Cricket is the number one sport in India in terms of popularity. Millions of residents engage in the game at the amateur level or follow the performance of professional athletes on the international scene. The introduction and the evolution of the IPL, which has quickly become a global phenomenon, also contribute to the rise of this discipline in the country. Historically, betting goes hand in hand with loud competitions, and modern fans maintain this trend. Currently, punters don’t need to leave how to place a prediction on the team they like, as a large sports wagering world fits their smallest devices. Before engaging in this entertainment in India, locals should explore the industry landscape and discover what’s legal and what’s not.
The Rise of Cricket Betting
The quick development of the technological sector, including nationwide smartphone penetration, high-quality internet connection, and the accessibility of these services, turned more cricket fans towards online bookmakers. Viewers often prefer to make matches more thrilling by adding an adrenaline rush and predicting the game outcome. In 2025, online sportsbooks offer lots of markets for informed wagers, complemented by real-time statistical updates, push-notifications about the most beneficial odds, and integrated AI technologies that conduct detailed assessments to form predictive models.
Newcomers can start their betting journey with a 1xBet IPL bonus, which boosts their stakes and offers the chance to increase winning opportunities without additional deposits. Despite its unofficial status, cricket betting continues to flourish, driven by emotional investment in the game and the potential of receiving easy money. While domestic platforms are prohibited, offshore sites are always ready to open their virtual doors in front of Indian punters and deliver lots of opportunities.
The Legal Status of Cricket Betting in the State
Outdated regulations have long been the problem of the Indian iGaming market. The country adhered to the Public Gambling Act of 1867, which restricted all entertainment opportunities that involved luck. This colonial-era legislation prohibits running and visiting gambling houses, but, of course, it doesn’t address the digital sector. For many decades, it has been a loophole for iGaming companies. In 2025, the government initiated a similar law to cover the online industry, but it still isn’t perfect.
The Role of Skill and Chance
The strict differentiation of skill-based and luck-based games is the basis of Indian gambling regulations. Games that don’t rely on chance and imply building strategies are generally allowed in the country. This point gave rise to the evolution of Fantasy Sports platforms. On the contrary, cricket betting falls under the ban, as it’s typically categorized as a game of chance. Sometimes, this entertainment involves match-fixing and odds manipulation: these actions are considered a scam across the globe, but some unfair operators use these methods to deceive their customers. The ban on luck-focused activities is due to the Indian government’s understanding of the risks of compulsive habits and its aim to protect users from the negative consequences of uncontrolled behaviors. Eliminating the impact of scam sites in the region is another reason, but overseas operators successfully get around these restrictions due to loopholes in the legal framework.
The Growing Demand for Offshore Platforms
Currently, overseas bookmakers don’t face any obstacles in targeting Indian customers, which is the main reason why the online gambling sector is flourishing. International brands evaluate market needs and focus on cricket tournaments when localizing their offers. Indian players can join offshore sites without limitations and take advantage of a variety of betting markets, juicy bonuses, and local payment systems. This simplicity in access attracts users to this entertainment, but knowing the risks and threats is still critical:
- Cybercrimes and unfair betting practices. Not all online bookmakers are fair, and some operate without a license and only aim to steal users’ personal details and funds
- Match-fixing and corruption. Sometimes, athletes and third parties manipulate match outcomes to their advantage, which can influence punters’ experiences
- Banking issues. Money transfers via Indian payment systems can sometimes be rejected due to gambling-related bans in particular states
- Lack of consumer protection. Since there’s no authority regulating cricket betting activities, users can lack legal support if they face any problematic issues
These risks are real, and all cricket fans should consider them when joining online bookmakers in India. However, interacting with legal and trusted platforms eliminates these threats. Certified operators focus on providing fair services and enhanced consumer protection to all members, so check the reputation before signing up for a cricket betting site.
Benefits of Betting for Cricket Fans
Sports wagering activities hold a significant entertainment value, as users can have more fun and potential profits when watching a cricket game. The variety of online bookmakers targeting Indian players is growing, so they can be picky and select the best conditions. In 2025, wagering on cricket tournaments is more affordable than ever before, as many operators have low deposit requirements. Investing a minimal sum to receive bonuses and get the chance of winning real-money prizes is attractive, so it’s not surprising that this activity is gaining popularity among sports fans.