Online betting has become more prevalent in India, but many bettors need to be made aware of its legality. In this guide, we’ll help you understand if is online betting legal in India and find the best legal betting sites!
Our expert team, with sufficient years of experience and knowledge in the sports betting industry, has carefully analysed the top operators in India. They assessed each platform based on its safety, competitive odds, user-friendly features, and reliability. By using this ranking, you can find the best betting sites in India that are legal and offer exceptional betting experience.
Some of our listed sports betting sites provide welcome bonuses to new customers. With these bonuses, you can wager on the platform without using your own funds.
The table below shows the best online betting sites available to Indian bettors and their welcome bonuses.
In India, betting and gambling fall under individual states’ jurisdiction, meaning states are responsible for prohibiting or accepting betting in their locations.
Presently, three states in India permit casinos. These states are Goa, Daman, and Sikkim.
To answer the question of whether online cricket betting is legal in India, the current betting options in India include sports betting, online casino betting, lottery betting, and fantasy sports betting.
While India doesn’t have a unified regulatory framework for online sports betting and gambling, some states have licenses for betting and gaming. They include the Sikkim Online Gambling License, Nagaland Online Gaming License, and more.
On an international scale, the popular licenses include the Curacao eGaming License, the Malta Gaming Authority License, and the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) License, among others.
Before online betting became mainstream in India, physical or live betting was the order of the day. The origin of betting goes as far back as 2500 BC. Researchers discovered that people wagered by rolling dice made from terracotta.
Modern sports betting began in the 1960s when several bookmakers started to set up shop in different locations across the country.
Online betting was introduced to the scene in the early 2000s, affording people the luxury of placing bets on their favorite sports events from home. A series of new betting sites have also been introduced to enable bettors to have various options.
In India, only the states are empowered to decide if gambling or betting will be allowed within their boundaries or not. According to the Public Gambling Act of 1867, before online betting became popular, central legislation prohibited the operation of public gaming entities. The violation of this law attracts a penalty of 200 INR or imprisonment for three months.
Additionally, the law doesn’t permit visiting gambling establishments as it attracts a fine of 100 INR or imprisonment for one month. Another law that concerns online betting in India is the Information Technology Act 2000. This act regulates cyber/online activities in India; however, words like Betting or Gambling were not used. If you’ve ever asked if online sports betting is legal in India, only three states have officially legalised online gambling as of 2022: Goa, Daman, and Sikkim.
Knowing how to select an online betting site in India will ensure you have an enjoyable and safe experience. Here are some factors to help you make the ideal choice.
Ensure that the betting platform is regulated and licensed by a notable authority like the Malta Gaming Authority or the UK Gambling Commission. Licensed betting sites are bound by strict and transparent rules, providing fair play and security for users.
When choosing an online betting games site, check if the platform can be accessed on your mobile phone. If the website has a dedicated mobile app, that’s a plus! If a platform has a fully optimized mobile version or a mobile app, it provides seamless access to all the features.
Security and safety are key factors to consider when looking for an online sports betting site. Ensure you prioritise key features like SSL encryption, Two-factor authentication (2FA), secure banking options, and more. Also, check the privacy policy to verify that your personal data will be handled responsibly.
A good betting platform in India will offer an extensive range of sports games like football, cricket, tennis, and more. Additionally, such platforms may make provision for casino gaming enthusiasts, offering options like slots, table games, and more through the best online casinos in India.
Live betting and streaming features can noticeably improve your experience. Prioritise sites that offer real-time betting and live-streaming services for popular sports like football, cricket, golf, etc.
Check if the betting site supports common Indian payment methods like Google Pay, UPI, and other local banking options. Look out for the ease and speed of deposits and withdrawals. Also, confirm if there are hidden fees.
Many Indian online cricket betting apps offer attractive bonuses and promotions like welcome bonuses, free spins, no-deposit bonuses, loyalty programs, and more. Compare these offers to opt for your preferred choice. Importantly, check the terms and conditions and wagering requirements.
A decent customer support can make or mar your online betting experience. Opt for a site with 24/7 customer support and accessibility to live chat, phone support, and email support. Additionally, the platform must have an FAQ section to help you resolve minor issues.
Players can seamlessly get started with online betting in India by following a straightforward process. Here are steps to help you begin.
You need to begin by selecting a reputable and trusted online betting gaming site. Look for a site with a variety of sports markets, tight security features, competitive odds, and several payment options. Also, ensure the platform is regulated and licensed by a reputable authority.
