The stadium roars. The bowler charges in. The batsman swings. And your heart races because you’ve got skin in the game.
If you’ve ever watched a cricket match and thought, “I could predict what happens next,” then online cricket betting is for you. But if you’re new to the game, all the odds, markets, and betting sites can feel overwhelming.
Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.
This guide will take you from complete beginner to confident bettor. You’ll learn exactly how to place your first bet, understand the odds, and choose a trusted platform—all in simple, step-by-step English. And we’ll show you why 8jj sport is the perfect place to start your journey.
Let’s dive in.
How to Bet on Cricket: 7 Simple Steps
Betting on cricket online is easier than you think. Follow these steps, and you’ll be placing your first bet in minutes.
Step 1: Find a Trusted Betting Site
You wouldn’t trust a street bookie with your money, so don’t trust just any website. Start by reading expert reviews. Look for sites with strong security, fair odds, and positive feedback from Indian players.
Our Top Pick: 8jjbet – Rated #1 for beginners and pros alike.
Step 2: Click a Safe Link
Found a site you like? Always use a trusted link from a reliable source. This ensures you’re directed to the official, secure website—not a fake copy.
Step 3: Create Your Account (Takes 1 Minute)
Click the “Register“ or “Sign Up“ button. You’ll need to provide:
Your full name (as it appears on your ID)
Email address and phone number
A strong password
Accept the terms and conditions, and you’re done. Quick and painless.
Step 4: Make Your First Deposit
Unless you’ve found a rare “no-deposit bonus,” you’ll need to add funds to start betting. Here’s how:
Click the “Deposit“ button (usually at the top right)
Choose your payment method (UPI, Paytm, Google Pay, NetBanking, or crypto)
Enter the amount (most sites accept as low as ₹100)
Confirm the transaction
Your money appears instantly. No hidden fees on trusted sites like 8jj sport.
Step 5: Head to the Sportsbook
Now for the fun part. Go to the “Sports” section and find Cricket in the list of sports. You’ll see all the upcoming matches, leagues, and tournaments.
Step 6: Pick Your Match and Market
Browse through the options. Want to bet on the IPL? The T20 World Cup? A local Ranji Trophy match? Click on the event you’re interested in, and you’ll see a huge list of betting markets—match winner, top batsman, total runs, and much more.
Step 7: Place Your Bet
Found a bet you like? Click on the odds (the number next to your chosen outcome). It will automatically add to your bet slip. Enter how much you want to wager (your “stake”), check the potential payout, and click “Place Bet.”
Congratulations! You’ve just placed your first cricket bet. Now, sit back, watch the match, and see if your prediction comes true.
Top Cricket Events Indians Love to Bet On
India is cricket crazy, and certain tournaments get the whole nation buzzing. Here are the biggest events you can bet on at 8jj sport and other top sites:
| Tournament | Format | Why Bet on It? |
|---|---|---|
| ICC Cricket World Cup | ODI | The ultimate prize in cricket. Huge markets and global attention. |
| T20 World Cup | T20 | Fast-paced, high-scoring, and unpredictable. Perfect for live betting. |
| Indian Premier League (IPL) | T20 | The king of leagues. Massive coverage, player props, and non-stop action. |
| Asia Cup | ODI / T20 | India vs. Pakistan? Enough said. Intense rivalry and great odds. |
| Ranji Trophy | First-Class | India’s domestic red-ball classic. Great for bettors who know local form. |
| The Ashes | Test | England vs. Australia. The oldest rivalry in cricket. Ideal for patient bettors. |
Understanding Cricket Betting Markets
You don’t just bet on “who wins.” Cricket offers hundreds of betting markets. Here are the most popular ones to get you started.
1. Match Winner (The Simple One)
Just pick which team will win the match. It’s the most straightforward bet, perfect for beginners.
2. Outright Winner (The Long Game)
Bet on who will win the entire tournament before it even starts. Think India to lift the T20 World Cup trophy. You’ll wait longer for your result, but the odds can be huge.
3. Top Batsman / Top Bowler
Predict which player will score the most runs or take the most wickets in a match, an innings, or the whole tournament. Great for fans who follow player form closely.
4. Player Performance Bets
Go deeper. Bet on:
How many runs a specific batsman will score
Will a player hit a fifty or a century?
How many fours or sixes will a batsman hit?
5. Over/Under Runs
The bookmaker sets a line (e.g., Total Runs in the match: 350.5). You bet on whether the actual total will be Over or Under that number.
6. Live (In-Play) Betting
Bet on moments as they happen. Who will win the next over? Will the next ball be a wicket? Odds change every second, making it incredibly exciting.
