Is Gambling Legal in India?
The Public Gambling Act of 1867 states that gambling is illegal in India. However, the act does not prohibit betting on online offshore casinos and sportsbooks. This means Indians can wager on sites that have their physical bases outside the country without breaking any legislation. Gambling in India also depends on the state from where you intend to wager. For instance, Sikkim and Goa allow all regulated sorts of gambling activities. Players can enjoy Horse Racing in India without any legal restriction.
10 Indian Sports Betting Sites (2021)
Below are short reviews of the best Indian sports betting sites highlighting the key advantages of each platform.
22bet
22Bet is a well-established sportsbook owned by Marikit Holdings Ltd. The bookmaker operates under the Curacao Gaming Authority and UK Gambling Commission licenses. 22Bet triumphs in offering a vast range of live betting options with highly competitive odds. The only downside about this bookie is its outdated website design.
Betway
Betway is one of the most trusted betting sites in India today. The operator is owned by Betway Limited and is fully licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority. Indian players should expect to find a user-friendly website with a diverse range of sports and betting markets. Betway ranks as the best Cricket betting site in India.
10Cric
10Cric has been in the industry since 2013, and it operates under the Curacao Gaming Authority license. It is one of the best Cricket betting sites in India. 10cric is also known for offering high odds across the major markets and great live betting features. However, the bookie does not offer Horse Racing.
Parimatch
Parimatch is among the pioneers of the online betting market, with its history dating back to 1996. The bookmaker operates under the ownership of Pari-Match N.V. and has two licenses from the Curacao Gaming Authority and UKGC. Parimatch offers more than 25 sports with over 30,000 pre-match events monthly. The only downside of the platform is slow live betting acceptance.
1xBet
1xBet is a reputable bookmaker owned by 1X Corp N.V. The bookmaker has a valid license from the Curacao Gaming Authority. 1xBet is among the biggest bookies in the market, with more than 40 sports and tons of betting markets. Players have a chance to enjoy over 1000 live events every day and a free live streaming option. The only downside about this sportsbook is a slightly cluttered website.
Unibet
Unibet operates under the ownership of Platinum Gaming Limited, based in Gibraltar. This bookie has two licenses from the UKGC and the Gibraltar Gaming Authority. The highlights of Unibet are a wide range of sports, multiple betting markets, and free live streaming. Mobile gamers will appreciate Unibet’s user-friendly app.
Bet365
If you are a sports betting enthusiast, you must have heard of Bet365 sportsbook. This is one of the safest online betting sites in India, with two licenses from the UKGC and the Gibraltar Gambling Authority. Expect to find a decent range of sports, an attractive live betting section, and highly competitive odds. The bookmaker’s website is slightly cluttered, but navigation becomes easy once you master the major sections and control buttons.
Dafabet
Dafabet is an Asian betting site licensed by Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA). This bookie is known for its wide range of Football markets, highly competitive odds, and great live betting features. Dafabet’s sports selection is limited compared to most leading betting sites, but most popular sports are available.
Bollybet
Bollybet is a relatively new betting site launched in 2020. The bookie operates under the ownership of Tagus Media Americas N.V. Following its entry into a competitive market, Bollybet offers enticing promotions to attract players and is one of the low deposit betting sites in India. The bookmaker’s website is user-friendly, and Indian players are sure to have a worthwhile experience on the platform.
Fun88
Fun88 sportsbook has been online since 2009 and is owned by Welton Holdings Limited. The bookmaker operates under the UKGC license, which is a great sign of credibility. Indian players should expect tons of sports betting options, an attractive live betting section, enticing regular bonuses, and much more.
