Online Sports Betting Guide for India

This online sports betting guide for India is for everyone interested in starting to place bets online. Thanks to the accessibility of sites and bookmakers, sports betting has become a common pastime in India. Due to this popularity, we wrote this comprehensive guide covering odds, bet placement, choosing bookmakers, and understanding the legal aspects of Indian betting sites.
Vishal Sharma
Expert: Vishal Sharma Fact Reviewer & Journalist
Experience: Sports content writer, Editor & Live show host

Online sports betting is a form of gambling on desktops, laptops, mobile devices, and betting terminals. With betting, the person makes an online wager on the outcome of a sporting event or even non-athletic events, like political elections or reality shows. Besides the potential upside of winning money, betting adds another dimension to watching sports, making it more exciting and engaging than before—literally changing how Indians watch and follow sports.

One thing to know right from the start is that online sports betting in India is not as clear-cut as we’d like it to be. One important question we’ll answer in this guide is, “Is sports betting legal in India?” 

Other aspects we’ll look at in this online sports betting guide for India are:

  • How to use online bookmakers.
  • What to look for when choosing a betting site.
  • What to consider when evaluating and placing bets online.
  • An overview of betting odds and how to calculate odds.
  • Popular Indian sports and the top betting markets.
  • It helps you make intelligent decisions when placing wagers with online bookmakers.
  • Legal overview of online sports betting in India.

We’ll address the legal aspects of online sports betting in India to eliminate confusion about the laws and regulations. After all, feeling safe and secure when betting online with Indian bookmakers is essential.

While gambling is a popular pastime in India, the sports betting industry is largely unregulated. Betting entities capitalize on several loopholes to offer their games in the country.

Currently, three federal laws enforce the gambling restrictions in India, which are: 

  • Public Gambling Act of 1867 (1)
  • Prize Competition Act of 1955 (2)
  • Information Technology Act of 2000 (3)

The Public Gambling Act of 1867 made owning and operating an online sports betting site, also known as a gambling house, illegal. This law is still in effect today and carries a monetary fine plus the possibility of imprisonment when violated. In an attempt to loosen the severe restrictions of this law, adjustments were made in 2007 to classify games of skills versus games of chance. However, many highly religious areas of India still abide by the mandates initially set down in 1867.

The Prize Competition Act of 1955 allowed the Indian government to restrict prizes given as compensation for competitions, puzzles, pictures, and number games. Although the law has been amended at least five times within the past twenty years, it does not apply to offshore online sports betting. 

The Information Technology Act of 2000 comes close to India’s attempt to establish policies for online gambling. However, most of the Act relates to holding users accountable for their behavior when interacting with others on the Internet. This Act could also apply to online sportsbooks; however, the language is highly ambiguous. 

These “gambling laws” do not specifically mention online gambling. While sports betting is currently allowed in India, the country does not offer a license option enabling betting operators to classify their entity as an “offshore internet bookmaker” to bypass any laws imposed.

How to Place a Sports Bet

The most time-consuming aspect of placing your bet for a sporting event is likely the time it takes you to register for an account. However, as long as you select a trustworthy bookmaker, your account should be activated within a few minutes, and you can begin placing bets shortly after that. Information that you will need to sign up for an account usually includes:

  • E-mail address and selection of a password
  • Full name
  • Address
  • Telephone Number
  • Date of birth

Some Indian bookmakers may also require that you submit documentation regarding this information, such as a passport or recent utility bills. Some betting sites also require that you show proof of your source of wealth, such as bank statements or documentation regarding the asset. 

Once your account is up and running, you can navigate to the bookmaker section and select your chosen game or sporting event.

How Safe is it to Bet on Sports in India?

While the Indian gambling industry is continuously changing and growing, the country is still very lenient about monitoring online sportsbooks. For example, no law in India mandates the operations of an online bookmaker based outside the country. You have no recourse if a business takes your money without paying out your winnings.

It’s vital that every player decides on a sports betting site carefully and does their homework on the merits of the bookmaker to avoid any potential issues.

We highly recommend that you read our honest reviews of Indian sports betting sites before placing any wagers to determine which entity is worthy of your trust. For example, there are some sites that we currently cannot recommend, including Becric.

Digital Money Management

Trustworthy sports betting operators provide their players with secure methods of depositing or withdrawing their winnings, such as bank transfers or e-wallets. In place of deposit fees, most bookmakers require a minimum deposit. Typically, this is anywhere between INR500 and INR1500. Unless some element of fraud is detected, deposits should happen instantly. 

