Sports Betting in India: A Complete Guide for Beginners and Experienced Players

Sports betting in India has become much more popular in 2026. Today, you can place a bet in seconds via a mobile app or website. The best bookmakers offer sportsbooks with more than 40 disciplines, and each match is represented by dozens of markets, including totals, winner, handicap, and even individual player statistics. Our team constantly studies the industry and its representatives, compiles detailed reviews, and evaluates popular bookmakers.

On this page, you will find all the information about online sports betting in India, as well as instructions and recommendations on how to start betting comfortably and safely.

Why Sports Betting is Popular in India

For many players in India, betting has become a way to get more involved in the game. It is important not only to choose the outcome, but also to follow the match with personal interest. That is why betting is so popular among different people:

• There is always something to bet on. Cricket, football, kabaddi, tennis and other sports take place every day;
• Live betting. Online bookmakers offer a full range of options for real-time betting, including live broadcasts and Live Score;
• Newbies get bonuses. Almost all sites give free bets or extra money after registration and first deposit;
• It is convenient to bet from your phone. Modern mobile applications work quickly and contain a full set of options for comfortable betting on the go.
• It is easy to keep track of your balance. You can see your betting history and balance, and you can set limits on the amount.
• Ready-made statistics are available. Websites show team form, odds changes and other data. This data helps to significantly increase your betting success;
• Many types of bets. You can choose a single bet or create an express bet to your liking.

How to Choose an Online Bookmaker in India

Before registering, it is worth carefully evaluating the betting site. There are many online bookmakers available in India, and your choice will affect convenience, payouts and security. A good site works reliably, processes bets quickly and offers fair terms and conditions. Here’s what to look for:

• Licence. The website must have a licence issued by Curacao, Malta or another recognised authority. The presence of a licence confirms the reliability of the bookmaker and that it adheres to the rules of fair play;
• INR support. The bookmaker must offer INR as the primary account currency so that you can make transactions without conversion;
• Payment options. Please note the availability of convenient payment methods such as UPI, Paytm, PhonePe, Crypto, and others;
• Sports coverage. Open the Sports page and make sure that the bookmaker offers bets on both major and regional sporting events in all popular disciplines;
• Betting features. Check for live streaming, statistics, express bets and cashout to make your betting experience as comfortable as possible;
• Bonuses. Welcome offers should have clear betting requirements. Read the fine print;
• Mobile experience. Check whether there is a mobile app. If there isn’t one, evaluate the usability of the mobile version of the website;
• User reviews. Check forums and rating sites before depositing real money.

How to Bet on a Sports Match Online

Any user from India over the age of 18 can start betting on sports matches, and here is a detailed guide to help you:

1. Register. Open the bookmaker’s website and click on the registration button. Fill out the form and create a personal account.
2. Top up your balance. Click on the deposit button and select the payment method you want to use. Enter the amount and other details and confirm the transaction. The minimum deposit is usually INR 100 – INR 500.
3. Go to the ‘Sports’ section. This will allow you to select the sport you are interested in.
4. Select a match. Click on the match you are interested in to open its page.
5. Place a bet. Select a market, enter the bet amount and confirm.

If your prediction is correct, the winnings will be credited to your balance. You can withdraw money at any time.

Popular Sports for Betting in India

Most bets in India are placed on several popular sports, such as cricket, football, kabaddi, basketball and tennis. These sports are played almost every day, are available in all betting lines and allow the use of analytics, statistics and various strategies. Below are the most popular betting areas among Indian bettors.

Cricket

Cricket is the biggest sport for betting in India. The variety of formats (Tests, ODIs, T20s) means matches run almost every week. Markets cover match winner, top batsman, top bowler, total runs, fall of first wicket, method of dismissal and dozens more. Popular cricket events for betting:

• Indian Premier League (IPL);
• ICC Cricket World Cup;
• ICC T20 World Cup;
• India vs Pakistan matches;
• Big Bash League;
• Caribbean Premier League;
• County Championship;
• Ranji Trophy, and others.

Football

Football betting has grown fast in India, especially among younger fans. European leagues get the most action, but Indian competitions are catching up. You can bet on match result, goals, corners, cards, player stats and more. Popular football events:

• English Premier League;
• UEFA Champions League;
• La Liga;
• Indian Super League (ISL);
• FIFA World Cup;
• I-League;
• Durand Cup.

