Sports Betting in India

Sports betting in India is rapidly growing as millions of sports fans look for ways to enhance their viewing experience. With online betting sites expanding, Indian players can now place bets on cricket match events, football betting markets, horse races, and major tournaments through regulated gambling operators and international platforms. 

Although online gambling laws remain complex, the rise of online betting has made it easier for Indian bettors to access competitive odds, live betting features, and betting bonuses from licensed online bookmakers, the best legal betting apps, and legal betting sites.

India’s sports culture is massive, and the demand for both offline and online sports betting continues to rise. Whether betting on the Indian Premier League, European football leagues, or casino games, players can choose between traditional casinos, Indian betting sites, and online betting sites offering in-play betting, bet builder tools, generous welcome bonus packages, and a user-friendly interface for an enjoyable online betting journey.

Sports Betting Legal Landscape in India

Understanding the legal landscape of sports betting in India requires exploring the Public Gambling Act of 1867, federal laws, and how online gambling fits into today’s gambling environment.

The Public Gambling Act bans operating gambling houses but does not mention online betting, online bookmakers, or betting sites. This gap has allowed international betting sites to operate legally from offshore jurisdictions. As a result, online sports betting in India is widely accessible even though traditional gambling laws are outdated.

Some states like Sikkim, Goa, and Daman allow regulated gambling, including brick-and-mortar casinos and limited betting markets. Horse racing is legal across the country as it is classified as a game of skill, and several High Courts have ruled similarly for fantasy sports, influencing the broader debate on new law changes for online gambling.

Offline Options for Sports Betting in India

Offline sports betting remains limited in India due to national gambling laws, but horse racing is fully legal and regulated, making racetracks the only locations where in-person sports wagering is officially permitted. Several racetracks across major cities allow bettors to place wagers on live horse races and international simulcast races. 

In addition, some traditional casinos in Goa and Sikkim offer sports viewing lounges and entertainment areas inspired by global sportsbooks. While they cannot facilitate regulated sports betting in India as the best online betting sites do, these casinos often provide live screenings of tournaments, betting-style prediction games, and environments designed for bettors who enjoy sports-focused entertainment. 

Below are the key land-based casinos in India where sports fans can enjoy sports-themed entertainment, viewing lounges, and betting-inspired activities within the legal framework in India.

Deltin Royale (Goa)

Deltin Royale is one of the most luxurious offshore casinos in India and a popular spot for sports enthusiasts. While regulated sports betting is not offered onsite, the casino provides premium sports viewing lounges where guests can watch cricket match action, football tournaments, and major global sporting events. 

These lounges often feature large screens, comfortable seating, and themed promotions during events like the IPL and major football championships. The atmosphere appeals to bettors who enjoy following live sports alongside casino games such as roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and poker.

Deltin Royale also collaborates with nearby bookmakers during major horse races, giving sports fans additional offline wagering options when available. 

Big Daddy Casino (Goa)

Big Daddy Casino is known for its high-energy environment, modern gaming floors, and strong entertainment focus. Sports fans visiting Big Daddy can enjoy live sports screenings, especially cricket betting-related events like the IPL, ODI series, and T20 leagues. 

While the casino does not offer offline sports betting markets, the venue’s sports bar areas recreate the feel of international sports betting lounges. Big Daddy’s event nights, fan gatherings, and themed sports screenings make it a preferred destination for bettors who enjoy integrating sports and casino entertainment without placing actual offline wagers.

Casino Pride and Casino Pride 2 (Goa)

Casino Pride and Pride 2 attract a large domestic audience and maintain a lively atmosphere that appeals to sports lovers. During tournaments such as the Indian Premier League and FIFA World Cup, the casinos host viewing zones where fans can gather and watch matches together.

These casinos do not offer regulated sports betting in person, but they often feature prediction-based games, sports quizzes, and prize-based events that mirror the excitement of wagering. Their casual environment and competitive pricing make them accessible to Indian bettors looking for sports-themed nightlife experiences.

Deltin Denzong (Sikkim)

Deltin Denzong in Gangtok is another popular venue for sports fans seeking offline entertainment. The casino regularly screens cricket, football, and international sporting events in its lounges. 

Although traditional sports betting is not allowed, the property caters to sports enthusiasts with event nights, themed promotions, and casino games that complement the sports-viewing experience.

Because Sikkim has been more progressive regarding regulated gambling, visitors often combine casino play with sports entertainment in a setting that blends hospitality, gaming, and sports culture.

Casino Mahjong (Sikkim)

Located within the Mayfair Resort, Casino Mahjong offers a quieter and more sophisticated environment for sports viewers. Guests can enjoy live screenings of cricket series, football leagues, and other events from across India. 

While offline sports betting is not available, the casino’s hospitality-driven approach appeals to sports watchers who prefer a relaxed environment with access to casino tables, slot machines, and premium dining.

Horse Racing Venues Across India

Horse racing remains the only fully legal offline sports betting option in India, making racetracks an essential part of the country’s sports betting landscape. Major racetracks include:

• Royal Calcutta Turf Club (Kolkata)
• Bangalore Turf Club (Bengaluru)
• Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Racecourse
• Chennai’s Guindy Race Course
• Hyderabad Race Club 

These tracks allow in-person wagering on domestic races and often simulcast international racing events. Bettors can enjoy competitive odds, live race analysis, and regulated gambling environments that adhere to India’s legal framework. 

