Odds
Home » Countries » India

Our Complete Guide to Online Betting in India

Sports betting in India has grown in popularity since it moved online. But, what is the best Indian betting site? How do you make a bet? Can Indian bettors use safe and legal sites?

We answer all these questions and more in this complete guide to betting in India. Our team has studied Indian betting laws, found the best banking methods and written comprehensive guides on how to make a bet. Whatever you need, we’ve got you covered.

Best Online Bookies for India – March 2024]

4.5/5
Rated by 413 users
Claimed by 493 people this week
Get 100% Up To $500
Terms and conditions: The bonus code is only valid for a new customer's first deposit and must be redeemed immediately after the deposit and before a wager has been placed. The sum of the deposit and the bonus are subject to rollover requirements of 8x at min. odds of -200 (1.5) before a new bonus can be redeemed or a withdrawal can be made. Max. $1000 of each bet count towards the rollover requirements. Terms and Conditions apply. – Terms apply
Show More Details Show Less Details

Payment Options

VISA
Master Card
Bank Transfer
Neteller
Paysafecard
Skrill
Bitcoin
+5

Average Payout Speed

0 – 24 Hours

Currencies

  • AUD
  • CAD
  • USD
  • Competitive sign-up and promotional offers
  • Excellent statistics section to aid customers
  • Pain-free deposit options
  • Accepts both high and low limit bettors
  • Lengthy and expensive withdrawal procedure
4.5/5
Rated by 267 users
Claimed by 424 people this week
125% up to $3,125
Terms and conditions: Terms and Conditions apply. – Terms apply
Show More Details Show Less Details

Payment Options

VISA
Master Card
Bitcoin
American Express
Moneygram
Ethereum
Litecoin

Average Payout Speed

0 – 24 Hours

Currencies

  • BTC
  • LTC
  • ETH
  • Premier destination for US bettors
  • Racebook covering daily races
  • Esports and virtual sports markets
  • In-depth sports stats and tips
  • Intuitive live betting markets
  • Limited withdrawal options
4.57/5
Rated by 413 users
Claimed by 340 people this week
100% Up To $1000
Terms and conditions: Terms and Conditions apply. – Terms apply
Show More Details Show Less Details

Payment Options

Bitcoin
BitcoinCash
Master Card
Person to Person
VISA

Average Payout Speed

0 – 24 Hours

Currencies

  • LTC
  • USD
  • Generous bonuses and promotions
  • Great range of betting markets
  • Extensive racebook
  • Very good customer service
  • Only a few withdrawal options
  • Fees for withdrawing funds
4.62/5
Rated by 413 users
Claimed by 370 people this week
100% Up to $1000 + $25 casino chip
Terms and conditions: Terms and Conditions apply. – Terms apply
Show More Details Show Less Details

Payment Options

VISA
Master Card
Bitcoin

Average Payout Speed

0 – 24 Hours

Currencies

  • BTC
  • Trusted by publications such as ESPN
  • Access a dedicated racing section
  • Crypto-friendly sportsbook
  • Adjust odds format and time zone
  • Support options include call back
  • Quite low sportsbook limits
4.5/5
Rated by 413 users
Claimed by 286 people this week
50% Up To $1000
Terms and conditions: Terms and Conditions apply. – Terms apply
Show More Details Show Less Details

Payment Options

Bank Wire
Bitcoin
Cheque
Discover
Master Card
Neteller
Skrill
+1

Average Payout Speed

0 – 24 Hours

Currencies

  • USD
  • Accepts players from all over the world
  • Known for their live betting offers
  • Lots of secure banking options
  • Great bonuses and promotions
  • High fees for some deposit options
  • Support agents are often slow to reply
4.5/5
Rated by 313 users
Claimed by 192 people this week
50% Up to $250
Terms and conditions: Terms and Conditions apply. – Terms apply
Show More Details Show Less Details