Comparison of Indian Betting Sites
The table below compares the top 10 betting sites in India.
| Betting Site | Welcome Bonus | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22Bet | 100% up to ₹10,000 | Multiple live betting options Convenient payment methods 24/7 customer support | Slightly outdated design |
| Betway | 100% up to ₹2,500 | Best app for cricket betting in India User-friendly app Deposit with PhonePe, UPI, Bank Transfer, and more | Limited promotions |
| 10Cric | 150% up to ₹30,000 + ₹500 in Free Bets! | Multiple Cricket betting options Super-fast payouts Deposit with UP and Netbanking | No Horse Racing |
| Parimatch | 150% Up To ₹15,000 | User-friendly app Convenient payment methods 30000+ pre-match events monthly | Slow live betting acceptance |
| 1xBet | 100% up to ₹10,000 | Huge sports selection Free live streaming Vast range of payment methods | Slightly cluttered app |
| Unibet | 100% up to ₹5000 | Competitive odds Fast payouts Free live streaming | Few payment options |
| Bet365 | Up to ₹4,000 in Bet Credits | Highly competitive odds Good for live betting Decent sports coverage | Slightly cluttered app |
| Dafabet | 100% up to ₹15,000 | Wide range of Football markets Free live streaming 24/7 support | High demands on bonus terms |
| Bollybet | 100% up to ₹50,000 | User-friendly app Enticing range of promotions Convenient Indian payment options | Sportsbook is not as large as others |
| Fun88 | 300% up to ₹15,000 | Tons of sports betting options Regular promotions and bonuses Convenient payment methods | User interface could be better |
How to Bet on Sports Online for Indian Punters?
Placing bets on sports betting sites is straightforward, but it can be overwhelming if you do not know where to start. The following steps will guide you on how to bet on your favorite sports.
- Choose a sportsbook from our top online betting sites in India
- Create an account on your preferred betting site
- Make your first deposit
- Get the new player sports betting welcome bonus
- Place bets on your favorite sports
Top Payment Methods for Betting Sites in India
Most Indian betting sites accept a variety of payment methods, including e-wallets, credit/debit cards, and bank transfers. Here are the popular payment methods for Indian players.
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Netbanking
- UPI
- Paytm
- Skrill
- RuPay
- ecoPayz
- Neteller
- IMPS
- Gpay
You can make payments on our top online betting sites in Indian rupees
Bonuses at Online Betting Sites India
Thebest betting sites in India run promotions throughout the year to keep their players entertained and hooked up. Before claiming any bonus, we recommend going through the terms and conditions section to ensure they are achievable. Below are the most common types of promotions in online betting sites in India.
Welcome Bonus
Most Indian betting sites offer between 100% and 300% matched deposit welcome bonuses to their new players. These offers are very easy to claim. All you need is to sign up with your favorite betting site, make your first deposit, and the bonus will be credited to your account immediately.
No-deposit Bonuses
The no-deposit bonuses are among the best offers on online betting sites. Here, you do not need to fund your account to receive the bonus. The bookie just requires you to claim your offer and start betting.
Free Bets
Free bets and Risk-free bets are among the most sought offers on online betting sites. You can get them as welcome offers or regular promotions. Most bookies offer free bets during the seasons of major sports leagues like the English Premier League or UEFA Champions.
Cashback Bonuses
Cashback bonuses are a refund of a certain percentage of lost bets during a qualifying period. The bookmaker keeps track of your betting, calculates all your losses, and credits the amount in your account.
Popular Betting Markets in India
Most Indian betting sites offer a similar variety of Football markets, but they differ in Cricket betting. Since Cricket is the most wagered sport in India, we focus on the variety of markets offered on this sport. The sportsbooks for Cricket betting in India are Betway and 10Cric.
Most betting sites cover the major international tournaments and T20 leagues, while others offer an extensive range of domestic tournaments. Since the online betting industry is very competitive, bookmakers are committed to improving the user experience by expanding their range of markets. This allows players to choose and wager on the markets they understand best.
Bet Types at Online Bookies in India
There are multiple betting options offered by online bookmakers in India. Players can place single bets or combine a few selections into accumulator bets. The available betting types in Indian betting sites include money lines, Totals, Over/Under, point spreads, handicaps, teasers, and proposition bets.
In-Play at Indian Online Bookmakers
If you enjoy the thrill and suspense of in-play betting, you will enjoy wagering on our best Indian betting sites. All bookmakers offer a live betting section where players can place bets in real-time. The betting odds in in-play betting are dynamic, and the markets are updated continually, giving you a chance to take advantage of the best opportunities. Most sites have a live streaming option, which allows players to watch the live-action of their favorite events.
