Online sports betting has exploded in popularity across India. From cricket and football to kabaddi and tennis, millions of Indian sports fans are now placing real money bets from their mobile phones.
In this complete guide, our experts cover everything you need to know about online sports betting in India – including the best betting sites, legal status, payment methods, bonuses, and expert tips.
What is Online Sports Betting?
Online sports betting is the act of placing wagers on the outcome of sporting events using a website or mobile app. Bettors predict results – such as which team will win, how many goals will be scored, or which player will perform best – and win real money if their prediction is correct.
Key Features of Online Sports Betting:
Bet from anywhere using a smartphone or computer
Wide range of sports and markets
Instant deposits and fast withdrawals
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in India?
This is the most common question among Indian bettors. Here is the simple answer:
Current Legal Status
| Aspect | Status |
|---|---|
| Physical betting in India | Illegal except in Sikkim and Goa (casinos) |
| Online betting (offshore sites) | Not explicitly illegal |
| Federal law | No law prohibits Indian citizens from betting on offshore websites |
| State laws | Some states (Telangana, Andhra Pradesh) have banned online betting |
| IPL betting | Same as online sports betting – no federal ban |
Key Legal Points
Public Gambling Act of 1867 – Does not mention online betting
Information Technology Act of 2000 – Does not prohibit online betting
Offshore betting sites – Operate under international licenses (Curacao, Malta, UKGC)
Income Tax – Winnings are taxable at 30% under Section 115BB
Recommendation: Always check your local state laws. Use internationally licensed betting sites like 8jjbet for a safe experience.
Top 5 Online Sports Betting Sites in India
After testing over 30 platforms, here are the best online sports betting sites for Indian users.
1. Best Overall for Indian Bettors (9.9/10)
8jjbet is our top-rated sports betting platform for India. It offers competitive odds on cricket, football, tennis, and kabaddi. Indian users love the fast UPI withdrawals, Hindi support, and generous bonuses.
Key Features:
200% welcome bonus up to ₹50,000
₹100 free signup bonus (no deposit required)
Fast UPI withdrawals (under 10 minutes)
Live streaming of matches
24/7 Hindi customer support
Minimum deposit ₹300
2. Bet365 – Global Leader (9.8/10)
Bet365 is the world’s most popular betting site. It offers live streaming of thousands of events and a reliable cashout feature.
Key Features:
₹4,000 free bet welcome offer
Live streaming of cricket and football
Cashout option
Trusted global brand
3. 1xBet – Wide Range of Markets (9.2/10)
1xBet offers one of the largest selections of sports and betting markets. It also accepts cryptocurrencies.
Key Features:
100% bonus up to ₹5,000
Thousands of daily events
Crypto payments accepted
Live betting and streaming
4. 1Win – High Odds (9.6/10)
1Win is known for offering some of the highest odds on cricket and football matches.
Key Features:
200% bonus up to ₹20,000
High odds on underdogs
Fast payouts
User-friendly mobile app
5. DafaBet – Cricket Specialist (9.3/10)
DafaBet has a strong focus on cricket and offers detailed match statistics.
