering.
All online sportsbooks in India must adhere to the regulations outlined in the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), which prohibits unauthorised parties from converting Indian currency into foreign currencies. This restriction can be circumvented if the betting site accepts Indian rupees. Therefore Indian players can freely access offshore online platforms, provided these platforms accept rupees as a valid currency. To date there are no cases on record of local players being prosecuted for online gambling.
Prospects for the development of the gambling market in India
Local gambling regulation
The Constitution, during its drafting, delegated the authority to regulate and legalise betting and gambling to individual states. Many states generally adhere to the principles of the Public Gambling Act of 1867, often making amendments as needed. However, some rushed to legalise games of chance within their borders. For instance, the state of Sikkim, to offer entertainment options to numerous tourists, allowed gambling within its jurisdiction. The same applies to Goa and Daman. However, these enclaves are naturally too small to expect a rapid proliferation of gambling across the entire country.
Types of gambling activities
Gambling activities are categorised into games of chance and games of skill. Games of chance involve staking where winning is solely based on luck, without players being able to use knowledge to improve their odds. These include casino offerings like slot machines, roulette and craps. Barring a few exceptions, most states deem games of chance to be illegal.
Games of skill refer to wagers where players can leverage their expertise, intelligence and strategic thinking to increase their chances of winning. Horse race wagering was deemed a legal game involving skill by the Supreme Court in 1996. Other skill-based games include rummy and the card game teen patti. Bets on sports are currently not classified as a game of skill across most of the country. However, some states are opening up to regulating and legalising it, recognizing that seasoned bettors use their sports knowledge to make informed wagers.
Prospects for the adoption
Authorities are increasingly recognizing the missed opportunities for revenue generation resulting from the lack of industry regulation. Such a move would enable the government to generate substantial revenue by licensing these platforms and requiring them to pay the applicable Goods and Services Tax (GST), similar to other businesses.
As reported by the Indian National Newspaper, the CEO of the International Cricket Council (ICC) expressed his support for the legalisation of sports betting. He argued that illegal proceeds often flow through clandestine bookmakers, with these funds being used to finance activities related to terrorism and drugs. Several institutions, such as the Committee on Reforms in Cricket in 2015, the Law Commission in 2018, and rulings by the Supreme Court, have recommended the regulation and taxation of betting. Numerous professionals and online communities have also called upon the government to introduce a legal and controlled gambling framework. In 2022, the government unveiled its intention to draft a new gaming legislation aimed at supplanting the antiquated Public Gambling Act of 1867. However, as of September 2023, the new legal act has still not been adopted.
Popular Sports for Betting in India
When it comes to sports wagering, certain sports and events tend to capture the most attention in India. Here are some popular sports that players frequently place bets on, along with key events and leagues that garner significant interest:
Cricket
Undoubtedly the most popular sport in the country, and cricket betting is a massive industry. Bettors stake on various formats, including Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20 matches. The Premier League (IPL) is the marquee cricket event in India and one of the most-watched and bet-on cricket leagues globally.
Football
Football has been growing in popularity, especially with the emergence of the Super League (ISL). Additionally, international football tournaments like the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship draw substantial interest.
Field hockey
The sport has produced legends like Dhyan Chand and Balbir Singh Sr. India has eight Olympic gold medals in men’s field hockey. In recent years, there’s been a resurgence in interest and investment in the sport, with the launch of the Hockey India League and significant support for grassroots development. The men’s international team won a historic bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, marking a return to the Olympic podium after 41 years.
Kabaddi
Kabaddi, a traditional Indian sport, has gained prominence with the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). PKL matches are popular for both viewership and betting, particularly in regions like Haryana, Punjab, and Maharashtra.
Horse Racing
Horse racing has a long history, and it remains a popular sport for wagering. The Indian Derby is one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the country, attracting bettors and enthusiasts alike.
Tennis
Tennis tournaments, especially the Grand Slam events like Wimbledon, the US Open, the French Open, and the Australian Open, are popular choices for watching and betting. The performances of Indian players like Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi have also contributed to tennis popularity.
Badminton
Badminton has witnessed a surge in popularity due to the success of Indian players like P.V. Sindhu and Saina Nehwal. Major badminton tournaments, including the All England Open and the BWF World Championships, attract interest.
How to Choose the Right Betting Site in India
Reputation and accepting payments in rupees
There is no uniform legislation regulating the sports wagering industry in the country, so you won’t find locally authorised betting platforms here. However, this doesn’t mean you should ignore the licensing. Focus on international authorizations from places like Curacao, Malta, and elsewhere. Large international brands usually have such licences, which provides some client protections. It’s also important that the bookmaker registers local users and accepts rupee payments.
