Sports Betting in India
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The rules and laws on gambling and online sports betting in India is a mixed bag. As a general rule, different forms of gambling is illegal in India.
The bulk of the laws and rules that govern gambling is the Public Gaming Act of 1867, a law that’s over 100 years old. According to the law, it’s prohibited to operate a venue for gambling, and persons are not allowed to visit these facilities. While this rule is clear, the definition of gambling is not specified in the act. This is one of the grey areas in the Act that help stir the gambling market in India.
The discussions on gambling are underscored by one section (12) that the Act will not apply to certain games, including games of skills. However, the country’s Constitution defines gambling which refers to games whose outcomes are influenced by chance, and entered into with an expectation to win or lose. The choice of words here is more concise that suggest that gambling is illegal. But there are still a number of legislation and laws in India that contradict these. In short, there are laws in India, but these are often contradictory in nature. More importantly, there’s no specific law that makes online betting illegal in the country. All these serve as good news for both operators and fans of online sports betting in India.
This means that you can find online sportsbooks that will allow Indian players to bet on sports. Some of the leading offshore betting companies now target players from India, and they often partner with other offshore betting agencies that allow Indians to play. And the challenge now for players is to find a licensed offshore sports betting facilities that will accept Indian players.
If you are looking to learn more about the status of online sports betting in India or wants help in choosing the best website, then we can help. We cover the Indian online sports betting industry, and we have reviewed some of the leading sportsbooks that can attend to your needs.
Popular Sports and Leagues Covered by Online Sportsbooks
India is home to more than a billion people and the majority of the population are into sports. Some of the most popular sports followed by Indians are basketball, tennis, athletics, hockey, soccer, badminton, and cricket. Of these sports, the most special in the hearts of Indians is cricket. For decades, cricket matches and championships have captivated the attention and hearts of many, particularly the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Indian Cricket League (ICL). The national cricket team has won multiple championships and helped shaped the sporting landscape of the country. It also shapes its culture, primarily due to the long-standing rivalry against Pakistan.
The passion for the game helps fuel the popularity of online sports betting in India. Today, you can find offshore licensed sportsbooks and casinos that accept real money bets from Indian customers to cover a wide range of sports. You can even find online sportsbooks that allow Indian Rupees as the primary currency to use when betting on an event or sporting outcome.
How to Sign Up and Bet On Sports
Online sportsbooks work just like your regular online casinos. Before you can play and bet in real money, you need to choose a highly secure and reputable online sportsbook. Make sure you choose a website that’s licensed to accept players from India. You can check this in the Terms and Conditions of the website, particularly on its ‘List of Restricted Countries’. Some websites will instantly block your access if you are connecting from a state in India. Once you have selected a website, you can follow the general steps listed below:
1. Create a betting account by clicking ‘Register’.
2. Choose the event that you wish to bet on.
3. If you prefer to bet on cricket, simply navigate to the cricket section where the operator will list down the IPL and ICL matches you can bet on.
4. Place the bet.
5. Confirm the bet that you have placed.
6. Wait for the game or follow the live stream if you participate in in-play betting.
With top online sportsbooks, players are given the chance to monitor their bets and transactions in a convenient manner. What you can do is to locate the Bet Slip, normally located on the right side of the homepage. Most sportsbooks also feature Match Statistics, Head-to-Head Records, Live Streaming, and Analysis which allow players to make informed bets all the time.
Start Playing in a Top Indian Sportsbook, Today
Whether you are planning to bet on cricket or wants to follow badminton, you can be sure that there are online sportsbooks that can work for your needs. Some of the leading sportsbooks today now accept bets from Indian players and these platforms cover the sports that truly matter. These websites are also known to accept Indian Rupees and process transactions using payment options accessible to locals. The challenge now for you is choosing which sportsbook will offer you the best experience.
For more information, read our complete online sports betting guide. Aside from the game guides and betting tips, we also review the leading online sportsbooks that accept Indian players. We assess online sportsbooks based on reputation, bonuses available, covered sports, and customer support. This means that all of the Indian sportsbooks listed here are reliable and will provide an exciting online betting experience. Pick a sportsbook from our list, bet on a sport, and discover exciting times ahead!