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How to bet online in cricket? Complete guide for types of bets, reading odds, best online betting sites in India

Xaviour Raymond

How to bet online in cricket? Complete guide for types of bets, reading odds, best online betting sites in India image

About this content

Betting on cricket online has become increasingly popular in India, adding some fun and excitement to the game.

Here, The Sporting News will give you a guide that will walk you through how to bet online on cricket in India, from understanding the different types of bets and how to read odds, to choosing the best online betting sites legally. 

Let’s dive into the essentials you need to know to bet smartly and responsibly.

How cricket betting works in India

Cricket betting in India involves placing bets on various match outcomes, such as the winner, top batsman, total runs, or even ball-by-ball events.

Bookmakers determine the odds by analyzing factors like team strength, player form, pitch conditions, and weather forecasts. 

These odds reflect the probability of an outcome, that is that higher odds mean a less likely result, while lower odds suggest a safer bet.

Indian bettors often rely on expert tips and match insights to improve their chances. You can find lots of those at The Sporting News, so check our betting section for all the latest insights!

MORE: Latest betting insights and tips from The Sporting News

Studying team stats, player performance, and pitch behavior can give you an edge. Live betting is also popular, allowing you to place bets as the match unfolds.

We’ve explored deep into how cricket betting works in India to help beginners and enthusiasts understand the process clearly. From how odds are set to the different types of bets available, we break down everything you need to know.

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Pre-match and live cricket betting online in India

Cricket betting online in India offers two main formats: pre-match and live betting.

Pre-match betting allows you to place wagers before the game begins. This gives you ample time to study team form, head-to-head stats, player performances, and pitch or weather conditions. Once you place a pre-match bet, the odds are locked in, meaning any changes afterward won’t affect your wager.

On the other hand, live cricket betting begins after the match starts, giving you the flexibility to react in real time. Odds shift constantly based on game dynamics like performance, momentum swings, or player injuries. Many bettors use live betting to spot better value, for instance backing a strong team that has had a slow start to the match.

Understanding how bookmakers set odds using real-time data is key to succeeding in live markets. Top betting platforms in India like Dafabet and Parimatch offer seamless updates and dynamic odds, making live cricket betting both thrilling and strategic.

5 pro tips for cricket betting in India

Cricket betting is no luck, it’s clear strategy and execution. Here are some of the essential tips to help you make smarter wagers to succeed in cricket betting in India:

  • Understand the game and betting basics: Learn how cricket betting works, including how odds are calculated and how different formats (Tests, ODIs, and T20s) impact betting strategies.
  • Analyze team form and key factors: Always check recent performances, head-to-head records, and injury updates. Pitch conditions and weather forecasts can also heavily impact match outcomes.
  • Take advantage of live betting: Use live cricket betting to your advantage. Odds change quickly during a match based on performance.
  • Manage your bankroll: Responsible betting is key. Set a budget and stick to it and never chase losses. If you lose ₹2,000, as an example, don’t try to recover it with risky bets.
  • Explore different betting markets: Learn how to play smart by exploring a variety of betting markets beyond just match winners, such as top batsman, total runs, or number of wickets.
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Most popular ways to bet on cricket in India

Cricket betting can be an enjoyable and potentially rewarding experience with the right preparation and discipline. Here are some of the most popular betting markets in Indian cricket:

  • Match winner betting: The simplest and most popular cricket bet is predicting which team will win the match. 
  • Live betting: Live betting allows you to place bets while the match is ongoing. 
  • Prop bets and special markets: These include more specific or fun bets, like how many sixes will be hit in a match, whether there will be a Super Over, or which bowler will bowl the fastest delivery.

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Popular Indian cricket betting markets explained and examples

Cricket betting allows you to place wagers in Indian Rupees (₹) across a wide range of outcomes. Here are the most popular markets explained with examples:

MarketExample
Match WinnerYou bet on which team will win the match. For example, in an England vs. India match, if the odds are 2.10 for England and 1.75 for India, a ₹1,000 bet on India at 1.75 would return ₹1,750 if India wins (including your original stake).
Top BatsmanThis bet lets you choose the player who will score the most runs in a match or innings. For instance, if Virat Kohli has odds of 4.00, a ₹500 bet on him will return ₹2,000 if he ends up as the top scorer.
Total Runs (Over/Under)You predict whether a team or player will score more or less than a set number. For example, if the total runs for South Africa is 285.5 and you bet ₹1,500 on ‘Under’ at odds of 1.95, you’ll win ₹2,925 if they score 285 or less.
First Wicket MethodHere, you bet on how the first wicket will fall. If you choose ‘LBW’ at 4.50 odds and place a ₹300 bet, you’ll win ₹1,350 if the first dismissal is leg before wicket.

Live Cricket Betting (In-Play)

This allows you to place bets after the match has started, with odds changing in real time. For example, if India needs 18 runs in 2 overs and the odds are 1.70, a ₹1,000 live bet will return ₹1,700 if they complete the chase.

Top apps/sites for online cricket betting in India with welcome offers

Here's a curated selection of some of the best and most trusted betting sites in India, and the latest offers for new customers verified by The Sporting News.

You can read our full guide and review of the best and most trusted cricket betting sites in India here.

Before you take advantage of any of the sign-up offers below, be sure to check the Terms and Conditions, and any wager requirements to activate the offer.

7 Steps to sign-up for a betting account in India

Signing up for a betting account with any of the top betting sites in India takes just a few minutes. Just be sure to use your real info and keep your KYC docs handy as most sites require quick ID verification before you can deposit or withdraw.

Here's our step-by-step guide:

  1. Choose a licensed site that accepts Indian users
  2. Create an account with your name, email, and phone number
  3. Verify your identity (usually Aadhaar, PAN or utility bill)
  4. Choose your deposit method: UPI, Paytm, NetBanking, GPay, etc.
  5. Make your first deposit
  6. Claim your welcome bonus (check our links above for the best ones!)
  7. Start browsing markets and place your bets!

Xaviour Raymond

Xaviour Raymond leads The Sporting News' betting content in India and is a content writer with a Master’s in Mass Communication and over two years of experience working with various firms. A passionate sports enthusiast, he focuses on football and cricket content tailored for Indian fans with a sharp eye on detail and opportunities for betting value.