India, with its rich gambling history, has become a hotspot for avid bettors, especially those passionate about sports betting, particularly cricket. The world of Indian local betting sites is thriving, with 48% of adult males placing bets on a monthly basis, and a staggering 80% of wagers focused on major cricket leagues like the IPL.
While India’s perspective on gambling may be considered conservative compared to Western standards, there have been significant advancements towards a more liberalized licensing system since 2018. The Law Commission of India proposed the regulation of online gambling, indicating a shift towards a more progressive approach.
Best Indian Bookmakers
To help you navigate the plethora of options, we have gathered the top betting sites in India that offer high odds on cricket matches, accept local payments such as UPI/IMPS, and allow transactions in Indian Rupees (INR).
5 Things to Know About Betting in India
- Cricket leagues like the IPL offer more than 100 markets and over 60 alternative bets. Look for competitive odds with a payout of 95%+ for pre-match and 90%-93%+ in-play bets. Consider 22bet as one of the top Indian cricket betting sites.
- Live streaming is an essential feature for a good live betting platform, particularly for sports like cricket. Bet365 and 1xBet offer daily live streaming, even on mobile.
- Betting in Indian Rupees eliminates the need for currency conversion fees. International bookmakers like 22Bet and Betwinner offer the Rupee as a standard currency, simplifying the transaction process.
- Ensure that the betting site accepts local banking methods like Netbanking, PayTM, Phone, or Skrill India for easy account funding. Bet365, for instance, offers bank transfer deposits through these payment systems.
- Look for betting sites with regular promotions and bonuses, especially for major cricket competitions like The Ashes and the Marsh One Day Cup. 888sport offers enticing promotions for Hero CPL T20.
Laws Surrounding Local Betting Sites in India
Currently, online betting is not regulated and is considered prohibited under the Public Gambling Act of 1867, which remains the main gambling law in India. However, the interpretation of betting laws is left to the states, with online betting being legal exclusively in Sikkim since 2009. India operates as a thriving grey market for international operators, giving local bettors various options.
Is Betting Legal in India? Essential Information for Players
While online betting is still not legal in India, placing bets online is done without the government’s consent. However, apart from potential ISP and payment service provider blocks, no further measures have been taken. There have been no prosecutions or convictions of individual online gamblers. Recently, the authorities have become more active, leading to rare instances of law enforcement.
Although India is considered a grey area for online betting, players do not have to pay a gambling tax on their winnings, unlike the 30.90% tax on offline horse racing.
Sports Betting in India
Despite being legally uncertain, sports betting in India, especially cricket betting, remains popular among local punters. Approximately 80% of all wagers are placed on the IPL, the CPL, The Ashes, and Big Bash. Football betting is also on the rise, with 15% of total bets placed on top leagues worldwide. Additionally, sports betting sites like Bet365 and 22Bet offer bets on Kabaddi and horse racing, which are extremely popular in India.
How to Bet Online in India
If you’re wondering how to bet online in India, follow these simple steps:
- Choose a reputable and licensed betting site.
- Create an account by providing the required information.
- Deposit funds using convenient payment methods like Netbanking, PayTM, Phone, or Skrill India.
- Select your desired cricket match or any other sports event and place your bets.
The Future of Online Betting in India
There are promising signs of fully legalizing online betting in India. The government’s intention to regulate gambling was made clear in the 276th report of the country’s Law Commission in 2018. Although significant developments are yet to occur, it is believed to be only a matter of time. Full regulation will benefit both the government, through tax revenue, and players, who will have access to more international brands for legal wagering on their favorite sports.
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