Mobile Sports Betting Sites India
Following the rapid growth in the mobile gaming industry, most betting sites offer native apps or mobile websites to accommodate all types of players. Betting on the move offers the freedom of accessing all the bookmaker’s features, services, and products from anywhere. Most of the sportsbooks on our list have dedicated apps for Android and iOS users. They are downloadable from Google Play, Apple Store, or directly from the website.
Choosing a Good Betting Site in India
When choosing a betting site, there are certain crucial aspects that you must look for to ensure you have a worthwhile gaming experience.
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Legal, Licensed & Safe
Check out if the sportsbook is legally recognized with a valid license from a reputable authority like UKGC, MGA, or Gibraltar Gaming Commission. It should utilize high-level security measures like the SSL encryption protocol to protect players’ confidential data.
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Sign-up Offers
Go for bookmakers with enticing welcome bonuses. Be sure to check out the terms and conditions before claiming any offer.
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Banking and Payment Options
Before registering with any betting site, ensure they support at least one payment method that is convenient for you.
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Design, Style, and Usability
Go to the betting site and check out if it is user-friendly. Ensure you can access all the major sections and control buttons with ease.
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Sports & Betting Markets Available
When revising betting sites, ensure you choose one that meets all your needs and preferences. Check out if all your favorite sports and markets are available before signing up.
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Competitive Odds
Hunting for the best odds for your favorite sports is crucial. We have made your work easier by listing betting sites with highly competitive odds across all sports.
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Mobile Betting
Check out if your preferred betting site supports mobile gaming by offering a native app or mobile-responsive website. You should also test the compatibility with your phone.
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Customer Support
The betting should allow players to express their needs and concerns freely through live chat, phone, or email. A 24/7 support service is an added advantage.
Best Indian Online Bookmakers 2023
Gambling is a very popular pastime in India, particularly on sports. It has been estimated that close to 400 million Indians place bets during regular sporting events, and that 35% of these can be consider regular gamblers. And the growth of the internet has only accelerated the4swe trends, with people now able to access online casinos and operators from the comfort of their own homes using mobile devices and PCs.
When considering the top 10 bookies in India it should be noted that nearly all of them are actually based outside the country, and care needs to be taken to ensure that Indian punters remain on the right side of the law when using internet bookmakers. For example, whilst sports betting is very popular, and punters may want to choose those sites with online sportsbooks, they must also realise that whilst betting on horse racing is legal, cricket betting and gambling on other sports like soccer is not.
How to Choose an Online Bookmaker
Factors which should be considered when determining which are the best bookies in India include
Licensing
Are they licensed via a reputable regulatory authority? The UK and Malta are considered the most stringent, whilst authorities like Curaçao less so.
Security
For any online site it is important to ensure that appropriate security measures are in place to protect customer data. This should include SSL (Secure Socket layer) data encryption.
Banking
All the top betting sites will offer a range of banking options which cater for Indian customers, including the ability to pay and withdraw funds in rupees, and the bank cards supported. Some are now offering crypto-currencies as a payment options too.
Withdrawal Times
The top internet bookmakers are able to offer customer withdrawals on a timely basis.
Customer Support
Those which offer 24/7 customer support and a range of contact methods – email, phone, live chat -should always be favoured, because they are an indication of an operators’ commitment to their clients. In addition, top online betting companies offer support in a variety of languages – e.g., English, Hindi, Punjabi etc.
Promotions and Bonuses
All the best sites offer regular promotions and bonuses like free spins or welcome offers and some may also have loyalty schemes for regular customers. It is always key to consider online bookie offers.
Live Streaming
Those wanting to bet on sports will want the online site to provide live streaming so that in-play betting can be facilitated. Any list of online bookmakers will need to consider this.
Range of Games
What games does an online bookies offer? Is it just games of chance (e.g., Slots, Keno), mixed games (involving both luck and skill) such as video poker or roulette or games that involve skill – backgammon is an example.