Key Features:
₹8,000 weekly cashback
Detailed cricket stats
Hindi language support
Reliable customer service
Comparison Table – Best Betting Sites India 2026
| Feature | 8jjbet | Bet365 | 1xBet | 1Win | DafaBet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 9.9/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.3/10 |
| Welcome Bonus | 200% up to ₹50k | ₹4k free bet | 100% up to ₹5k | 200% up to ₹20k | ₹8k cashback |
| Free Signup Bonus |  ₹100 free |  No | No | No | No |
| UPI Withdrawal Speed | < 10 minutes | 1-24 hours | 15-30 min | 30 min – 12 hrs | 1-24 hours |
| Min Deposit | ₹300 | ₹500 | ₹500 | ₹500 | ₹1,000 |
| Live Streaming | Yes | Yes | Limited | No | No |
| Hindi Support | 24/7 | No | Limited | No | Yes |
| Mobile App | Android/iOS | Android/iOS | Android/iOS | Android/iOS | Android/iOS |
Popular Sports to Bet On in India
1. Cricket (Most Popular)
Popular Markets: Match winner, top batsman, top bowler, total runs, live betting
2. Football
-
English Premier League
-
UEFA Champions League
-
La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga
-
Indian Super League (ISL)
-
FIFA World Cup
Popular Markets: Match winner, both teams to score, over/under goals, correct score
3. Kabaddi
-
Pro Kabaddi League (PKL)
-
Kabaddi World Cup
Popular Markets: Match winner, total points, top raider
4. Tennis
-
Grand Slams (Australian Open, Wimbledon, US Open, French Open)
-
ATP and WTA tours
-
Davis Cup
Popular Markets: Match winner, set betting, total games
5. Other Sports
-
Horse racing
-
Badminton
-
Boxing and MMA (UFC)
-
Esports (CS2, Dota 2, Valorant)
-
Basketball (NBA)
Types of Sports Bets Explained
| Bet Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Pick the winner of the match | India to beat Pakistan |
| Point Spread / Handicap | Team given a virtual deficit or advantage | India -10.5 runs vs Pakistan |
| Over/Under | Bet on total runs/goals scored | Over 350 runs in the match |
| Parlay / Accumulator | Multiple bets combined for higher odds | India win + Kohli 50+ runs |
| Prop Bets | Bet on specific events within a match | Will a six be hit on first ball? |
| Live Betting | Bet while the match is happening | Next wicket to fall in 10 balls |
| Outright | Bet on tournament winner | India to win Cricket World Cup |
| Futures | Bet on events far in advance | IPL 2026 winner before season starts |
How to Start Online Sports Betting in India
Follow these simple steps to start betting online today.
Step 1: Choose a Betting Site
Select a trusted platform from our list. 8jjbet.vip is recommended for Indian users.
Step 2: Register an Account
Click Sign Up and enter your:
-
Full name
-
Mobile number
-
Email address
-
Date of birth (must be 18+)
Step 3: Claim Your Bonus
Claim the welcome bonus or free signup offer. On 8jjbet, you get ₹100 free just for registering.
Step 4: Make a Deposit
Add funds using UPI, Paytm, PhonePe, or other methods. Minimum deposit is ₹300 on 8jjbet.
Step 5: Place Your First Bet
Navigate to your preferred sport, select a market, enter your stake, and confirm the bet.
Step 6: Withdraw Your Winnings
Go to the withdrawal section, choose UPI or bank transfer, and receive your winnings.
Payment Methods for Indian Bettors
The best betting sites support Indian Rupees (INR) and local payment methods.
| Payment Method | Deposit Speed | Withdrawal Speed | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe) | Instant | < 10 min to 24 hrs | Free |
| Paytm | Instant | 15-30 min | Free |
| NetBanking | Instant | 1-3 days | Free |
| IMPS | Instant | 1-12 hours | Free |
| Bank Transfer | 1-2 hours | 2-5 days | May apply |
| Cryptocurrency | Instant | Instant | Network fees |
| Skrill / Neteller | Instant | 1-24 hours | Small fees |
Recommended Payment Method for India
UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm) is the best option – instant, free, and widely used.
Bonuses & Promotions
Indian bettors can claim various bonuses. Here are the most common types:
| Bonus Type | Description | Best Offer |
|---|---|---|
| No Deposit Bonus | Free money just for signing up | ₹100 free at 8jjbet.vip |
| Welcome Bonus | Match on first deposit | 200% up to ₹50,000 |
| Free Bet | Bet credits without using your money | ₹4,000 free at Bet365 |
| Cashback | Refund on losses | 10% weekly cashback |
| Reload Bonus | Bonus on subsequent deposits | 50% up to ₹10,000 |
| Referral Bonus | Reward for inviting friends | ₹1,000 per referral |
Mobile Betting Apps
Most Indian bettors prefer betting from mobile phones. Here is what to look for:
Top Mobile Betting Apps
| App | Android APK Size | iOS Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8jjbet | 55 MB | 75 MB | 9.9/10 |
| Bet365 | 60 MB | 80 MB | 9.8/10 |
| 1xBet | 70 MB | 95 MB | 9.2/10 |
| 1Win | 45 MB | 65 MB | 9.6/10 |
How to Download Betting Apps on Android
-
Visit the official website
-
Download the APK file
-
Enable “Unknown Sources” in settings
-
Install and open the app
How to Download Betting Apps on iOS
-
Go to the App Store
-
Search for the app name
-
Tap Download
-
Install and open
Expert Betting Tips for Indian Bettors
1. Start with Free Bets
Use no-deposit bonuses like 8jjbet ‘s ₹100 free to learn without risk.
