Indians are passionate cricket fans and often participate in IPL betting. However, the lingering question is: “Is IPL betting legal in India?” The short answer is, while there are no federal laws prohibiting online betting in India, the legality can vary by state. It’s crucial to stay informed as new regulations are introduced.
Legal Overview of IPL Betting in India 2025
Cricket in India is akin to a religion, and the IPL tournament is no exception, attracting over a billion fans annually. So, is cricket betting legal in India? Online IPL betting enjoys a gray area of legality due to the absence of explicit federal laws against it. It’s essential to be cautious and use safe, verified sites.
How to Identify a Legal IPL Betting Site
During the IPL you might have contemplated on signing up for an online betting site. Here we give you an overview of the legality of betting sites like 1xBet, and whether you can bet on such a site.
- Location of the Site: Choose platforms not based in India, as they aren’t bound by Indian laws.
- Currency Acceptance: Ensure the site accepts Indian Rupees for easier tracking of transactions by Indian authorities. Platforms using methods like UPI, Neteller, and AstroPay are reliable.
- Regulatory Compliance: Look for licensing by bodies like the UK Gambling Commission or Malta Gaming Authority.
- Security Measures: Ensure the platform uses robust SSL encryptions and firewalls to protect your data.
- State Laws & Taxes: Verify if the platform adheres to state gambling laws and pays requisite taxes.
Offline vs. Online Betting
Betting offline with local bookies remains illegal under the Public Gambling Act of 1867. Conversely, participating in online IPL betting platforms, which follow due diligence and regulatory standards, isn’t deemed illegal.
Legality of Cricket Betting Explained
The unchanged 1867 Public Gambling Act doesn’t address online betting, leaving room for state-specific regulations. States like Maharashtra and Karnataka differentiate between games of skill and luck, affecting the legal status of betting.
Skill vs. Luck: Whilst you might believe that betting on cricket is considered a game of skill due to knowledge about players, weather, and pitches can influence decisions, all being important when betting, it is not the case. In India, cricket betting is considered a chance-based games like the game roulette. Thus, it should be important for you to bet on offshore bookmakers who adhere to the regulations of being present in India.
State Regulations and Individual Rights
Indian states have the autonomy to draft their own gambling laws, resulting in a patchwork of regulations. For instance, Maharashtra prohibits real-money online gambling, while Sikkim is aiming to regulate it.
Ensuring Legal and Responsible Betting
To bet legally and responsibly, abide by the following guidelines:
- Choose Verified Sites: Opt for platforms licensed offshore accepting Indian payments.
- Promote Regulation: Understand the need for a regulated market to protect bettors, prevent fraud, and ensure data privacy.
- Check Legitimacy: Ensure sites use cutting-edge technology for data protection and have age verification mechanisms in place.
What are some Recommendable Legal IPL Betting Sites in India?
In the table below we have added some of the legal IPL betting sites that we can recommend for Indian users to sign up to.
Final Verdict on IPL Betting Legality
In summary, IPL online betting remains legal on regulated sites. It’s advisable to utilize platforms that support local payment methods like UPI for a seamless experience.
IPL betting FAQs
Yes, there are no national laws explicitly banning online betting, though state laws may vary.
Offshore licensed sites like 1xBet, Stake, and Parimatch are reputable choices accepting Indian currency.
Apps like 10CRIC, Mostbet, and Parimatch are considered secure and user-friendly for Indian bettors.