Online Sports Betting in India: Legal Betting Sites and Online Bookmakers

Online betting allows Indian bettors to place bets on their favourite sports directly from a mobile betting site, desktop website, or dedicated mobile betting app. With international online sports betting sites targeting the Indian market, players now have access to thousands of sports betting markets, competitive odds, and legal betting apps offering fast and secure payment methods. 

Most online sports betting sites in India operate offshore, meaning they are regulated by authorities such as the UK Gambling Commission or other international regulators. These licensed betting apps and legal betting sites offer fair play, secure banking options, and extensive coverage of tournaments like the Indian Super League, English Premier League, and global cricket events.

Indian betting sites offer diverse sports markets, including cricket betting, football betting, tennis, kabaddi, and other games. These India betting sites and betting apps provide live betting, cash-out options, competitive odds, and tailored promotions for indian players.

Free Bet and Promotions on Online Betting Sites

Many online sports betting sites offer free bet credits, welcome bonuses, deposit bonuses, and betting bonus offers for new users. These promotions offered by the best legal betting apps allow players to place bets with reduced risk. Always check wagering requirements and minimum odds before using a free bet on the best betting sites in India. 

Bonus Offers and Player Rewards in Betting Sites in India 

Bonus offers vary by sports betting site. The best legal betting apps give out free bet credits, welcome bonus packages, deposit bonuses, and cashback rewards. The best Indian betting sites offer promotions tailored to tournaments, mobile site users (through legal betting apps downloadable through Google Play or the App Store), and frequent bettors.

Before claiming any welcome bonus or reward, always check the wagering requirements and payment methods of your preferred site first. And while the legal landscape allows the use of online bookmakers, remember to bet responsibly and stick to the dedicated mobile app or website for secure gambling. 

Deposit Money and Payment Methods in Betting Apps 

Using their betting account, bettors in India can deposit money to online betting sites and legal betting apps using: 

• UPI
• Google Pay
• NetBanking
• Bank account transfer
• Debit cards
• E-wallets
• Cryptocurrency (varies by platform) 

The speed of withdrawing money from winnings and welcome bonuses depends on the method available on the betting account. Google Pay withdrawals typically take a few hours once processed, while UPI and certain e-wallets often have faster withdrawals than Google Pay.

Traditional bank transfers, on the other hand, are usually slower and may take one to three business days. However, most international sports betting sites in India offer fast payouts and fair processing times.

Popular Sports for Sports Betting Among Indian Players

Cricket Betting in India

Cricket betting is the most popular category on sports betting sites in India. Bettors enjoy markets on the Indian Premier League, international test series, T20 leagues, and major tournaments. 

Cricket betting options on online betting platforms in India are extensive, giving bettors a wide range of ways to place bets on every stage of a cricket match. Indian players can wager on the match winner, predict the top batsman or top bowler, bet on total runs, or participate in live betting during overs as the action unfolds in real time. 

These dynamic markets make cricket one of the most exciting sports to bet on, and the sport’s massive popularity continues to drive the growth of sports betting in India across both desktop websites and online betting apps.

Football Betting

Football is the second-largest market for sports betting sites in India. Bettors regularly wager on the Indian Super League, English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, La Liga, Serie A, and major international tournaments.

Popular football betting markets include match winner, both teams to score, correct score, total goals, first goalscorer, double chance, and live betting markets that change throughout the match. The global availability of football ensures Indian players have access to thousands of live and pre-match betting sites year-round. 

Kabaddi Betting

Kabaddi has gained massive traction on the best betting sites in India through the Pro Kabaddi League, making it one of the fastest-growing sports betting markets for Indian bettors. Popular betting options include match winner, top raider, top defender, total points, winning margin, and half-time/full-time bets. Kabaddi’s fast-paced nature makes it ideal for live betting. 

Tennis Betting

Tennis betting sites are highly active in India due to year-round ATP and WTA events. Bettors can place wagers on sports betting apps, which offer markets like match winner, set winner, total games, handicap markets, and live betting during individual sets. Grand Slams like Wimbledon and the US Open attract substantial betting activity on the best betting sites.

Horse Race Betting

Horse races are one of the few fully legal offline sports betting markets in India. Bettors can wager on win/place markets, forecast bets, quinella, trifecta, and international races through licensed turf clubs. Race analysis, form guides, and paddock insights make this type of betting a skill-driven category. 

Esports Betting

Esports has grown rapidly among younger bettors, with the best betting sites in India offering markets for CS:GO, Dota 2, Valorant, League of Legends, and BGMI tournaments. Popular esports betting markets include match winner, map winner, total kills, handicap markets, and live in-play betting.

Basketball Betting

The NBA, EuroLeague, and FIBA events attract a strong betting audience on online betting platforms and sports betting apps in India. Markets include point spreads, total points, player performance props, three-pointer totals, and live betting on quarters and halves. 

Table Tennis and Badminton Betting

Both are increasingly popular sports betting options on legal betting apps, with simple markets such as match winner, total points, correct score, and in-play. 

Frequently Asked Questions on Online Betting in India