Table of Contents
- Top Sports Betting Sites in IN
- How to Find the Best IN Betting Sites
- Popular Sports and Leagues
- Common Betting Offers at Our Recommended IN Betting Sites
- Mobile Sports Betting in India
- How to Open an IN Betting Account
- Sports Betting Regulation in India
- IN Sports Betting FAQ
Top Sports Betting Sites in IN
Indians are massive sports lovers and not just for cricket. They are also some of the most avid gamblers, so it’s unsurprising that plenty of international betting sites are building a presence in the country.
We use a set of strict criteria to select only the top quality IN online sports betting sites out of the lot. You’ve probably heard of some of the operators on our list because several of them are highly renowned in the industry.
How to Find the Best IN Betting Sites
Finding top-quality sportsbooks and casinos is what we do here. And to ensure an unbiased evaluation, we apply the same strict standards for fair and fool-proof rankings. Several of our assessment criteria are intuitive. Naturally, players want to be able to bet on the best sports and benefit from the best odds prices, fast payouts, etc. We consider all these and more.
License Authority
When playing at offshore sportsbooks, there’s no protection by the Indian government, so it’s important to choose operators that are licensed and regulated by reputable authorities. Licensing requires operators to follow set rules and guidelines, and the strictest regulatory bodies will mandate that licensees meet the highest standards of security and fair play. The MGA and the UKGC are the leading authorities in the global betting market, so these are the licences we look for.
Coverage of Sports and Leagues
We’re always looking for lots of betting action at any sportsbook we review. This is where all the fun is and where winning chances lie. Some bookies only offer a limited range of sports and only the basic markets like the match winner, double chance, and totals. Instead, markets like ‘Half-Time/Full-Time’ in football or ‘ Number of Boundaries’ in cricket can offer up more value and ways to win. The top sportsbooks can offer thousands of betting markets on major sports and leagues.
Competitive Odds
One of the top tips for sports bettors is to shop for the best prices. Odds are largely similar across many online sportsbooks, but the best sites know that punters value getting the most return on their bets. Hence, they offer better prices. Any smart bettor also knows to look for the most valuable odds. It’s not just about the flashy bonuses; the minor detail of competitive odds makes the difference in the payout experience, especially for regular bettors.
Betting Bonuses and Promotions
Bonuses are the reason why many novice players choose one sportsbook over another. It’s hard to fault this, as we also value these betting offers. A free bet or an insurance bet can protect you against a loss and offer up additional chances to cash out. Betting bonuses have now become a staple that it wouldn’t speak well of a sportsbook not to have one.
We not only check for new betting deals but existing customer offers as well. Sites that offer regular free bets and boosts will keep users happy and be more engaging.
Live Betting and Streaming
Live betting offers the opportunity to take advantage of in-game dynamics and fluctuating odds to place more favourable bets and draw out better profits. It’s a lot more immersive than pre-match bets, and you can typically continue betting in-play till the last few minutes of the game. We look out for the live betting coverage offered at Indian betting sites. The more live betting is available, the better.
While live streaming is not as pertinent as live betting, it’s a fantastic feature that adds to the immersive experience. The best sites should offer live streaming on major leagues and events, at the very least.
Payment Methods and Processing Times
Having a different number of ways to deposit and withdraw will make it more convenient to place bets and cash out at online betting sites. We like to see secure and well-recognized payment methods across credit and debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers and prepaid cards, from global providers like PayPal to local providers like Paytm.
The speed of transactions is also crucial, as there’s nothing more frustrating than waiting for days on end to cash in your winnings. The best sites will expedite payments to ensure you get your winnings as soon as possible.
User Experience
User experience has to do with how easily you can get around the sportsbook, from the sign-up process to placing bets and extra features that optimise the experience, such as cash out, live scores, stats, etc. The site’s overall functionality and how well it responds is also crucial. Smooth functionality is a sign of quality, while slow-loading pages and a clunky design indicate the opposite. So we check these areas right down to the categorization of the different sports.
Reputation and Reviews
Especially with offshore sportsbooks, it’s important to verify the company behind the site and its reputation. Some betting companies have dodgy track records or are associated with other sites that have been blacklisted. And these are huge red flags you should avoid.
Our experts personally test out each operator we review to get first-hand experience. We also consider the opinions of regular bettors, checking consumer complaints and how or if they’ve been resolved. Recurring complaints about delayed and unresolved payouts, for instance, are a major turn-off.
Customer Service
Many bettors don’t realise the importance of customer support, but we’ve been in this industry long enough to know that customer service can make or break your betting experience. Firstly, there should be multiple contact methods to reach the site (email, live chat, telephone), and we’re always pleased to see sites offering 24/7 support so anytime you decide to take a punt, help is just a message away.
We assess the quality of the service and how quickly and efficiently they respond. Nowadays, social media is diffused in every aspect of living, including sports betting. So the best sites will be reachable via popular social networks like Facebook.
