Online sports betting has exploded in popularity in India over the last decade. With the internet reaching deep into every corner of the country and smartphones becoming affordable, millions of Indians are now able to bet on their favorite sports from the comfort of their homes. But have you ever wondered which sports markets dominate the betting scene in India? Which games do bettors prefer, and why? This article will dive deep into the most popular Indian sports markets in online betting, exploring the trends, types of bets, and factors driving this booming industry. Whether you’re a casual bettor or a serious punter, this guide will help you understand the landscape better.
Understanding the Landscape of Indian Sports Betting
Online sports betting in India exists in a complex and often confusing legal environment. While betting on games of chance is generally prohibited under the Public Gambling Act of 1867, the law is outdated and doesn’t clearly address the digital age or differentiate well between various types of betting. As a result, online sports betting operates in a grey area where many platforms host their servers offshore, allowing Indian users to access them without directly violating local laws. Certain forms of betting that involve skill—such as rummy, fantasy sports, or stock market predictions—are seen by courts as legal, and this loophole has opened the door for online betting companies to thrive under creative interpretations of the law.
Cricket stands out as the undisputed king of sports betting in India. With the nation’s immense passion for the sport, it’s no surprise that major cricket events like the Indian Premier League (IPL), World Cup tournaments, and bilateral series draw millions of bets. The structure of cricket itself—with its detailed statistics, strategic elements, and multiple match formats—makes it ideally suited for various types of wagers. From predicting match winners to more nuanced bets like player performance or the number of boundaries, cricket offers layers of engagement that keep punters coming back season after season.
While cricket holds the lion’s share, other sports are quickly becoming popular among Indian bettors. Football is gaining a strong following, particularly among younger audiences who follow European leagues like the Premier League, La Liga, and the UEFA Champions League. On the domestic front, the Indian Super League (ISL) has brought more visibility and betting interest to Indian football. Similarly, kabaddi has carved out a niche for itself through the success of the Pro Kabaddi League, appealing especially to bettors in smaller towns and regions where the sport has cultural roots. The diversification of interest reflects a broader trend in India’s sports consumption and, by extension, its betting behavior.
Betting companies have adapted swiftly to this growing demand and the legal ambiguity. Many international operators now offer India-specific interfaces, local language support, and payment solutions like UPI, Paytm, and even cryptocurrency to attract Indian users. Platforms are carefully designed to comply with what is legally permissible while offering a seamless user experience. Operators also adjust their odds, promotions, and featured sports based on regional trends, ensuring that Indian bettors are engaged with content tailored to their preferences. This localization has played a critical role in the expansion of sports betting across India, despite regulatory challenges.
Cricket Betting — The King of Indian Sports Markets
| Market Type | Description | Popular Bet Examples | Why It’s Popular | Typical Use Case |
| Match Winner | Wager on which team will win the match | India vs Australia — bet on India | Simple, beginner-friendly, and always available | Great for IPL or international games |
| Top Batsman/Bowler | Predict the player with the most runs/wickets | Who will take the most wickets in IPL? | Appeals to fans who follow individual player stats | Ideal for those who follow player form closely |
| Total Runs | Bet on the total runs in an innings or match | Over/Under 160 runs in 1st innings | Adds tension and interest throughout an innings | Works well in fast-paced T20 matches |
| Player Performance | Wager on specific individual achievements | Will Virat Kohli score a half-century? | Focuses on fan-favorite players and hero moments | Used often during big matches or with star players |
| Method of Dismissal | Predict how a particular batsman will get out | Caught, bowled, LBW, etc. | Niche market for more experienced or daring bettors | Good for live betting with high risk/reward potential |
Football Betting — The Rising Star
Football is quickly becoming one of the most exciting and fast-growing sports markets in India’s online betting landscape. While cricket still holds the crown, football has steadily crept into the minds—and betting slips—of Indian punters, especially with the growth of the Indian Super League (ISL) and the increasing accessibility of global football content. From local stadiums to massive arenas in Europe, football’s global appeal has started to spark serious interest among Indian sports fans. And when fans get passionate, betting usually isn’t far behind.