Augmented or Virtual Reality
Many of the best sites now offer augmented or virtual reality options to enhance the online experience. Customers can not only enjoy the sounds and sights of being in a live casino, but experiments are starting to be made with smells as well. And often interaction with a live dealer is also available.
Top 10 Online Bookmakers List
Although there are various criteria used to judge online bookmakers, consensus amongst experts indicate that the following may be considered the top ten:
- 22Bet
- Betway
- 10Cric
- Parimatch
- 1xBet
- Unibet
- Bet365
- Dafabet
- Bollybet
- Fun88
| Bookmaker | Deposit Bonus | Live Betting | Live Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22Bet | 100% Up To ₹10,000 | Yes | Yes |
| Betway | 100% Up To ₹2,500 | Yes – In play betting | No |
| 10Cric | 150% Up To ₹30,000 + ₹500 FB | Yes | Yes |
| Parimatch | 150% Up To ₹15,000 | Yes | Yes |
| 1xBet | 100% Up To ₹10,000 | Yes | Yes |
| Unibet | Free Bet Up To ₹2,500 | Yes | Yes – but only to a selected number of live events |
| Bet365 | Up To ₹4,000 in Bet Credits | Yes | Yes |
| Dafabet | 170% Up To ₹16,000 | Yes | Yes – but for cricket only matches taking place outside India |
| Bollybet | 100% Up To ₹50,000 | Yes | No |
| Fun88 | 300% Up To ₹15,000 | Yes | Yes |
Gambling Laws in India
The Public Gambling Act of 1867 stated that all casinos or public gambling facilities were banned in India, but no provision in law exists for online bookmakers, many of whom are able to act without regulation although individual states have their own gambling laws which are more restrictive in some cases, such as Maharashtra.
Bookmaker Payment Methods for Indians
Most bookmakers will offer subscribers a wide variety of payment methods, through traditional means like bank transfers and credit and debit cards, through to payment solutions like Neteller and Skrill, and now ewallets and cryptocurrencies.
What sports do Indians wager on?
Not surprisingly cricket is the most popular sport to bet on for Indians, and traffic volumes can increase significantly during major tournaments like the IPL. Other major sports that attract sizeable betting markets are football, horse racing and field hockey.
Mobile Sports betting from India
Mobile betting has created a whole new opportunity for Indian punters to bet on sports. It is now possible for then to bet, any time and anywhere from wherever they might be situated. All the major sites now offer apps suitable for Android and iOS devices, meaning that irrespective of where and when an event might be taking place, an Indian can place a bet on it with a few simple clicks.
Individual Online Bookmaker Reviews
22Bet
- Indian Rupee as a currency
- Very Competitive odds
- Website available in Hindi
- Offers a good number of sports markets
22Bet FAQs
Is 22Bet legal in India?
Yes, it is legal to use this site in India
How can I deposit and withdraw funds from this online bookie?
Funds can be deposited and withdrawn using Net Banking, Skrill, Neteller, Credit and Debit cards and Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
Does this bookmaker accept rupees?
Yes, 22Bet accepts rupees.
Can subscribers bet on cricket through this site?
Cricket is just one of more than 40 sports available through the site.
Do players have to rollover every deposit they make?
There are no requirements for rollovers.
What customer support is available?
Customer support is available 24/7 through phone, email, and live chat, although phone response can be tardy.
Betway
- Its reputation is based on competitive odds and a strong selection of betting options
- The interface for both desktop and mobile is well designed and easy to use
- Offers in-play betting but not live streaming
- One of the first mobile betting sites to accept India rupees
Betway FAQs
Is Betway legal in India?
Yes, it is legal to use this site in India
How can I deposit and withdraw funds from this online bookie?
Funds can be deposited and withdrawn using Neteller, Skrill, bank transfer. All major credit and debit cards, Prepaid cards, and wallets like Neosurf and MuchBetter.
Does this bookmaker accept rupees?
Yes, it was one of the first online sites to offer rupees as a means of payment
Can subscribers bet on cricket through this site?
It prides itself on being one of the leading cricket betting sites, especially for the IPL.
Do players have to rollover every deposit they make?
