cricket betting law

Cricket betting remains hugely popular in India, yet the cricket betting law creates uncertainty. The Public Gambling Act of 1867 is outdated. India has no central law banning online betting nationwide, and most restrictions come from older gambling laws and state rules.

Offshore sites still operate, though enforcement agencies block access and freeze accounts. State level variations have been overridden, leaving users in a legal grey area with rising risks around payments and consumer protection.

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Is Cricket Betting Legal in India?

India lacks a unified cricket betting law, and enforcement varies by state. India lacks a single nationwide online betting ban, and states enforce their own restrictions based on existing gambling laws.

Earlier, a grey area existed, but the new act closes loopholes. Enforcement mainly targets operators, with penalties up to three years’ jail and heavy fines. Offshore platforms like 10CRIC and Parimatch still operate under foreign licences, but Indian access risks legal consequences.

Aspect

Central Law

State Laws

Governing Act

Public Gambling Act (1867) and Online Gaming Act (2025)

Vary by state, often adopt central bans

Betting Type

1867 Act bans public gambling, 2025 Act bans all online real money betting, including cricket

Some allow lotteries, horse racing, cricket betting prohibited

Offshore Access

Declared illegal under 2025 Act, previously grey

State bans apply to land based, online enforcement varies

Penalties

Up to 3 years’ jail for operators, fines up to ₹1 crore

Similar, plus state specific fines

The Public Gambling Act (1867), enacted under British rule, punishes public gambling and targets common gaming houses. It excludes games of skill, but courts classify cricket betting as chance based, so it falls under bans. 

In 2025, the new Online Gaming Act closed offshore loopholes. Platforms like 10CRIC and Parimatch operate under foreign licences, yet Indian users risk blocked access, frozen accounts, and legal consequences when using VPNs.

State by State Overview

Cricket betting law regulations in India vary significantly across states, as the constitution empowers them to legislate on gambling. Most states follow the Public Gambling Act, while some introduce additional online betting bans through local legislation.

Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Assam, and Karnataka explicitly ban gambling and have tightened controls in recent years. Tamil Nadu prohibited online betting in 2022, and Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh also outlawed most forms of betting. 

Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Kerala restrict gambling, while Delhi treats it as illegal. Some states permit limited exceptions. Goa allows casinos and lotteries, while Sikkim and Nagaland previously licensed skill based online games, though the 2025 Act overrides these frameworks. 

Daman and Diu permit land based casinos, and Meghalaya regulates lotteries. Nationwide, horse racing is often treated as a game of skill, and lotteries remain legal in 13 states, including Kerala and Punjab.

Offshore platforms continue to attract users, but enforcement agencies block access and freeze accounts. Brands like 22Bet provide state specific guidance and promote responsible gambling features to help users avoid violations.

Top Offshore Cricket Betting Sites for Indian Bettors

Offshore sites attract Indian users. These platforms provide cricket odds and boosted odds. Additionally, they cover tournaments like IPL betting and Cricket World Cup.

10cric

10CRIC: Premier Cricket Betting with Welcome Bonuses

10CRIC focuses on cricket betting. It covers T20, WPL, and BBL betting. Users enjoy free bets and welcome bonuses. The site supports Paytm and PhonePe. Additionally, it offers cricket tips. Bitcoin betting sites like this ensure fast withdrawals. Curacao licence guarantees operations. Responsible gambling tools stand out.

Pari Match

Parimatch: Reliable Platform for IPL Betting and Payment Methods

Parimatch excels in IPL betting. It provides boosted odds for the Asia Cup. Betting bonuses attract new users. Payment methods include AstroPay and UPI. Cricket betting sites like this promote responsible gambling. Moreover, it covers MLC betting. Curacao licence ensures safety. Fast withdrawal options appeal.

22bet

22Bet: Versatile Site for Cricket Matches and Fast Withdrawal

22Bet handles cricket matches worldwide. It offers odds on the Cricket World Cup. Free bets enhance experience. Fast withdrawal betting sites stand out. PhonePe and Bitcoin options available. Cricket tips guide users. Curacao and Kahnawake licences support it. Users access via apps easily.

melbet

Melbet: Comprehensive for T20 and Betting Bonuses

Melbet covers T20 extensively. It includes WPL and BBL betting. Welcome bonuses boost starts. Payment methods feature Paytm. Offshore cricket betting law governs it. Responsible gambling tools included. Curacao licence verifies legitimacy. Boosted odds attract fans.

1xbet

1xBet: All Round for Asia Cup and Cricket Odds

1xBet offers Asia Cup betting. It provides boosted odds. Cricket tournaments dominate. Betting bonuses and free bets appeal. AstroPay and Bitcoin are supported. Cricket betting apps available. Curacao licence ensures global operations. The payment variety stands out.

Online vs Land based Betting Laws

The cricket betting law in India differs sharply between online and land based formats. No nationwide law bans online betting entirely, but payment restrictions and state rules create practical barriers for most users

Offshore platforms no longer require Indian licences, but enforcement agencies now block websites, freeze accounts, and restrict payment channels. Despite this, jurisdiction gaps and VPN access continue to pose challenges.