2. Focus on One Sport
Master cricket or football before trying other sports. Deep knowledge improves your chances.
3. Manage Your Bankroll
Never bet more than 5% of your total budget on a single wager.
4. Compare Odds
Different sites offer different odds. Check multiple platforms before betting.
5. Avoid Emotional Betting
Do not bet on your favorite team just because you support them. Bet objectively.
6. Use Live Betting Wisely
Watch the match and bet when you see an opportunity. Live odds can offer great value.
7. Keep Records
Track your bets – wins, losses, and profits. This helps you improve over time.
8. Understand Value Betting
Bet when the odds offered are higher than the actual probability of the event.
Responsible Gambling
Online sports betting should be fun, not a problem. Follow these responsible gambling guidelines:
Warning Signs
Betting more than you can afford to lose
Chasing losses by betting larger amounts
Neglecting work, family, or health due to betting
Feeling anxious or depressed about betting
Tools to Stay Safe
| Tool | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Deposit Limits | Limit how much you can deposit daily/weekly |
| Loss Limits | Stop betting after reaching a loss amount |
| Time-Out | Take a break from betting for days or weeks |
| Self-Exclusion | Block yourself from the site permanently |
| Reality Checks | Pop-up reminders of time spent betting |
Help Resources in India
National Responsible Gambling Helpline: Not yet available in India
International Help: Gamblers Anonymous (online meetings)
Self-help: Set strict budgets and stick to them
Remember: Bet only what you can afford to lose. If betting stops being fun, stop betting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is online sports betting legal in India?
There is no federal law banning online sports betting on offshore sites. Some states have their own bans. Always check local laws.
2. Which is the best online sports betting site in India?
8jjbet is our top recommendation for Indian users – offering fast UPI withdrawals, Hindi support, and generous bonuses.
3. Can I bet on IPL online?
Yes. All major betting sites offer IPL betting markets including match winner, top batsman, top bowler, and live betting.
4. What is the minimum deposit for betting in India?
Most sites require ₹300 to ₹500 minimum deposit. 8jjbet has the lowest at ₹300.
5. How long do withdrawals take?
UPI withdrawals on 8jjbet take under 10 minutes. Other sites may take 24 hours or more.
6. Do I have to pay tax on betting winnings?
Yes. Under Section 115BB of the Income Tax Act, betting winnings are taxed at 30%.
7. Can I use UPI for betting deposits?
Yes. UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm) is accepted by most Indian-friendly betting sites.
8. Is there a free signup bonus?
Yes. 8jjbet offers ₹100 free just for registering – no deposit required.
9. What is the best sport to bet on in India?
Cricket is the most popular and offers the most betting markets. Football is second.
10. Are betting apps safe?
Yes – if you download from the official website. Always avoid third-party APK sites.
Conclusion
Online sports betting in India is growing rapidly. With the right platform, knowledge, and discipline, it can be an exciting and potentially profitable activity.
Key Takeaways:
8jjbet is the best overall betting site for Indian users
Online betting is not explicitly illegal under federal law
Use UPI for instant deposits and fast withdrawals
Start with free bonuses like ₹100 no-deposit offer
Always bet responsibly and within your budget
Ready to start your online sports betting journey?
JOIN 8JJBET TODAY – GET ₹100 FREE DOWNLOAD MOBILE APP CLAIM 200% WELCOME BONUS