Payment Options

Amex
Bitcoin
Master Card
Rapidtransfer
VISA

Average Payout Speed

0 – 24 Hours

Currencies

  • BTC
  • Top-rated US online sportsbook
  • Mobile site for iOS and Android users
  • Diverse range of betting markets
  • Excellent customer support options
  • Lines come out very late in the day
  • Odds not as favorable as other books
4.5/5
Rated by 232 users
Claimed by 177 people this week
15% up to $600
Terms and conditions: Terms and Conditions apply. – Terms apply
Show More Details Show Less Details

Payment Options

Amex
Bank Wire
Bitcoin
Cheque
Master Card
Neteller
VISA

Average Payout Speed

0 – 24 Hours

Currencies

  • BPS
  • CAD
  • EUR
  • Popular book that accepts large max bets
  • Huge focus on football and basketball
  • High-spec live in-play platform available
  • Downloadable client for Windows & Mac
  • Odds are not amazing on non-US sports
  • User interface could be improved
Flag of India

Is Online Betting Legal in India?

There is no law that states online betting is illegal in India. Casinos are illegal as part of the Public Gambling Act, 1867, however, due to the obvious fact that the internet wasn’t around when this law was made, online activity is not covered.

What this means for millions of Indian bettors is that they can make bets on sports from around the world, on foreign sites, without any real risk. Using cricket as an example, IPL betting online is a huge business and in reality, millions of bets are made on this competition alone.

We only recommend betting sites that are:

  • Fully legal for India bettors
  • Licensed by a gambling authority
  • Safe and secure
India flag

Sports betting itself is also a bit of a grey area within India law. Many states have their own laws that permit horse racing betting at race tracks, but physical betting shops or bookmakers are not permitted.

Changes are expected to Indian gambling legislation over the coming years as the Government moves to control some of the large amounts of money that are bet overseas. One state, Sikkim, has already made legislative changes and issued its first licence to an Indian betting site in 2014.

No major changes are in progress though, so for the time being, Indian punters will continue to be able to enjoy sports betting with top betting sites like Bet365.

Deposits and Withdrawals at Indian Betting Sites

One of the most important parts of betting online is being able to add money to your account. Also, if your bet is successful and you want to withdraw your winnings, it’s vital that you can do this quickly and efficiently.

This is not always easy in India, as many people who want to bet online don’t have a bank account. The best way to get around not having a bank account is using a Paysafecard.

Although there aren’t loads of places to buy Paysafecards in India, you can visit the Paysafecard website and see if there is a vendor near you. The only other option is to ask a friend or family member with a bank account to deposit for you.

If you have a bank account things are much more straightforward, for example, you can use e-wallets such as Skrill and Neteller to deposit at the best Indian betting sites. We discuss them in more detail below.

How to Deposit Money to a Betting Site in India

It’s important that you have a deposit method you can trust. There are loads of great options for you, including Skrill where you can use Indian Rupee. If you want to find out more, we discuss different banking options further down the page.

Now you’ve chosen your method, depositing your money is simple, but we know it can take a couple of times before you are confident. That’s why we have created a simple, step-by-step guide below:

Step 1

Sign up to one of our recommended betting sites in India. You will have to enter some basic information such as name and email to create an account.

Step 2

Click on the ‘Cashier’ button – this is usually located near the top of the page near the navigation bar.

Step 3

Choose your preferred deposit method – e.g Skrill or Neteller.

Step 4

Choose the amount you wish to deposit. Remember that some payment methods have a minimum deposit requirement.

Step 5

If you are eligible for a welcome bonus and there is a code, then make sure you enter it at this stage. Hit ‘Submit’ when you’re happy with your selection.

Step 6

In most cases, the money will appear in your account immediately and you’re ready to start betting.

How to Make a Bet Online in India

Step 1

Find the sport you want to bet on – this can usually be found on the left-hand side of a betting site or you might find specific sports or events on the home page.

Step 2

Select the market you want to be on, for example ‘match winner’ and click the bet you want to make. This will add it to your betslip – this will usually be displayed on the right-hand side of the page.

Step 3

In the betslip, choose your stake – the amount you want to bet. It will also show you how much you will receive if the bet wins – returns.