Land based betting, by contrast, remains governed by state laws. Goa permits licensed casinos and lotteries, while Sikkim allows limited casino operations. Horse racing is widely treated as a game of skill, and lotteries operate legally in several states. Enforcement is more straightforward in physical venues, with police raids and licensing checks ensuring compliance.

Overall, online betting faces stricter nationwide bans and technological enforcement, while land based betting depends on state specific permissions. India’s gambling laws continue to evolve, reflecting the government’s effort to regulate betting while balancing consumer protection and cultural attitudes toward games of chance.

Feature

Online Betting

Land based Betting

Legality

Banned under 2025 act

Allowed in Goa, Sikkim casinos

Jurisdiction

Offshore evades initially

State controlled

Enforcement

Banks block payments

Police raids common

Examples

Cricket betting apps

Horse racing tracks

Brands like 10CRIC disclose licensing details. They reveal operation regions clearly.

How Offshore Betting Platforms Stay Legal

Offshore platforms navigate the cricket betting law cleverly. They are based in friendly jurisdictions. However, offshore betting sites operate legally in their own jurisdictions, but India places restrictions on access and payment processing.

  • Malta and Curacao provide licensing models.
  • Platforms follow KYC and AML rules.
  • They comply with PCI DSS for security.
  • Payment methods route overseas to avoid blocks.
 

Brands like 10CRIC and Parimatch display licence badges. They show verification logs prominently, but despite compliance abroad, Indian users risk blocked access and frozen accounts under the 2025 Act.

Risks, Penalties and What to Watch For

Operators face legal risks under various state gambling laws, which impose fines and penalties for illegal betting activity. Authorities generally target operators, while users mostly encounter payment blocks, delayed withdrawals, or restricted account access on offshore platforms. Banks often prevent transactions linked to betting sites, creating financial uncertainty for users attempting deposits or withdrawals.

Unlicensed apps carry major risks because many operate without oversight and often scam users through fake bonuses or fraudulent payouts. Enforcement around illegal cricket betting has strengthened in several states, where regulators increasingly block unlawful websites and apps.

Brands like 22Bet warn about scam signals, helping users identify suspicious offers and avoid fraudulent platforms. Melbet highlights red flags too, advising caution when engaging with unverified betting sites or unauthorised applications.

Safe Betting Practices for Indian Users

Users should take precautions because unclear cricket betting law and payment limitations increase risks when accessing offshore betting platforms.

  • Choose licensed offshore platforms carefully.
  • Complete full KYC before deposits.
  • Use secure payments like UPI, IMPS, e wallets.
  • Avoid banned state sites and apps.
 

Brands like Melbet and 1xBet offer secure UPI verification. They ensure IMPS safety too.

How to Report Illegal Platforms

Authorities encourage reporting violations, and users can often identify illegal betting sites through suspicious activity.

  • Contact the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to request blocking of unlawful platforms operating in India. 
  • Use a banking ombudsman to resolve payment disputes or report blocked transactions linked to betting services. 
  • Report scam apps directly through Google Play or Apple App Store, ensuring fraudulent platforms are flagged and removed quickly. 
  • File cybercrime complaints through official police portals, which provide legal channels for addressing online gambling violations.
 

Brands like Parimatch link users to complaint portals and provide clear guidance on reporting suspicious operators effectively.

Future of Betting Regulation in India

Regulations evolve quickly, with the 2025 Online Gaming Act enforcing strict nationwide bans on real‑money online betting. Several states continue to examine their own frameworks, and discussions around possible central licensing have appeared in policy reports.

Court challenges remain ongoing, as the Supreme Court reviews exemptions for certain tournaments and considers whether esports should be treated as skill based activities. Offshore operators continue to resist restrictions, while brands such as 10CRIC and Parimatch monitor legislative developments closely and provide updates to users.

Popular Cricket Tournaments for Betting

cricket betting law popular tournaments

Cricket tournaments draw wagers globally. IPL betting leads to popularity. T20 is exciting with a fast pace. Cricket World Cup unites nations. Asia Cup features regional rivalries. BBL betting grows in Australia. MLC betting emerges in the USA. WPL empowers women’s cricket. Despite bans, fans discuss odds.

Responsible Gambling in Cricket Betting

Responsible gambling prevents issues. Addiction affects many users. Set limits on deposits. Take breaks regularly. Brands offer self exclusion tools. They provide helplines too. Track spending carefully. Avoid chasing losses. Seek help early. National helplines assist. Offshore sites promote awareness. 10CRIC includes reality checks. 

Parimatch offers deposit caps. Education reduces risks. Families support recovery. Regulations emphasise protection. Youth safeguards matter most. Cricket tips guide informed bets. Boosted odds tempt wisely. Free bets start safely. Overall, balance enjoyment.

FAQs About Cricket Betting Law

Is cricket betting legal in India?

Offshore platforms operate legally abroad, but Indian users should understand local restrictions and payment limitations before betting.

Unlikely for bettors, penalties target operators, not users.

No domestic license yet, offshore licenses (Malta, Curacao) are accepted

They do for land based betting, online offshore platforms remain accessible.

Yes, UPI deposits to offshore sites are common and secure.

Choose regulated platforms with reserves and audited operations.

No current national regulation, some states are exploring models.

Yes, via UPI/IMPS/cards/crypto, depending on platform policies.