There are no requirements for rollovers.
How long do withdrawals take through this bookmaker?
Withdrawals can take anywhere between one and two days but withdrawals using Mastercard are not supported.
What customer support is available?
Customer support is available 24/7 through phone, email, and live chat.
10Cric
- A comparatively new player in the market, they have principally focused on localisation.
- Offers a wide variety of Indian sports betting markets e.g., Kabaddi, Cricket
- They accept Indian Rupee as a currency
- Offer an Android app that is quick and current
10Cric FAQs
Is 10Cric legal in India?
Yes, it is legal to use this site in India
How can I deposit and withdraw funds from this online bookie?
Funds can be deposited and withdrawn using Skrill, Neteller, AstroPay, Visa, Mastercard and Bitcoin.
Does this bookmaker accept rupees?
Yes, because this is primarily an Indian site for Indian players
Can subscribers bet on cricket through this site?
As the title suggests, cricket betting is one of their main sources of income
Do players have to rollover every deposit they make?
Per their T&CS, players will be unable to make a withdrawal unless they rollover their deposit at least once before requesting it.
How long do withdrawals take through this bookmaker?
Most withdrawals are free of charge and will normally be processed within 24 hours.
What customer support is available?
Customer support is available 24/7 through phone, email, and live chat.
Parimatch
- Wide range of sports and esports
- Simple UI and convenience
- Great odds
Parimatch FAQs
Is Pari match legal in India?
Yes, it is completely legal in India.
How can I deposit and withdraw funds from this online bookie?
Funds can be deposited and withdrawn through local bank transfer. Skrill, Neteller, Visa and Mastercard.
Does this bookmaker accept rupees?
The site supports a number of currencies including rupees
Can subscribers bet on cricket through this site?
Cricket is just one of 17 sports available through the site.
Do players have to rollover every deposit they make?
There are no specific rollover requirements.
How long do withdrawals take through this bookmaker?
Most withdrawals are free of charge and will normally be processed within 24 – 48 hours.
What customer support is available?
Customer support is available 24/7 through live chat, email. Telegram and WhatsApp.
1xBet
- Russian-based offering sports betting and casinos services to Europe, Africa, and Asia
- Offers 1*Bet app and mobile platform designed to work in tandem
- Known for ease of use of its Sportsbook which has recently been modernised
- Particularly renowned for its in-play betting feature
1xBet FAQs
Is 1xBet legal in India?
Yes, it is legal to use this site in India
How can I deposit and withdraw funds from this online bookie?
Funds can be deposited and withdrawn through local bank transfer. Skrill, PhonePe, Google Pay, AstroPay, a number of ewallets, UPI, and Neteller.
Does this bookmaker accept rupees?
Yes, subscribers can pay directly with Indian rupees.
Can subscribers bet on cricket through this site?
Yes, the site covers international matches as well as the most popular leagues globally
Do players have to rollover every deposit they make?
There are no specific rollover requirements.
How long do withdrawals take through this bookmaker?
Most withdrawals are free of charge and will normally be processed within 24 – 48 hours 9although this can be longer over weekends).
What customer support is available?
Customer support is available 24/7 through phone, email and live chat, and there are also FAQs on the website.
Unibet
- UK online gambling operator catering to overseas markets like India
- Primarily focused on sports betting but offers other forms of online gambling
- Known for offering competitive odds
- Allows subscribers to change their identities multiple times
- App can be downloaded for Android and iOS platforms only.
Unibet FAQs
Is Unibet legal in India?
Yes, it is legal to use this site in India
Is Unibet legal in India?
Yes, it is legal to use this site in India
How can I deposit and withdraw funds from this online bookie?
Funds can be deposited and withdrawn using Skrill, Neteller, credit and debit cards, Paysafecard and bank transfer.
Does this bookmaker accept rupees?
Yes, although this is a recent innovation.
Can subscribers bet on cricket through this site?
Yes, cricket is among the many sports on which they offer markets.
Do players have to rollover every deposit they make?
There are no rollover requirements.
How long do withdrawals take through this bookmaker?
Withdrawals take between 3 – 5 business days to be processed.
