Betting in India has a long and multifaceted history, evolving from informal local games centuries ago to sophisticated online platforms today. While some forms of gambling are legalized in certain regions, online betting operates in a legal grey area, making knowledge of regulations and platforms crucial for any bettor.

Betting in India has been a part of cultural and recreational life for centuries. Initially, people engaged in small-scale games, village competitions, and horse racing bets, which were socially accepted and often regulated locally. With technological advances and urbanization, betting evolved dramatically:

  • By the early 2000s, online platforms allowed people to bet from home or mobile devices, removing the need for physical presence;
  • In 2005, the state of Sikkim legalized certain land-based gambling, but this did not extend to online platforms;
  • In 2010, proposals to launch local Indian online betting sites were discussed but never approved, keeping the online sector in a legal grey zone.

This history highlights why online betting in India grew rapidly despite regulatory uncertainty.

The rise of online betting sites

India has hundreds of online betting platforms

Today, India has hundreds of online betting platforms, offering wagers on sports, tournaments, and casino games. These platforms cater to a wide audience, from casual bettors to professional punters. Before engaging in online betting, it is essential to understand the platform landscape:

  • Foreign-based platforms often serve Indian users due to restrictions on domestic operations;
  • Some platforms create community-based betting networks for tournaments, but these lack official legalization;
  • Many players are hesitant to participate due to legal ambiguity, even though platforms are widely accessible.

The growth of online betting reflects technology adoption, smartphone penetration, and interest in global sports markets.

Legalized gambling in India

While online betting remains largely unregulated, some gambling forms are legally permitted:

  • Casinos in Sikkim and Goa. These land-based establishments operate under state permissions. In 2003, revenues exceeded 100 crore INR, indicating strong economic potential;
  • Horse racing. Betting is legal nationwide, as the Supreme Court of India classifies it as skill-based rather than purely luck-dependent. Betting on horse racing has been legal since 1996;
  • Local lotteries and regulated games. Certain states allow lotteries and small-scale gambling with state oversight.

These legal avenues provide opportunities for those seeking secure, regulated gambling options.

Online cricket betting

Cricket is the most popular sport for betting in India, especially during the Indian Premier League (IPL) and international tournaments. Key points to understand about online cricket betting:

  • Many platforms enter India through foreign licenses, offering odds and markets not regulated locally;
  • Millions of users participate during IPL, contributing to significant turnovers in online markets;
  • Betting markets include match outcomes, toss predictions, top scorers, total runs, and in-play bets, giving bettors numerous options.

Even though legality remains unclear, ease of access and high engagement drive the popularity of cricket betting.

Legal considerations for bettors

Understanding the legal environment is crucial to avoid penalties and financial risks. Important considerations:

  • Only casinos in Sikkim and Goa and horse racing are explicitly legal;
  • Online betting through foreign platforms is technically unregulated, requiring careful selection of trustworthy websites;
  • Regulations vary by state, so checking local laws and guidelines before betting is essential;
  • Engaging in illegal betting can result in fines, penalties, or legal action.

Being informed ensures a safer betting experience, minimizing legal complications.

Popular betting companies in India

Indian players widely use several platforms

Several platforms are widely used by Indian bettors, mainly through foreign licenses. These companies offer diverse betting options and secure interfaces:

Before choosing a platform, consider its market coverage, mobile usability, and safety features. Examples include:

  • Betway India. Sports betting, casino games, mobile apps;
  • 22Bet. Extensive sports markets including cricket, football, tennis;
  • Dream11. Fantasy sports, official IPL partnerships, secure transactions;
  • 10Cric. Focused on cricket betting with live odds;
  • LeoVegas. Casino-oriented platform offering sports betting options.

These platforms combine technology, reliability, and user experience, making them attractive despite regulatory uncertainty.

Betway India

Betway is a widely recognized platform offering a full range of sports betting options along with casino games. It provides a user-friendly mobile app, allowing bettors to place wagers on cricket, football, tennis, and other popular sports. Betway also offers live betting, where users can place bets during matches, and secure payment methods, ensuring safe transactions.

22Bet

22Bet is known for its extensive sports coverage, including cricket, football, tennis, and niche sports. It offers hundreds of betting markets per event, providing users with diverse wagering options. The platform supports live betting, multiple payment methods, and localized support for Indian users, making it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced bettors.