Sports betting sites try to pay your winning as soon as they receive the request. Still, Indian gamblers will likely experience a delay of at least a few hours up to a few days until they see their earnings deposited into their personal account. Minimum and maximum deposits and withdrawals are essential, so you should check these figures before you plan a financial transaction.

The History of Sports Betting in India

Sports betting in India has grown significantly in the last year. The government recognized that there is a dramatic upswing in the amount of illegal gambling happening throughout the country as a result of the strict laws. 

Within the past year, the Law Commission of India has softened its stance on the once-controversial practice of placing wagers on sporting events. Although the country still falls under the confines of laws dating back to the 1800s, the Commission encourages government leaders to loosen the restrictions. They are gradually allowing more access to sports betting in the country to enable stronger government regulation, which could boost the Indian economy. 

The issue is that many Indian leaders throughout the country view gambling as a habit that violates the moral structure of their religious beliefs. While sports betting is currently only available through “offshore” bookmakers, it may not be long before entrepreneurs can create original, Indian-based bookmakers for sports betting.

Strategies for Placing Sports Bets

Many players mistakenly believe that sports betting is a matter of luck. They are under the common misconception that the game's outcome is out of their hands and there is no way to predict what will happen accurately. While this is partially true, there are specific steps that you can take to increase the odds of walking away with a profit.

This section will provide a roadmap of what details you should remember when placing a bet, advice regarding money management, and how to avoid financial disaster due to gambling. 

What Strategies Should You Implement When Betting on Sports?

Whether you are a first-time bettor or a long-time sports gambler, there is always a strategy that you should have going into any bet that you place. Here are some helpful tips to remember before you finalize your bet:

Know Your Team

Before placing any bets, ensure you know the ins and outs of certain aspects of the team you plan to back. Common sense will tell you you should refrain from placing a large bet on a last-place team in any sport. A good rule of thumb is to review their win/loss statistics, confirm the players in the lineup, and analyze past games for a good baseline of what you can expect from the team.

Start Small and Grow Into It As You Get More Experience

Until you learn the ropes of lucrative sports betting, you should play smaller bets to avoid losing excessive money. While betting on winning a rupee or two will not make you instantly wealthy, it will help to boost your confidence so you can begin to place larger bets in the future.

Don’t Bet Out of Desperation

There is no guarantee that any player will indeed make money on a sports bet. Although every detail may appear as though you are creating a foolproof bet, there is always a chance that the team could come out and play poorly that day. Our advice is never to make a bet to make fast money.

Managing Your Money When Making a Sports Bets

Gamblers can implement numerous habits when placing sports bets to ensure that their spending habits don’t get out of control. Licensed bookmakers are usually mandated to promote responsible gaming, which means that the sportsbook will offer you the option of placing restrictions on the amount of money you bet daily, weekly, or monthly. If a player believes that their betting is becoming an issue, they can opt for a period of self-exclusion, which freezes the account for a period.

Ultimately, it is up to the player to learn to control their spending habits. If you feel that your betting is out of control, we advise reaching out for more help from professionals who can help you discuss the possibility of addiction treatment.

Sports Betting Missteps That You Should Avoid

Whether you are a novice or skilled gambler, there are always steps that you can take to avoid losing your life savings when betting on sporting events. Our experience has taught us to avoid the following mistakes at all costs:

Not Understanding the Rules of the Game

Before placing a bet, you should review the bookmaker's terms and conditions. Bookmakers tend to have varying minimum or maximum bet amounts and timeframes for opening and closing the betting window. Only place a bet once you understand every detail of the rules.

Avoid Over-Betting To Make up for a Loss

If you find yourself on a losing streak, one of the best things you can do is stand up and walk away before you lose any more money. Instead of taking a break, some gamblers make the mistake of placing larger bets to cover for what they lost in previous bets. This habit could lead to further financial ruin.

Stick to One Sport

Placing multiple bets over different sporting events could lead to disaster, especially if the games happen simultaneously. To make the most profit off your wager, stick to learning the dynamics of one sport to make an informed bet.

Sports Betting: The Best Bonuses and Campaigns

It’s challenging to find bonuses and campaigns specific to sports betting online for Indian players. However, players can cash in on the initial deposit bonuses and sporadic promotions at any reputable bookmaker.