Popular Sports and Leagues
There’s a world of sports betting entertainment available at IN betting sites. You’ll find as many as 30 or more different options at the leading sports betting sites, comprising local and international favourites. Several niche sports are available, too, including unconventional markets like political betting.
In this section, we’ll be covering the most popular sports for Indians. These are where you’ll find the most action and often the most competitive odds.
Cricket
As the most popular Indian sport, Betting on cricket matches is widespread in the country. The Indian Premier League (IPL) is at the forefront as one of the most bet-on leagues globally. Aside from the IPL, international tournaments like the T20 World Cup, the One Day International (ODI) World Cup, and high-voltage bilateral series also draw significant attention from punters. Popular betting markets include match outcomes, top run-scorers, number of boundaries, player of the match, and over-under bets. With the advent of live in-play betting, enthusiasts can also place bets during the course of a game, adjusting to real-time match situations.
Football
While not as popular as cricket, football has a growing fan base in India, especially with the rise of the Indian Super League (ISL). Much of the nation’s football betting attention is directed towards international leagues, like the English Premier League (EPL), the Bundesliga, La Liga, and Serie A. Big international meets like the EURO, UEFA and World Cup also provide lots of football betting action. Lots of pre-match and live bet options are available, including match winner, over/under, BTTS (both teams to score), 1st half, handicaps, team totals, corners, cards, correct score, clean sheet, etc.
Horse Racing
Horse racing betting is the only form of sports betting that’s been legally accepted in parts of India for a long time. Major racecourses like those in Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata have a rich history and attract significant betting volume. The Indian Derby is a marquee event that garners nationwide attention.
The betting avenues in horse racing are diverse. Punters can bet on the outright winner, place bets (which involve a horse finishing in one of the top positions), and other intricate markets like trifectas and exactas – predicting the exact order of finish for the top two or three horses. As technology has evolved, so has the betting landscape, allowing for live telecasts and online betting platforms to cater to enthusiasts who can’t be physically present at the racecourses.
Kabaddi
Kabaddi is another sport deeply rooted in Indian tradition, but unlike others, this one is 100% Indian. The inception of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has brought about a remarkable resurgence of the game, elevating kabaddi from rural playgrounds to urban stadiums and drawing attention from millions of viewers. Consequently, betting on kabaddi matches has also seen an uptick.
The best Indian betting sites will cover the PKL season and offer betting markets such as match outcomes, top raiders, number of successful tackles, and total points scored, among others. The sport’s dynamic nature, characterised by swift turnovers and strategic manoeuvres, makes live in-play betting particularly engaging.
Field Hockey
One of the thriving sports in India, field hockey makes for a stellar betting category at the top IN sportsbooks. It’s a sport in which India has historically dominated the global scene. In the realm of betting, field hockey sees increased activity during major tournaments such as the Hockey World Cup, Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, and the Olympics. Common betting markets in field hockey include match winners, total goals scored, first goal-scorer, and half-time results.
Tennis
Tennis offers a plethora of betting markets, from predicting match winners, set scores, and total games played to more nuanced options like tie-break occurrences or exact match scores. Thanks to the dedicated following of this sport in India and the nation’s success in doubles events and the occasional singles, there’s a lot of tennis betting action at Indian sportsbooks online. Grand Slam tournaments – Wimbledon, the US Open, the French Open, and the Australian Open – are the pinnacle of the tennis calendar. Lots of smaller competitions are also available year-round to present ample betting opportunities.
Common Betting Offers at Our Recommended IN Betting Sites
It’s always a good idea to take up a bonus deal when playing at betting sites in India. This will get you off to a great start when you sign up and offer more chances for you to win. Operators are always eager to attract new customers, and bonuses are the easiest way to do so. You can expect a fine selection of bonuses and promotions at the best sites.
We always evaluate the terms and conditions (wagering requirements, validity period, etc.) to ensure that the bonus is actually valuable and provides a good chance of cashing out. So you can rest assured of getting the most generous offers at our top-ranking sites.
Let’s introduce some of the best betting bonuses in India:
Match Offer
This is one of, if not the most popular bonus type. With a match offer, you receive a percentage of your deposit as a bonus. For instance, a 100% match up to $200. You’ll need to make a minimum qualifying deposit, typically $10, in which case you receive an extra $10 in bonuses. You can maximise the offer by depositing the max bonus amount.
Although we provide the most pertinent terms in our betting site reviews, it’s wise to read the terms and conditions on your own for all the details.
Free Bets
Free bets are another popular sports betting deal. To claim these, you usually have to make a deposit and place a bet. These bonuses reduce the risk on your bet by offering a free bet if your original bet loses. With a free bet offer, you have the confidence to take a chance on riskier bets, knowing that you have a backup bet at the operator’s expense.
Another highlight of this bonus is that they usually have little or no wagering requirements. However, you don’t get to keep the free bet value, only the profits made from it. This is one of the reasons it pays to sign up for online betting IN sites.