- Match Result (1X2)
The classic bet on whether the home team (1), away team (2), or neither (X – draw) will win. It’s simple, easy to understand, and ideal for beginners. For example, in a match between Mumbai City FC and Bengaluru FC, a 1X2 bet would let you predict which of the two will win or if it ends in a draw. - Double Chance
A safer option where you can cover two outcomes in one bet: Home Win or Draw, Away Win or Draw, or either team to win (excluding draw). While the payout is lower, the chances of winning are higher, making it popular among cautious bettors. - Correct Score
This is a high-risk, high-reward market where you predict the exact final score of the match. Betting on a 2-1 win for FC Goa, for instance, would require the match to end precisely that way. It’s tough but pays out generously. - Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
A popular market where you bet on whether both teams will score during the match. It doesn’t matter who wins—as long as each team finds the net. It’s widely used in high-scoring leagues like the Bundesliga or attacking matchups in the ISL. - Over/Under Total Goals
In this market, you’re betting on whether the total number of goals in a match will be over or under a specific number. For instance, a bet on “Over 2.5 goals” wins if 3 or more goals are scored in total. It’s great for fast-paced matches. - First Goal Scorer
You bet on which player will score the first goal in the match. It’s a popular market among fans who closely follow team lineups and star players. Betting on a striker like Sunil Chhetri to score first is common in domestic games. - Anytime Goal Scorer
Instead of predicting who scores first, this market lets you bet on a player to score at any point during the match. It gives a bit more flexibility and higher chances of winning compared to first-goal bets. - Half-Time/Full-Time Result
Here you predict the outcome at half-time and full-time. For example, betting that Manchester United will lead at half-time and win by full-time. It’s a market with good odds for those who understand a team’s play pattern. - Draw No Bet
A bet on either team to win, with your stake refunded if the match ends in a draw. It’s a great option when two teams are evenly matched and you want to reduce the risk of a draw spoiling your wager. - Handicap Betting
Often used when one team is much stronger than the other. You bet with an advantage or disadvantage applied to the final score. For instance, betting on Brazil -1 means they must win by 2 or more goals for your bet to succeed. - Winning Margin
You predict by how many goals a team will win. For example, you can bet that Chelsea will win by exactly 2 goals. It requires a bit more insight into team strengths and form. - Time of First Goal
You bet on when the first goal will be scored—e.g., within the first 15 minutes or after the 30-minute mark. It’s a market that suits fans who analyze match tempo and opening strategies.
Kabaddi Betting — The Indigenous Favorite
Kabaddi may have originated as a rural pastime played in dusty village fields, but today, it stands tall as one of India’s most electrifying and commercially successful sports. Its transformation from a grassroots sport into a national spectacle is largely credited to the launch of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), which has elevated kabaddi’s visibility, professionalism, and fan engagement. As television networks began broadcasting PKL matches across the country, millions of viewers discovered the thrill of kabaddi, and with that growing audience came a surge in interest from the online betting community.
The fast-paced, high-impact nature of kabaddi makes it uniquely suited to betting. Matches are typically short but intense, filled with rapid scoring, dramatic raids, and quick turnarounds that keep both viewers and bettors on edge. Unlike many other team sports, kabaddi’s structure allows for continuous player involvement and high-frequency scoring opportunities, making the betting experience dynamic and engaging. Bettors are drawn to the adrenaline rush of guessing the outcome of a raid, the total points in a match, or even whether a star raider will live up to expectations.
One of the major reasons kabaddi betting has gained such traction in India is its deep cultural connection. While cricket and football often feel like imported spectacles, kabaddi is unmistakably Indian in its style and spirit. Fans from smaller towns and rural regions—many of whom have played or watched kabaddi since childhood—find a sense of pride and familiarity in placing bets on local heroes and regional teams. This emotional investment adds a layer of intensity to the betting experience that is hard to match in other sports.
When it comes to betting options, kabaddi offers a variety of markets that suit both beginners and seasoned punters. The most common is the match winner bet, where you simply wager on which team will come out on top. More nuanced options include betting on the total number of points scored in a match—an exciting choice given kabaddi’s fast scoring pace—or focusing on individual player performances, such as how many raid points or tackles a player might achieve. Handicap betting is also used when there’s a clear favorite, offering better odds by leveling the playing field. These diverse options, combined with the game’s uniquely Indian appeal, make kabaddi a rising star in the online betting world.