How to Read Cricket Betting Odds
Odds do two things: they tell you how likely something is to happen, and they tell you how much money you’ll win.
In India, you’ll mostly see Decimal Odds. They’re simple.
Example: India has odds of 2.50 to win a match.
You bet ₹1,000.
If India wins, you get: ₹1,000 × 2.50 = ₹2,500 (your ₹1,000 stake back + ₹1,500 profit).
Quick Comparison:
| Odds Type | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Decimal | 2.50 | Multiply your stake by this number to get total return. |
| Fractional | 3/2 | For every ₹2 you bet, you win ₹3 profit. |
| Moneyline | +150 | A ₹1,000 bet wins ₹1,500 profit. |
At 8jj sport, you can switch between odds formats in your settings. Choose whichever you find easiest.
How to Choose the Best Cricket Betting Site
Not all betting sites are created equal. Here’s what to look for to ensure a safe, fair, and fun experience.
| Factor | What to Check |
|---|---|
| License & Security | Look for licenses from Curacao, MGA, or UKGC. Check for SSL encryption to protect your data. |
| Cricket Odds | Compare odds across sites. Even small differences add up over time. 8jj sport consistently offers top odds. |
| Bonus Offers | Look for generous welcome bonuses, free bets, and cashback. But always read the wagering requirements. |
| Payment Methods | Must support UPI, Paytm, Google Pay, PhonePe, and NetBanking. Bonus points for crypto options. |
| Customer Support | 24/7 live chat is a must. Test them before you sign up—see how fast and helpful they are. |
| Live Betting & Streaming | The best sites offer real-time odds updates and live streaming, so you can watch and bet in one place. |
| Mobile Experience | A smooth mobile site or app (Android & iOS) means you can bet from anywhere. |
8jj sport ticks every single box. It’s built for Indian players, with fast UPI payments, massive cricket coverage, and a sleek mobile app.
Live Betting on Cricket: The Ultimate Thrill
Live betting (or in-play betting) is where you bet on the match as it’s happening. The odds change ball-by-ball based on the action.
Why bet live?
You can see the pitch conditions, player form, and match momentum with your own eyes.
You might spot an opportunity faster than the bookmaker updates the odds.
It’s incredibly exciting.
Example: A team needs 40 runs from the last 3 overs with 5 wickets in hand. The odds for them to win will be high. But if you see a big hitter coming to the crease, you might pounce.
8jj sport offers one of the best live betting interfaces, with fast odds updates and live streaming for major matches.
Top 5 Cricket Betting Tips for Beginners
Want to bet smarter? Follow these golden rules.
1. Do Your Homework
Never bet blindly. Check:
Recent team form
Head-to-head records
Player injuries and availability
Pitch and weather conditions (a spinning track? Rain predicted?)
2. Manage Your Money (Bankroll Management)
Decide how much you’re willing to lose before you start betting. Never chase losses. A good rule: only bet 1-5% of your total bankroll on a single match.
3. Hunt for Value
A “value bet” is when you think an outcome is more likely than the odds suggest. If India has odds of 2.50 (40% implied chance) but you believe they have a 50% chance to win, that’s value. Pounce on it.
4. Stick to a Strategy
Whether you focus on one tournament, one market (like top batsman), or use a staking plan, consistency beats randomness. Don’t jump between strategies every week.
5. Bet with Your Head, Not Your Heart
It’s easy to bet on your favorite team every time. But if your team is out of form and the odds are poor, sometimes the smart move is to sit out or bet against them.
Is Cricket Betting Legal in India?
Yes, but it’s complicated.
There is no federal law in India that explicitly prohibits online betting. This means Indian players can legally join offshore betting sites like 8jj sport and place bets.
However, gambling laws can vary by state. It’s your responsibility to check your local state regulations. Also, always choose a licensed and regulated site to ensure your money and data are safe.
The Golden Rule: Only bet with money you can afford to lose, and always play on trusted, verified platforms.
Ready to Start Your Cricket Betting Journey?
You now know everything you need to place your first bet. You understand the steps, the markets, the odds, and the strategies.
The only thing left is to choose the right platform.
We recommend starting with 8jj sport. It’s the #1 rated betting site for Indian players, offering:
A massive welcome bonus for new users- The best cricket odds on IPL, World Cup, and more
- Instant UPI deposits and withdrawals
- A smooth, mobile-friendly experience
- Fair terms and 24/7 customer support
[Click here to join 8jj sport and claim your exclusive welcome bonus] 
Bet responsibly, enjoy the game, and may your predictions be perfect!
