Whether it is wagering on Tests, T20s, ODIs or one-off tournaments like The Hundred, betting on cricket has become increasingly popular in the U.K.
Here, we give you a complete guide that will walk you through how to bet online on cricket, from understanding the different types of bets and how to read odds, to choosing the best online betting sites to make your bet.
Let’s dive into the essentials you need to know, including all the best places to find insight and tips for pre-match and live cricket betting.
How to bet on cricket
Cricket betting 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 looking at factors like team strength, player form, pitch conditions, and weather forecasts. The odds they set reflect the probability of an outcome.
The higher the odds the less likely the bookmakers deem a result to be, while lower odds suggest a safer bet.
If you are betting on cricket you can rely on expert tips and match insights to improve your chances of being successful. You can find lots of tips and insights on cricket at The Sporting News, so check out our betting section
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.
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Pre-match and live cricket betting online
Cricket betting online usually offers two main formats: pre-match and live betting.
- Pre-match betting allows you to place wagers before a particular match 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 the U.K. like Bet365 and Betfair offer seamless updates and dynamic odds, making live cricket betting both thrilling and strategic.
Top tips for how to bet on cricket
Like any wagering, cricket betting is not only about luck, there's a clear strategy and execution that is involved to help you get one up on the bookies.
Here are some of the essential tips to help you make smarter wagers to succeed in cricket betting:
- Understand betting basics: Learn how cricket betting works, including how odds are calculated and how different formats (Tests, ODIs, and T20s) impact betting strategies.
- Look at team form: 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: Bet on live markets and use them to your advantage. Odds change quickly during a match based on performance and that can often mean added value.
- Manage your bankroll: Responsible betting is key. Set a budget and stick to it and never chase losses. If you lose £100, as an example, don’t try to recover it with risky bets.
- Explore different cricket 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.
MORE: The Hundred full schedule of fixtures, results and latest betting
Cricket betting markets
Here are some of the most popular betting markets for betting on cricket:
- Match winner betting: This is the simplest and most popular cricket bet. You predict which team will win the match outright.
- In-play betting: Live, or in-play, betting allows you to place bets while the match is ongoing and can often mean better value as markets shift.
- Outright competition or series betting: This market involves betting on the overall winner of a tournament or series, such as predicting the winner of the Ashes.
- 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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Top sites and apps for cricket betting and best welcome offers
Below are some of the best bookmakers in the U.K. to bet on cricket with.
Remember also to carefully check the Terms and Conditions for each of the offers listed below, so that you can fully activate your free bet or bonus.
7 steps to sign-up for a betting account in UK
Signing up for a betting account with any of the top betting sites in the U.K. takes just a few minutes. Just be sure to use your real info and keep your ID documents handy as most sites require quick ID verification before you can deposit or withdraw.
Here's our step-by-step guide:
- Choose a licensed site that accepts users from the United Kingdom.
- Create an account with your name, email, and phone number
- Verify your identity (usually bank statement or utility bill)
- Choose your deposit method: Bank transfer, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Revolut, etc.
- Make your first deposit
- Claim your welcome bonus (check our offers above for the best ones!)
- Start browsing markets and place your bets!