Other Popular Indian Sports Markets
| Sport | Why It’s Gaining Popularity | Common Betting Markets | Typical Audience | Betting Frequency |
| Tennis | Fast-paced, constant tournaments, global appeal | Match winner, set betting, total games, live point betting | Urban bettors, fans of global sports | Daily (tours run year-round) |
| Badminton | Indian stars’ global success, short match formats | Match winner, set betting, total points | Sports enthusiasts, Olympic followers | Moderate (BWF events) |
| Esports | Massive youth engagement, growing tournaments, live streaming | Match winner, map winner, first kill, total kills | Gen Z, online gamers, tech-savvy bettors | High (weekly/daily matches) |
| Horse Racing | Legacy betting sport, dynamic odds, major city racecourses | Win/place/show, exacta, trifecta, forecast betting | Veteran bettors, traditional punters | Weekly (seasonal race days) |
| Table Tennis | Quick results, international leagues gaining TV time | Match winner, total sets, handicap betting | Niche but growing audience | Moderate (tournament-based) |
How Indian Bettors Choose Their Sports Markets
Understanding the reasons behind why Indian bettors choose certain sports over others helps paint a clear picture of what drives market popularity. It’s not just about which sport is on TV or trending online—there’s a deeper psychology and practical reasoning behind these choices. Whether someone is a seasoned punter or a first-timer testing the waters, several key factors influence their decision on where to place their money. Below is a detailed breakdown in list format of the primary considerations that guide these choices:
- Personal Passion and Cultural Connection
Most Indian bettors gravitate toward sports they already love and follow regularly. Cricket, for example, isn’t just popular—it’s part of the national identity. People who watch every IPL season, follow India’s international fixtures, and know players by name feel more confident betting on what they know. This sense of familiarity makes cricket an easy first choice. Similarly, kabaddi holds emotional value in many Indian households, especially in rural areas, leading to a surge in betting during Pro Kabaddi League seasons. - Depth of Knowledge and Comfort with Rules
Bettors often stick to sports where they understand the rules, formats, and scoring systems. A person who’s grown up watching cricket knows how an innings unfolds, what a powerplay is, and why a particular bowler is a threat. That deep-rooted knowledge helps bettors make more informed choices. On the flip side, sports like American football or baseball—despite being available on betting platforms—struggle to gain traction because most Indians don’t understand the intricacies. - Range of Betting Options (Variety of Markets)
Sports that offer more betting options are naturally more attractive. Cricket, football, and tennis lead here because they feature dozens of markets per match. Bettors can wager on match winners, top players, total points, first goals, over/unders, and much more. This variety gives bettors flexibility and control over their strategies, allowing them to diversify their bets and spread risk rather than being limited to just a single outcome. - Competitive Odds and Payout Potential
The odds presented by sportsbooks can make or break a bettor’s decision. Sports with balanced and competitive odds attract more attention. For instance, in football or tennis, underdog victories can offer huge payouts—making them appealing to risk-takers. Conversely, favorites with safe odds attract conservative players who prefer consistent small wins. When odds are fair and payouts appealing, bettors are more likely to engage deeply in a specific market. - Real-Time Accessibility and Live Betting Opportunities
The ability to place bets while a game is in progress—called in-play or live betting—is a big motivator. Sports that are fast-paced and have constant action, like football, tennis, or kabaddi, offer exciting live betting opportunities. The thrill of making predictions on what will happen next in real-time keeps bettors hooked. Sports with long breaks or slow-paced formats don’t provide the same instant gratification, and thus may be less favored. - Ease of Access to Information and Analytics
One of the biggest advantages for modern bettors is the availability of data. Sports that provide rich statistics, player histories, match previews, live scores, and expert commentary make betting feel less like gambling and more like a calculated decision. Cricket, for example, has entire platforms dedicated to analyzing pitch reports, team compositions, and player form. Bettors feel more confident when their decisions are backed by data rather than gut feelings. - Frequency of Matches and Tournaments
Sports that offer year-round action are more attractive to bettors. Cricket has series, leagues, and international fixtures running throughout the year. Football has multiple leagues across continents, and tennis has weekly tournaments. The constant schedule means bettors never have to wait long to get back into the action. On the other hand, sports with seasonal formats or limited events may struggle to maintain consistent betting interest.