Step 4

If you’re happy, click place bet or start the process again to combine multiple bets in one.

How to Withdraw Money From a Betting Site in India

Withdrawing money from your betting account is more straightforward than depositing. You’ve done the hard work of setting up the account and winning a bet, now all you have to do is click withdraw.

Just like depositing, withdrawing money at an Indian betting site is done through the ‘cashier’. Go to the cashier, select withdraw and enter the amount.

The money usually takes 1-3 working days to process however many methods are much quicker than this, for example, withdrawals from Neteller can be completed in just a few hours.

Know Your Customer Checks

When withdrawing money from an online betting site, you may be asked to provide some additional information. This is in place to prevent illegal gambling and ensure you are protected whilst betting.

If you are asked to do this as part of a Know Your Customer check, usually you just have to give a copy of ID like a driving license or passport. Sometimes though you have to send further documents that could include:

  • Payment ID – This could be a copy of a bank card or recent statement
  • Proof of Address

If you are asked to provide information like this to a betting site, don’t worry, this is normal and is in place to protect bettors. Once you have given the information requested, your withdrawal will be processed normally.

Indian Rupee banknotes

What Makes a Good Betting Site?

We’ve completed reviews of over 250 betting sites from around the world and only recommend the best ones to you. We look out for the things that make the biggest difference when you bet online. They include:

Licensing & Safety

Licensing & Safety

We only recommend fully licensed sites that guarantee your security whilst betting online. Most our recommended sites are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. In order to maintain a license from the UKGC, every betting site has to follow a strict set of rules that stop illegal gambling, ensure games are fair and all bettors are safe.

Fast & Easy-To-Use Apps

Fast & Easy-To-Use Apps

To keep up with the action whilst betting online, you need a great app. Luckily the sites we recommend boast some of the fastest and most efficient betting apps on the market.

Bonuses & Free Bets

Bonuses & Free Bets

Joining a new betting site and getting a generous welcome bonus can make a huge difference to your experience. Getting a gift is great, especially when it gives you the chance to win more whilst betting on your favourite sport.

Reputation & Odds

Reputation & Odds

The reputation of a company is really important. Betting sites are no different and many people stick with well-known brands for a reason. These established sits offer the best odds because they can afford to. There is also a reason why millions of people use them – they offer a great service every time.

Best Banking Methods for Betting in India

Now that online betting in India is becoming more common, it’s also easier to deposit your money with a variety of banking methods. These include:

E-wallets

E-wallets

Popular e-wallets include Skrill, Neteller and PayPal. These 3 online payment giants offer their customers loads of perks including excellent security, the ability to exchange currencies and move money easily across different accounts.

Skrill, Neteller and PayPal process billions of dollars collectively each year and have been operating for a combined total of over 50 years. Each of these companies are a great option if you are looking to fund your sports betting account in India.

Betting Online in Indian Rupee INR

Betting Online in Indian Rupee INR

Although many of the best betting sites in the world are based in Europe, there is still an easy way for you to bet online using Indian Rupees. It’s even possible to wager at online cricket betting sites in India Rupees so you don’t have to miss out on any of the action in your favourite sports.

E-wallets are a great option to pay in Indian Rupee at a foreign site. For example, with Skrill, you can convert from Rupee to Euro and then make a deposit at your preferred site with ease.

Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum and Ripple are increasingly accepted by online betting sites. Above anything else these new forms of currency offer sports bettors brilliant levels of anonymity online and more and more betting sites are accepting these methods.

Debit and Credit Card

Debit and Credit Card

Nearly all gambling sites in India accept standard debit and credit cards like Mastercard and Visa. These trusted banking methods provide ease and convenience and are used by many sports bettors around the world.

Flag of India and bet key on computer

How to Bet on Cricket Online

India is a sports-mad nation. Nothing sums this up more than the passion and love Indians have for cricket. When the national team plays in a major match the whole country watches and the domestic t20 competition, the IPL, is the premier short-format league in the world.