Kabaddi

Kabaddi is uniquely Indian and the Pro Kabaddi League has made it a serious betting sport. Markets include match winner, point spread, total points, first team to score and individual player raids. Popular kabaddi events:

• Pro Kabaddi League (PKL);
• Kabaddi World Cup;
• Asian Games Kabaddi.

Basketball

Basketball is also popular among many Indian bettors. Users can bet on the winner of the match, the point difference, the total score, quarter results, player points, rebounds, assists, and dozens of other markets. Popular basketball events for betting:

• NBA (National Basketball Association);
• Euroleague;
• NBA Playoffs and Finals;
• FIBA Basketball World Cup;
• NCAA March Madness;
• Spanish ACB League;
• Turkish BSL;
• Chinese CBA and others.

Tennis

Tennis runs year-round with ATP, WTA and ITF events. One-on-one format makes analysis simpler. You track one player’s form, not a whole squad. Bet on match winner, set score, total games, tie-breaks and more. Major tennis tournaments:

• Wimbledon;
• Australian Open;
• French Open (Roland Garros);
• US Open;
• ATP Finals.

Other Popular Sports

Indian bettors also bet on:

• Badminton (All England Open, BWF World Championships);
• Hockey (Hockey India League, FIH Pro League);
• Basketball (NBA, FIBA);
• Esports (CS2, Dota 2, League of Legends, Valorant);
• Horse Racing (Indian Derby, major international races);
• Boxing and MMA (UFC, WBC, WBA);
• Table Tennis (WTT events);
• Formula 1 (Grand Prix races).

Each sport has its own section on major betting sites with upcoming fixtures and available markets.

Common Betting Markets

A market is a specific outcome you can bet on. One match can have 50, 100 or even 200 markets depending on the sport and bookmaker. Here are the most common ones:

• Match Winner. Simple bet on which team or player wins;
• Double Chance. Covers two outcomes: win or draw for one side;
• Total (Over/Under). Predict if runs, goals or points will be above or below a set number;
• Handicap. One side gets a virtual advantage to balance the odds;
• Both Teams to Score. In football, whether both sides will find the net;
• Exact Score. Guess the final score. High odds, hard to hit;
• First Goal/First Wicket. Who scores first or which batsman gets out first;
• Top Batsman/Top Bowler. In cricket, who scores the most runs or takes the most wickets;
• Player Props. Bets on individual player stats: runs scored, goals, assists, cards;
• Outright/Futures. Long-term bets on tournament winners, top scorer of the season.

Types of Bets: Single, Accumulator and System

Three main bet formats exist at every bookmaker:

• Single. One selection, one bet. If it wins, you get paid based on the odds;
• Accumulator (Express). A combination of several selections. For the bet to be successful, all selections must be correct. The odds are multiplied, so the potential winnings are higher, but one incorrect selection will void the entire bet;
• System. A set of accumulators covering various combinations. If one of your selections loses, you can still win something from the remaining combinations. The risk is lower than with a straight accumulator, but so is the potential profit.

How Betting Odds Work

Bookmakers calculate odds based on probability. They use stats, algorithms and market data to estimate how likely each outcome is. Then they add a margin to guarantee profit regardless of the result. Most Indian betting sites default to decimal odds. You can usually switch formats in settings. In live betting, odds change constantly based on what happens in the match and how other bettors are betting.

Payment Methods for Indian Players

Indian bettors have access to fast, familiar payment options. Most deposits hit your betting account instantly. Withdrawals take anywhere from 15 minutes to 24 hours depending on the method and verification status.

• UPI. Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM. Instant deposits, widely supported;
• Paytm Wallet. Direct wallet transfers on many sites;
• NetBanking. SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis and others;
• IMPS/NEFT. Bank transfers for larger amounts;
• Bank cards. Visa, Mastercard, Indian Bank cards;
• E-wallets. Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz;
• Cryptocurrency. Bitcoin, USDT, Ethereum and others.

Live Betting: How It Works

Live bets are bets that are placed after the match has started. The odds are updated in real time depending on what is happening on the pitch. Here are some of the advantages of such bets:

• You can watch how the teams are playing before placing your money;
• New markets open up during the match, such as the method of the next wicket, runs in the next over;
• The odds increase sharply after unexpected events;
• The ‘Cash Out’ feature allows you to lock in profits or reduce losses before the end of the match;
• Live Score and Live broadcasts help you follow the game and better assess the form of the players;
• Live betting is suitable for players who are knowledgeable about sports and can react quickly to changing situations.
• Early payout function is supported. If you have placed a bet on an event that has already happened in the match, you will immediately receive your winnings to your account balance.