Bonuses
Sites operating in India typically offer generous welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions for existing users. You just need to choose the best offer in terms of bonus size and ease of wagering requirements. In any case, before deciding, it’s important to carefully read all terms and conditions for using the promotional offer — key details may be in the fine print and not obvious at first glance.
Variety of Betting Options
A top-tier bookmaker stands out by providing an extensive selection of opportunities. It will present betting options covering horse racing, Esports, politics, culture, and more, while also supplying a wide variety of wagers tailored to each specific event. With cricket being akin to a national religion, bettors eagerly seek out plentiful markets on domestic cricket matches, international games featuring India, and high-profile tournaments like the IPL. Sites aiming to succeed here would be wise to provide a wide selection of cricket odds for their customers to bet on. It’s seen as a positive if a cricket match has over 100 options available, and even better if there are more than 200.
Odds (Margin)
The odds have a direct impact on your potential profits, so it’s a wise move to closely examine them, especially if you’re regularly placing significant bets. All betting operators incorporate a hidden fee into their odds. In a scenario where both sides have an equal likelihood of winning, the ideal odds would be 2.00 for each side, representing a 50/50 probability. However, bookmakers introduce a margin, which typically reduces the odds to something like 1.90 for each side. The larger this margin, the more profit the site retains, leaving you with a smaller share. Simply put, a margin of less than 5-6% is an encouraging indicator.
Live Betting and Streaming
An elite bookie should offer abundant variety not only in pre-match wagers but also in live wagering. It’s ideal if the company provides a wide selection of live events and numerous wagering markets within each game. A high-calibre live wagering service incorporates detailed stats and infographics, plus filters to organise bets by sport or video stream. Incidentally, video streams are a tremendous asset for a sportsbook.
Mobile Application
To be competitive, having a mobile app is a must-have feature. The premier operators invest in building robust software for both Android and iOS, with advanced features like biometric login and push notifications. This enables convenience and security for users. If you like to bet via your smartphone, verify the bookie you’re considering has an app available.
Payment Methods
We consider it essential for a top-tier platform to offer a diverse range of payment options for both deposits and withdrawals. This way, if any of the methods happen to be inaccessible, you’ll always have an alternative at your disposal. Select a bookmaker with your preferred payment system, whether it’s UPI, net banking, e-wallets like Skrill or Neteller, cryptocurrency, or standard Visa and Mastercard cards.
Support
A completely smooth and error-free service is a rarity, and at some point, you may find it necessary to reach out to customer support. Ideally, the live chat should be operating 24/7 to ensure customers always have assistance available when needed. Email remains a widely-used means of contacting customer support, with many websites featuring a contact form for this purpose. Additionally, it’s beneficial when a website offers a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section. It’s great if you can find the answer to your question in this section without resorting to help from support operators.
The Best Betting Sites in India per Category
Following a comprehensive evaluation by the Match.Center team and a thorough analysis of the market, we have identified the sportsbooks that truly distinguish themselves and have identified the specific criteria in which they surpass their competitors.
Bookmaker | Criterion |
Mostbet | Biggest welcome bonus |
Parimatch | The largest selection of football markets |
Dafabet | Largest number of cricket outcomes |
1XBET | Widest coverage of sports and broadcasts |
Betway | The only Free Bet club in India |
Review of Top 5 The Top Bookies in India
1XBET
With 1XBET, you can enjoy one of the most advanced services available. The bookmaker offers an extensive selection, covering over 40 categories including horse racing, Esports, weather, TV shows, politics, lotteries, and special bets, among others. The market options are plentiful as well, with football matches featuring over 1200 choices and cricket matches offering up to 490.
Live events are highly informative, often accompanied by infographics or video broadcasts, and many live streams are accessible even to unregistered users. Multiple broadcast windows can be opened simultaneously, and the video can be scaled and moved. Players will also find a vast bonus section and numerous website and mobile app settings to their liking. However, the platform’s abundance of opportunities also serves as a drawback, as it can become overwhelming and difficult to navigate, especially for beginners. Additionally, both the website and app suffer from slow page loading speeds.