What customer support is available?
Customer support is available 24/7 through email and live chat, and also FAQs on their web site. Phone support is reserved for customers in the UK and Ireland.
Bet365
- The world’s largest online bookmaker’
- Offers a wide variety of sports betting markets
- They accept Indian Rupee as a currency
- A range of banking options is available
Bet365 FAQs
Is Bet 365 legal in India?
Yes, it is legal to use this site in India
How can I deposit and withdraw funds from this online bookie?
All major credit and debit cards, bank transfer, Neteller, Skrill, prepaid/virtual credit cards like AstroPay.
Does this bookmaker accept rupees?
They accept a wide range of currencies, including rupees.
Can subscribers bet on cricket through this site?
As the world’s leading sports betting site, there is almost no sport which cannot be wagered on through Bet365.
Do players have to rollover every deposit they make?
There are no specific rollover requirements.
How long do withdrawals take through this bookmaker?
Most withdrawals are free of charge and will normally be processed instantly provided that the instructions are followed carefully within 24 – 48 hours.
What customer support is available?
Customer support is available 24/7 through phone, email, and live chat. Support staff are known for being helpful and responsive
Dafabet
- It offers two different sportsbooks providing multiple betting options for customers
- The app is easy to download by scanning a QR code
- Offer attractive promotional offers which are updated regularly
- Offer a variety of India specific games and sports
Dafabet FAQs
Is Dafabet legal in India?
Yes, it is legal to use this site in India
How can I deposit and withdraw funds from this online bookie?
Funds can be deposited and withdrawn through local bank transfer. Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, and debit credit card.
Does this bookmaker accept rupees?
Deposits can be made in rupees along with many other currencies.
Can subscribers bet on cricket through this site?
Yes, it has an extensive sportsbook which naturally includes cricket.
Do players have to rollover every deposit they make?
There are no specific rollover requirements.
How long do withdrawals take through this bookmaker?
Most withdrawals are free of charge and will normally be processed instantly provided that the instructions are followed carefully.
What customer support is available?
Customer support is available 24/7 through phone, email and live chat in English and Hindi.
Bollybet
- Indian themed website focused on Indian players
- Offers both sports betting and casino gaming
- Launched in 2020 so still fining its feet
- Customer support options limited
Bollybet FAQs
Is Bollybet legal in India?
Yes, and it is specifically targeted at Indian subscribers
How can I deposit and withdraw funds from this online bookie?
Funds can be deposited and withdrawn through NetBanking, Google Pay, PhonePe, JioMoney, Forecharge, Airtel money, Ola Money and AstroPay.
Does this bookmaker accept rupees?
As this site is largely targeted at Indian consumers, it almost goes without saying.
Can subscribers bet on cricket through this site?
Yes cricket is supported through this site.
Do players have to rollover every deposit they make?
There are no specific rollover requirements.
How long do withdrawals take through this bookmaker?
Depending on the method chosen, withdrawals can be processed within a few hours.
What customer support is available?
Customer support is only available through live chat and email, but is not currently available 24/7.
Fun88
- Strong focus of sports betting – official partners of CARIBBEAN Premier League
- Offer the Betfair Exchange product which allows back and lay bets
- Fast running mobile app available
- Wide choice of promotions
Fun88 FAQs
Is Fun88 legal in India
Yes, and it is specifically targeted at Indian subscribers
How can I deposit and withdraw funds from this online bookie?
Funds can be deposited and withdrawn through UPI and NetBanking, as well as PhonePe, Google Pay, AstroPay, and a few of the more popular ewallets and cryptocurrency too.
Does this bookmaker accept rupees?
Yes, the site supports both deposits and withdrawals in rupees
Can subscribers bet on cricket through this site?
Yes, cricket is just one of a wide range of sports available for betting
Do players have to rollover every deposit they make?
There are no specific rollover requirements.
How long do withdrawals take through this bookmaker?
Withdrawals can be made using local bank transfer, AstroPay and a few other specified options and will normally be processed within 24 – 48 hours.
What customer support is available?
Customer support is only available through live chat 24/7.