Dream11

Dream11 is a fantasy sports platform that has become synonymous with cricket betting in India. It is an official partner of the IPL, giving it credibility and wide appeal. Users can create fantasy teams, participate in contests, and win prizes based on real match performances. The platform emphasizes secure transactions and fair play, making it highly trusted among Indian users.

10Cric

10Cric specializes in cricket betting, with a focus on both domestic and international matches. The platform provides live odds, multiple betting markets, and in-play betting features, allowing users to engage dynamically during games. 10Cric also offers bonuses, promotions, and a mobile-friendly interface, enhancing the overall betting experience for cricket enthusiasts.

LeoVegas

LeoVegas started as a casino-focused platform but has expanded into sports betting, providing options for cricket, football, and other sports. Known for its high-quality mobile app and live casino games, LeoVegas combines entertainment with betting opportunities. Its focus on secure transactions and user experience makes it a reliable platform for both casual and professional bettors.

Popularity of betting sites

The rising popularity of betting sites in India can be attributed to a combination of cultural interest, technological advancement, and market incentives. Cricket, being the nation’s favorite sport, naturally draws huge audiences, and major tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL) turn casual viewers into active participants. The convenience of online platforms allows users to place bets from virtually anywhere, whether through a smartphone or a computer, removing the barriers of physical gambling venues.

In addition, betting companies actively use promotions, bonuses, and cashback schemes to attract and retain users, making the experience more rewarding. Social media has also played a major role by connecting bettors, offering real-time analysis, predictions, and tips, which enhances engagement and confidence in placing bets. The combination of these factors makes online betting both accessible and exciting, ensuring continuous growth and widespread participation across the country. The main reasons fueling the popularity of betting sites in India include:

  • Cricket tournaments like IPL attract millions of bettors;
  • Online platforms enable remote participation via smartphones and computers;
  • Offers, bonuses, and cashback schemes encourage frequent use;
  • Social media groups and communities provide real-time tips, analysis, and predictions.

Responsible betting

Responsible betting is not just a suggestion – it is essential for protecting both your finances and your emotional well-being. Without careful management, even small bets can accumulate into significant losses, and impulsive decisions often lead to regret and stress. Maintaining discipline, setting limits, and following clear strategies allows bettors to enjoy the activity safely while minimizing negative consequences. The key principles of responsible betting include:

  • Bet only what you can afford to lose;
  • Avoid chasing losses by increasing stakes impulsively;
  • Stick to trusted, regulated, or reputable platforms;
  • Keep records of bets and analyze outcomes to refine strategies.

Responsible betting ensures a sustainable and enjoyable experience, allowing players to engage in gambling as a form of entertainment rather than a source of financial strain.

Challenges and risks

Although online and offline betting in India has gained significant popularity, it is important to recognize that engaging in gambling activities carries a number of risks that bettors should be aware of. The legal framework for online betting is still unclear, meaning that participants may unintentionally violate regulations, especially when using foreign platforms. In addition, the rapidly growing number of websites and apps has introduced issues of trust and security, as not all platforms are properly verified or reliable.

Financial losses are another major concern, particularly for those who engage in emotional or impulsive betting, placing large stakes without careful analysis. Even experienced bettors are vulnerable because sports outcomes are inherently unpredictable; unexpected player injuries, weather conditions, or sudden changes in team strategies can dramatically alter results. Understanding these factors and preparing for them is critical. Bettors who are aware of potential pitfalls are better equipped to make informed decisions, manage their money wisely, and reduce exposure to unnecessary risk. Now, the main risks can be summarized as follows:

  • Legal ambiguity can lead to fines or other penalties;
  • Some platforms may be fraudulent or insecure, risking financial loss;
  • Emotional betting can result in significant financial setbacks;
  • Sports events are inherently unpredictable, making accurate predictions difficult.

Conclusion

Betting in India has evolved from traditional games to online platforms, with cricket as the most popular sport. While casinos and horse racing are legal, online betting largely operates in a grey zone. Key takeaways for safe and profitable betting:

  • Know the legal landscape;
  • Choose trusted platforms with secure transactions;
  • Study player statistics, team performance, and match conditions;
  • Practice responsible bankroll management.

Following these strategies allows bettors to maximize enjoyment and earnings while minimizing legal and financial risks.