10CRIC
At 10CRIC Indian sport fans can observe 26 sports ranging from Football and Cricket to Esports and virtual sports. Football bettors are met with around 700 markets for top-tier events such as the Champions League. Cricket lovers can find nearly 100 options for live Indian tournaments and exhaustive coverage of major international events like the Asia Cup, ODI Series, and Gulf T20I. Not to forget, they also present simulated reality leagues for cricket. The Esports 10CRIC market is well-represented also, highlighting significant tournaments in CS:GO, Dota 2, League of Legends and other disciplines. A notable feature of 10CRIC is the availability of outright bets across most sports. While there’s a Boosted Odds section present, the Match.Center team observed no current options for this moment with increased odds.
Speaking of promotions, 10CRIC has a special tournament for the Cricket Asia Cup 2023, providing an opportunity for bettors to exchange points for prizes. Additionally, betting on the Caribbean Premier League can fetch a Free bet up to ₹2000, and virtual cricket bettors can also bag ₹2000 as Free bets weekly. As always, it can’t be all good and the absence of live broadcasts for all sports except Esports is an obvious drawback.
Dafabet
Currently offering 24 sports to choose from, including football, horse racing, tennis, cricket and such exotic disciplines as Teqball. One notable aspect is its exchange option, where you have the flexibility to select from Cricket, Football, Basketball, Tennis, and Table Tennis. Dafabet is one of the best cricket betting sites in India. For top international matches at major tournaments, you can choose from over 500 ways to wager. In addition to standard options, the Dafabet gives you the opportunity to bet on something extraordinary in the “Special” section.
Another outstanding aspect of Dafabet is the variety of promotional offers for existing users. Among the huge number of bonuses, including the loyalty program, you can find interesting offers, for example, for using a mobile application and depositing in bitcoins.The bookmaker offers a welcome bonus of up to ₹30,000, but keep in mind that to win it back you will need to wager 10 times the amount.
Betway
Betway offers a diverse range of opportunities, covering more than 25 sports, including Esports, Kabaddi, horse racing, and even non-sporting events like politics. The variety of available markets depends on the prominence of the event. For instance, Bangalore Super Division football matches offer approximately 480 betting options, while high-profile English Premier League games provide over 600 options. Cricket options are also event-specific, with more than 400 markets for national team matches compared to a maximum of 60 for Uttar Pradesh Premier League games. Betway stands out in the Esports category, boasting an extensive selection of over 200 options for major CS:GO and League of Legends matches.
Notably, it is the only platform in India that features a Free Bet Club, where you can receive free bets weekly. The platform distinguishes itself with enhanced odds, comprehensive video streaming across various sports, and convenient features like Cash Out and Bet Builder. However, the customer support experience could be more user-friendly, as initiating a live chat currently requires multiple clicks.
Parimatch
Parimatch has a selection of 28 sports, with football matches like those in the EPL presenting more than 2000 betting options. Tennis, Esports, Baseball, Chess, and Politics are among wagering opportunities as well. A highlight for the local market is the focus on cricket, covering tournaments such as the IPL, the National Teams World Cup and others, not to mention the virtual cricket sims. Kabaddi bets can be placed likewise on the Prof Kabaddi League.
Aside from that, Parimatch features a special National events section, enabling you to support Indian athletes across various sports. Parimatch Analytics Center provides pertinent head-to-head statistics for some of the upcoming events. The platform does not disappoint with useful match search filters and a blog covering Kabaddi and Cricket articles.
In terms of promotions, Parimatch got it from a sports welcome bonus to a loyalty program. For transactions, there are several payment options, including Visa, Mastercard, PayTM, Neteller, and Crypto. Yet, it’s important to know that a 1.7% commission is charged on withdrawals made via Visa/Mastercard.
Top 3 Trusted Betting Sites In India
The reliability of a bookmaker is primarily a matter of whether it has a licence. But since the gambling industry in India is not regulated by general national law, betting sites operating in this country do not have a national permit to conduct business. Therefore, players should pay attention to whether the operator has an international licence, for example, Curacao or Malta. As a rule, large international brands with a good reputation have it. Age says a lot about the reliability of a bookie: if a company has been on the market for many years, then with a high degree of probability it can be trusted.
Another important criterion is accepting payments in rupees. If you place bets on a site that does not accept payments in the local currency, you may be subject to the law Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), which strictly prohibits unauthorised parties from converting the Indian currency into foreign ones. Finally, it is important to check whether the betting site reliably protects the user’s personal information and whether it uses modern encryption tools such as the SSL protocol. The three bookmakers we selected meet all these criteria.
Top 3 Indian Cricket Betting Sites
Cricket in India is not just a sport; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has garnered immense popularity and devotion among the masses. Cricket wagering has followed a similar trajectory, becoming a widespread activity that engages a large portion of the population. The advent of online platforms has further fueled this trend, making it easier for enthusiasts to place bets on various aspects of the game, from match outcomes to player performances.