After choosing a betting platform, register your account. You’ll be required to provide your personal credentials, such as your name, email, phone number, and address. Some platforms may require verification documents like proof of address and ID card.
Many betting platforms in India offer a welcome bonus for new bettors, which could include no-deposit bonuses, free bets, and other offers. For example, you can use our Parimatch promo code PARITOP6 to claim a 150% welcome bonus of up to ₹20,000. After signing up, check the promotions page for more information on how to redeem the bonus.
Before placing your bets, you need to deposit money into your account. Betting sites mostly offer payment methods like UPI, Google Pay, and more. Select the option that works for you, fill in the amount you wish to deposit, and follow the subsequent prompts.
After funding your account, you’re set to start betting. Check through the available sports market and select the event you want to wager on. Some online betting sites may allow you to wager pre-match bets or explore live-betting options for live games.
The legal Online betting sites in India offer a wide variety of betting options that cater to the needs of interested sports bettors and casino gamers. Below are some of the betting options available to users.
Sports betting is one of the categories that has massive participation from sports bettors and enthusiasts. Some of the top sports bettors can wager on are Cricket, Football, Tennis, and more.
Legal online betting platforms, like the best cricket betting apps, offer a broad range of markets, such as pre-match betting, player/team performance, and more. Additionally, Indian bettors can take advantage of bonuses and promotions to improve their experience.
Interested casino gamers can participate in the growing sector in India’s gambling space. Some of the popular casino games include slots, blackjack, poker, and roulette. Players can also participate in live casino games where they can interact with real dealers in real-time.
Lottery Betting in India enables users to bet on the results of different international lotteries without buying a lottery ticket. Indian bettors can access this option mostly on several offshore websites. Some of these platforms offer lottery games with competitive odds and regular draws.
Fantasy sports betting has become more popular in India through the best IPL betting sites, especially in sports like football and cricket. Users can create their dream team and compete with one another based on real-life performances. Fantasy sports betting involves strategy, research, and a good understanding of the sport.
Presently, mobile betting exists in India. However, no Federal laws prohibit mobile betting in the country. Nevertheless, states like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have banned all online gambling for Indians.
Indian bettors can access their preferred online betting sites through the best betting apps in India. Platforms without apps can use the web version on their mobile devices and still access its features. Regarding the question of which online betting app is legal in India, check with your state to confirm if such platforms are permitted.
When betting online in India, look for platforms with convenient and reliable payment methods. Many betting sites offer local and international payment options for Indian users.
Generally, the minimum deposit required may start from 100 INR. However, you’re likely to find platforms accepting deposits below 100 INR.
The maximum withdrawal amount depends on the payment method used. Bettors may face common issues like transaction rejections, withdrawal delays, and more. Some of these issues can be resolved by contacting customer support or checking the platform’s FAQ page.
Knowing the right approach when betting online in India can help you enjoy the experience while reducing risks. Here are some online betting tips to help you get started
Always register on platforms with licenses from reputable authorities like Curacao eGaming, the UK Gambling Commission, and more. Ensure the betting site you opt for has the right license to enjoy fair play, safe transactions, and secure protection for your funds.
Avoid settling for one betting site. Review several platforms to find the ideal one that meets your needs. Look for factors like betting markets, promotions, odds, and more. You can consider the 100 RS signup bonus betting sites to access welcome bonuses.
Taking advantage of bonuses and promotions is one of the online cricket betting tips that can improve your betting experience. Ensure you read the terms and conditions, eligibility, and wagering requirements to maximise the value of these promotions. You can also look out for the best betting sites in India with instant withdrawal to cash out your bonus funds.
Before you start wagering on online betting apps, ensure you have a bankroll. A bankroll prevents overspending and helps you with proper funds management. Stick to your bankroll and avoid chasing losses.
Whether you’re betting on the top football betting sites or cricket bookmakers, ensure you bet what you can afford to lose. While betting is unpredictable, always remember that losses are a possibility. Hence, don’t strain yourself financially by betting beyond what you can afford to lose.
To increase your chances of success on online betting apps, wager on the sports you’re familiar with. Look out for statistics, team performance, and present form to give you an edge when making betting choices.
Before you start online betting in India, check the features of the best IPL betting apps to help you choose online betting platforms. Importantly, take advantage of bonuses and promotions to boost your bankroll and improve your betting experience.
While there are no federal laws prohibiting online betting in India, state regulations differ. Some states, like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, have banned it for their residents.