Given the love for cricket across India, there are lots of cricket betting sites willing to take bets from Indian punters. But, are there good cricket betting sites in India? Is it best to use a well-known brand like Bet365? How do you bet on cricket online?

Firstly, our recommendation is that you use an established sports betting site such as Bet365.

Using an established brand means you are guaranteed safety and security as they are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. You never have to worry about not being paid or your account being compromised at a site like Bet365.

Another benefit of using a top betting site like Bet365 is that you will get a great welcome bonus and on average, the best odds. Because the company is bigger and has been around longer, they can afford to offer slightly better odds across all sports, including cricket.

So, how do you actually bet on cricket? We’ll break it down with this step by step guide.

Step 1

Head to your preferred betting site.

Step 2

Find cricket in the list of sports – this is usually in the left-hand column.

Step 3

Find the match or series you want to bet on – this will be displayed in a list in the middle of the page.

Step 4

Find the market you want to bet on – for example, ‘To Win the Match’, ‘Man of the Match’ or ‘Top Team Batsman’.

Step 5

Select the bet you want to make – for example, ‘India – To Win the Match’ or ‘V Kholi (India) – Top Team Batsman’.

Step 6

Your bet will now be in the betslip – this is usually on the right-hand side of the page.

Step 7

Select your stake – the amount you want to bet and check the returns – how much you will receive if the bet wins

Step 8

Hit the ‘place bet’ button. Sit back, relax and enjoy the match

Other Popular Sports for Betting in India

Indian sport is synonymous with cricket having produced some of the world’s greatest ever players, won multiple world cups and the biggest domestic competition, the IPL. However, there are some other sports that Indian bettors love too.

Football

Football

The international appeal of football, especially the world’s biggest leagues like the Premier League and La Liga, definitely extends to India. Although most Indians prefer playing and watching cricket, football is firmly in 2nd place when it comes to betting in India.

Europe’s best players like Lionel Messi and Harry Kane are adored in India, as are the biggest teams like Manchester United and Real Madrid. That’s why, apart from betting on the Indian Super League, so many bets are placed both on European leagues and on the Champions League.

Horse Racing

Horse Racing

The tradition of horse racing in India is over 200 years old. Like Britain, India also has 5 ‘classic’ races that are seen as the pinnacle of the sport in India and span across the calendar year.

In many India states, laws have been passed that allow bets to be taken at horse racing tracks and 1000’s of bets are placed at Mahalaxmi Racecourse in Mumbai alone.

Field Hockey

Field Hockey

India’s national game, Field Hockey, is loved by many millions across the nation, many of whom also bet on the sport. India has a proud history of competition in field hockey, boasting a total of 8 Olympic gold medals – 3 more than any other nation.

Pro Kabaddi

Pro Kabaddi

Another popular sport for betting in India is Kabaddi. The Pro-Kabaddi league has been running in India since 2014 and is hugely popular on TV and on Indian betting sites.

Claimed by 493 people this week
Visita la web
Terms and conditions: Terms and Conditions apply. – Terms apply

India Online Bookmakers FAQ

Is online gambling legal in India?

Yes, Indian residents can bet online without any issues. On the whole, gambling is illegal in India due to the Public Gambling Act but this doesn’t cover any online activity.

What is the income tax on gambling winnings in India?

Tax on your winnings is 30% if you are an India resident. It’s perfectly legal to make bets at foreign betting sites however it is your responsibility to arrange payment of tax on your winnings.

Is Bet365 legal in India?

Yes, it’s legal and Bet365 states that they accept players from India on their website. They also accept Indian Rupee as a currency.
Q.

Is Skrill safe to use in India?

A.
Yes, Skrill has an excellent reputation and record on security. It offers the highest level of encryption to its customers and so is a great option for sports betting in India.

About the author

Alan Penny
Alan Penny

Editor-in-Chief

Alan hails from Northern Ireland and is an avid fan of all sports. He has been with us since 2017 and serves as SBO’s Editor-in-Chief. Alan passionately covers everything from the latest regulatory developments across the globe to tips on the latest football matches.