A match bonus is an easy way to double your initial deposit. Sports betting sites such as Betway and Bet365 offer an initial deposit match up to a certain amount. Dafabet is hands down the best choice for this type of bonus. It provides a 150% match up to 10,000 INR, allowing avid gamblers to begin their betting journey with extra funds. 

Some betting sites maintain campaigns that reward players for signing up for an account. This money is also classified as bonus money and cannot be withdrawn for real money. However, it can be used to place bets on any game from the bookmaker’s sports menu.

Another suggestion is to determine if the site has a section on its website that displays currently available campaigns. For example, if the site runs a promotion specific to football betting, it will be listed here, so try to check that page regularly. 

Trustworthy Software Providers for Indian Bookmakers

GAMMASTACK

GAMMASTACK is a highly reputable software company that provides users with options for sports and fantasy betting. The company has over ten years of experience in the industry and currently services hundreds of clients worldwide. They have betting options for the popular sports that Indian gamers love, including kabaddi, cricket, and horse racing. When you see a GAMMASTACK-sponsored game, you can rest assured that you are in for an excellent gaming experience.

SBTech

SBTech is a company that has won multiple awards for its top-of-the-line sports betting software. Gamers familiar with Microgaming and NetEnt will likely recognize SBTech’s name as a company that works hand-in-hand with these two companies. Microgaming and NetEnt are well known for their

dedication not only to an enjoyable gaming experience but to the security of each player.

Betsys

Betsys is a fantastic sports betting software company that offers live sports wagering and virtual sports and casino game options. Its games are created so players can easily access them on their phone or computer.

Responsible Gambling in Online Sports Betting

Indian gamblers must realize that although there is always a particular element of risk involved in gambling, you elevate that risk when you opt to take part in sports betting in India. Due to the limited choices that Indian gamers have, a player is more susceptible to falling for a bookmaker that looks great on the outside but is anything less than honest once you begin to play. Placing this type of bet can be time-consuming, as a fair amount of research should be done to determine the statistics behind the team and the game. 

We recommend making the proper bookmaker selection and reading our reviews on the best betting sites to ensure you find one worthy of your patronage.

FAQ JustGamblers Online Sports Betting Guide for India

Can I Place Bets With Rupees?

Most online bookmakers accessible to Indian gamblers will accept rupees as a form of payment. If they don’t, the player must figure out the relationship between the rupee and the accepted currency.

Are There Games That You Cannot Bet On?

Every online bookmaker offers different types of games. Before registering for an account, ensure you review the betting site's game availability to ensure it has the games you prefer.

Is There an Age Restriction on Sports Betting?

Yes. Players must be at least 18 years old to register for an account. Some online sports betting sites will not accept gamblers under 21. Suppose a patron does not provide the actual age. In that case, bookmakers reserve the right to disable the account and take other possible legal action regarding any winnings the player may have collected.

Is there an age restriction on sports betting?

Yes. Players are required to be at least 18 years old to register for an account. Some casinos will not accept gamblers that are below the age of 21. If a patron does not provide their true age, casinos reserve the right to disable the account and other possible legal action regarding any winnings the player may have collected on.

Is Sports Betting Safe in India?

Similar to placing bets anywhere in the world, it is perfectly safe to place bets on sporting events as long as you select a bookmaker with a trustworthy reputation.

Is Hockey Betting Prevalent on Sports Betting Websites?

Hockey betting has become more popular following the widespread popularity of field hockey and the HIL (Hockey India League). However, alternative sports to football and cricket that are more popular include badminton betting or kabaddi betting.

How Do I Place a Bet?

Once your information is verified and you deposit real money, you can access all available sports games. Placing a bet is as simple as selecting a sporting event and confirming the amount you wish to wager.

How Often Are Games Offered?

The betting site determines the frequency of sports betting options. Some bookmakers can gamble online cricket around the clock, while others only offer certain games throughout the week.

Resources & Sources

  1. Arrangement of Sections for the Public Gambling Act of 1867, accessed 11 March 2024, <https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/2269/1/AAA1867____03.pdf>
  2. Arrangement of Sections for the Prize Competition Act of 1955, accessed 11 March 2024, <https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/1515/1/AAA1955___42.pdf>
  3. The Information Technology Act, 2000 (No. 21 OF 2000), accessed 11 March 2024, <https://eprocure.gov.in/cppp/rulesandprocs/kbadqkdlcswfjdelrquehwuxcfmijmuixngudufgbuubgubfugbububjxcgfvsbdihbgfGhdfgFHytyhRtMjk4NzY=>
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