The Indian Premier League (IPL), an annual T20 cricket tournament, serves as a prime example of this betting culture. It attracts not only local but also international bettors, contributing to a multi-billion-dollar industry. We have meticulously studied the sports portfolio of bookmakers and are ready to present you with the 3 best cricket betting sites.
Top 3 Mobile Betting Apps in India
Mobile wagering has revolutionised the industry, providing users with several key advantages. It offers unmatched accessibility, and the convenience of mobile betting eliminates the need to visit physical bookmakers, making it ideal for those with busy lifestyles. Users can benefit from exclusive mobile app features like push-up notifications, while security measures like fingerprint authorization protect personal and financial information. We have tested mobile wagering applications and can confidently say that the best of them belong to the following companies:
How to Deposit and Withdraw Money on Indian Betting Sites
Depositing and withdrawing money involves several steps and various payment methods. Here’s a detailed process on how to do it:
Depositing Money
- Create an account. First, you need to create an account on the Indian betting site of your choice. This typically involves providing your personal information, including your name, email address, and phone number.
- Verify your identity. You may need to provide identification documents (passport, Aadhar card, or driver’s licence) and proof of address (utility bills) for verification. This step is essential for security and regulatory compliance.
- Log in. Once your account is created, log in using your username and password. Navigate to the deposit section.
- Choose a payment method. Indian betting sites offer a variety of payment methods, including:
- Debit/Credit Cards: Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted.
- E-wallets: Popular options include Paytm, Google Pay, PhonePe, and Skrill.
- Bank Transfers: You can transfer funds directly from your bank account.
- Cryptocurrency: Some sites accept cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, Etherium and others.
- Enter the deposit amount. Specify the amount you want to deposit. Ensure it meets the site’s minimum deposit requirement.
- Complete the transaction. Follow the prompts to enter your payment details, such as card information, wallet details, or bank account details. Verify the information and confirm the deposit.
- Wait for confirmation. Depending on the payment method, your deposit should be processed almost instantly or within a few minutes. You’ll receive a confirmation message when the funds are available in your betting account.
Withdrawing Money
- Log in to your account using your credentials.
- Access the cashier/banking section. Just like with deposits, go to the cashier section.
- Select withdrawal method. Pick the withdrawal method you prefer. It’s often the same method you used for depositing, but some sites may offer additional options.
- Enter withdrawal amount. Specify the amount you wish to withdraw. Ensure it meets any minimum withdrawal requirements.
- Submit your withdrawal request. Confirm your withdrawal details and submit the request.
- Processing time. The processing time for withdrawals varies depending on the betting site and the chosen withdrawal method. E-wallet withdrawals are typically faster, while bank transfers may take a few business days.
- Receive your funds. Once your withdrawal is processed, you’ll receive the funds in your chosen withdrawal method account.
Remember that different websites may have slightly different procedures and processing times, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the specific site’s terms and conditions. Additionally, be aware of any transaction fees that may apply to deposits or withdrawals.
FAQ
Which is the Best Betting Site in India?
Identifying a single, unequivocal wagering website poses a challenge, but we can confidently present the top five bookmakers. Here they are: 1XBET, Dafabet, 10CRIC, Betway and Parimatch. In the “Review of Top 5 The Top Bookies” section you can find out more about them.
Which Betting Sites are Legal in India?
The online gambling industry in India lacks legal regulation. However, customers have the freedom to wager on international websites that cater to local users and support transactions in rupees.
Which Betting App is the Best?
The best applications for sports wagering were developed by 1XBET, 10CRIC, Parimatch. They received all the advantages of desktop sites, and also incorporated some mobile-specific features, such as push notifications.
Is Betting App Banned in India?
Not at all. Online betting is not regulated in India, which means you can bet on offshore sites from your smartphone the same way you can from your computer.
What are Promotions in Betting?
Promotions in sports are special offers that bookies provide to attract and retain players. In India, many betting sites present welcome bonuses and ongoing deals for existing users. When selecting a promotion, consider both the bonus size and the wagering requirements. Refer to our review of Top 5 Bookies to find out more about bookmakers with specific promotions on cricket.
Which Betting Site has the Highest Bonus?
The largest welcome bonus for new users is awarded by Betmaster – up to ₹90 000 plus a free bet of ₹900. However, keep in mind that the wagering conditions are not easy: you will have to wager the bonus amount tenfold with a minimum odds of 1.70.