Sports Betting Tips for Indian Users

Success in sports betting depends not only on luck, but also on the ability to analyse players, teams, their form and many other parameters. Here are some tips that can help increase your chances of success:

• Set a budget and don’t exceed it. Before you start, decide how much you can afford to lose;
• Divide your bankroll. Never bet more than 20% on a single bet.
• Bet on sports that you understand and know how to analyse.
• Check the statistics before betting. The results of previous matches, recent form and injuries are important.
• Read forums. Sports analysts often publish predictions on social media or forums. Such opinions can be very valuable, as they are usually based on the analysis of a large amount of data.
• Avoid emotional bets. If you have lost and feel uneasy, it is better to take a break. Do not try to win back your losses and make emotional bets.
• Make small accumulator bets. A maximum of three or four selections. Long accumulators look attractive, but almost never work out.
• Keep track of your bets. Write down what you bet on, why and what the result was. Analyse your successes and failures.

Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced bettors sometimes make mistakes that cause them to lose money on bets. Here are the main ones:

• Chasing losses. Doubling your bets after an unsuccessful bet usually makes the situation worse, as such decisions are made on emotion.
• Betting on unfamiliar sports. Stick to what you know.
• All-or-nothing bets. Never risk your entire bankroll on a single bet.
• Ignoring form and statistics. It is always important to rely on your own analysis rather than intuition.
• Falling for “guaranteed tips.” No one can guarantee a win. Analysts who guarantee success are scammers.
• Overloading accumulators. Adding additional events in pursuit of higher odds reduces the probability of winning. Even a market with odds of 1.06 can ruin everything if you haven’t done a thorough analysis;
• Betting while intoxicated or under the influence of emotions. It is better to make decisions with a cool head, after careful analysis of teams and players.

Mobile Betting in India

Most Indian bettors use their phones. Apps are designed for Indian users: light on data, quick to load, compatible with budget smartphones. Why mobile betting works well:

• Apps download from the bookmaker’s site in under a minute;
• Full access to sports, markets, bonuses and support;
• Fingerprint or PIN login keeps your account secure;
• Push notifications for match starts, odds changes and results;
• Live betting runs smoothly without page refreshes;
• Some apps offer exclusive mobile bonuses.

You can download the APK directly from the bookmaker’s website.

Benefits and Risks of Betting

Betting can be fun and sometimes profitable, but it comes with real risks. Know both sides before you start.

Benefits:

• You can turn your sports knowledge into real winnings;
• Today, you can conveniently place bets using your smartphone;
• Wide range of sports and markets;
• Bonuses and promotions add extra value;
• An excellent opportunity to increase interest in watching the match.

Risks:

• You can lose money, sometimes quickly;
• Emotional betting leads to bad decisions;
• Addiction is real and can damage finances.

Responsible Gambling

A responsible approach to gambling is a mandatory requirement for both operators and regulatory authorities. Licenses are only issued if the bookmaker takes measures to protect vulnerable players. When registering, users must undergo KYC verification and confirm their age. Licensed bookmakers offer various self-control tools:

• Deposit limits. Players choose the amount they are willing to deposit per day, week, or month.
• Account blocking. Access can be temporarily suspended through customer support;
• Complete self-exclusion. Players can close their account for a certain period if they feel they are losing control.

Is Online Betting Legal in India?

According to current legislation, gambling companies are prohibited from establishing offices or gambling establishments within the country. However, online betting is in a gray area and is not prohibited by law. As a rule, online bookmakers have reputable international licenses, for example, from the Malta Gaming Authority or the Curacao Gaming Authority. The presence of a license means that only users over the age of 18 are allowed to place bets. The license also confirms that the bookmaker adheres to all industry standards and follows the rules of fair play.

Conclusion

Sports betting in India is a convenient way to add interest to watching matches and use your knowledge of teams and tournaments. Online bookmakers offer a wide selection of events, a large selection of options, convenient interfaces, and bonuses for new players. Everything can be done via your phone, without any unnecessary steps. But it is important to remember that betting should remain under control, and every decision should be well thought out. With a calm approach and adherence to recommendations, betting can be good entertainment.

Page written by Sourav Singh

• Gambling Expert
• India
• 100+ articles on casino.com

The main goal of our website is to provide comprehensive assistance to gamblers in India. We strive to do everything possible to ensure that you have access to reliable gambling sites and enhance your gambling skills

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