Cashback
This sports bonus will refund you a portion of your losses in a given period. Daily, weekly, and monthly cashback deals are available. You simply have to bet a certain amount within the stipulated time, and soon after, the bookie rewards you with a cashback bonus. The objective of this bonus is obviously to relieve your losses. It’s usually a small percentage of between 10% – 30%, but that amounts to tangible savings if you’re a frequent bettor.
Again, there’s usually some small print here, but don’t be surprised to see the best bookies offer wager-free cashback bonuses.
Loyalty Programmes
Top betting sites aren’t after new players, but they also aim for long-term customer retention, hence the loyalty or VIP programme. These will offer regular rewards at intervals or for making achievements. Most VIP programmes are designed with tiered levels, where you earn points and receive rewards as you advance. Free bets, cashback, boosted odds and more are among the perks available here. Be sure to check the rules for accumulating points and climbing up the VIP levels.
Mobile Sports Betting in India
Mobile site compatibility is a must-have for any online sportsbook. With HTML5 and the latest technologies, there’s no reason for a site to lack mobile compatibility. In fact, the best operators prioritise the mobile experience to ensure a great user experience directly on your phone or tablet.
Top sportsbooks will have a mobile site version. Others may also provide an app for Android or iPhone or both. All the features, such as cash out, in-play betting, and more, will be available on the best mobile betting sites in IN. A large portion of the betting population is choosing to bet with phones and tablets because of the convenience and ease of use. So, it’s only natural that operators are adapting to the growing demand. All the best sites that we recommend are mobile IN betting sites.
How to Open an IN Betting Account
The sign-up process is among the various aspects we check for any top sportsbook. Fortunately, this is one area where many IN bookies excel. Each sportsbook is different, but it’s more or less the same procedure. Here’s how it’s done:
- Select a top IN betting site we recommend. You can read our reviews to compare deals and site offerings in order to choose which sportsbook best suits your preferences.
- Register on the site by filling in your name, email, date of birth and other required personal details. You’ll also have to create a username and password.
- Verify your age and identity by providing an ID document such as a driver’s licence, passport, or national identification card.
- Make a deposit and claim your bonus to begin betting on your favourite sports.
Sports Betting Regulation in India
The Public Gambling Act of 1867 is the primary law governing gambling in India, according to which all gambling is illegal. However, being more than a century old, it’s outdated and doesn’t address modern forms of gambling, especially online ones. Many states have adopted their own variations of this Act or introduced new regulations to address gambling.
Horse racing is the only sport largely accepted in India. All other sports betting is in a legal grey area, meaning legislation fails to make clear what is legal or not. Fortunately for Indians, this grey situation allows bettors to visit and play at international betting sites based offshore. As long as the operator doesn’t host their servers within India, there are no problems with the law, no matter where you play.
IN Sports Betting FAQ
Is legal online sports betting available in India?
Yes, online sports betting IN is legal, provided that the betting site is based overseas. The law prohibits companies from operating online gambling sites from within India, but you can legally bet on offshore websites.
Are my winnings from sports betting taxable in India?
Yes, in India, winnings from sports betting are taxable at a flat rate of 30%, plus surcharges. If your winnings exceed certain thresholds, the tax is deducted by the sportsbook before paying out.
How do I deposit and withdraw money from online betting sites?
Most online betting sites offer various methods for depositing and withdrawing, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets like Skrill or Neteller. Always check the specific payment methods offered by your chosen site and ensure that they are secure.
Is there a minimum age for sports betting in India?
While the legal status of sports betting varies across states, where it is permitted, individuals typically need to be at least 18 years old to participate.
Are there responsible gambling resources available for Indians?
Absolutely. International organisations like Gambling Therapy and Gambling Anonymous provide resources and support to Indian bettors in need.
Can I bet on international sports events from India?
Yes, Indians can bet on both domestic and international sports events. Many international sportsbooks provide extensive markets covering sports events from around the world.
How do I know if an online betting site is safe and reliable?
Always look for betting sites that are licensed by reputable gambling commissions, like the UKGC and MGA. You can read our reviews for details on security protocols, and customer service, which can also indicate reliability.
Are there any betting limits imposed on Indian bettors?
Betting limits often depend on the betting site itself and the event or market you’re betting on. While there’s no legal maximum bet, each site may have its own limits based on potential payout amounts or other factors.
Can I use Rupees for betting on these sites?
Many major Indian betting sites accept Rupees. However, it’s essential to check the currency options on your chosen site. If INR isn’t accepted, your money will be converted to a supported currency, which may come with conversion fees.
Are there any bonuses or promotions for Indian bettors?
Yes, the top Indian betting sites offer bonuses or promotions to attract and retain players, including welcome bonuses, free bets, and loyalty programs. Always read the terms and conditions associated with these offers to understand the requirements.