Sports betting has become a major phenomenon in India, with millions of people participating daily.
Cricket holds a nearly sacred place in the hearts of many Indians, reflecting their deep passion for the sport. The Indian Premier League (IPL), in particular, has grown into one of the world’s biggest cricket leagues, attracting millions of fans and significant betting activity. Besides cricket, sports like football, kabaddi, and badminton are becoming increasingly popular, offering fans a wide range of exciting choices.
“Betting really boosts the excitement of watching sports,” says betting expert Vaayu Saxena from MyBettingSites India. “It’s about feeling more connected to the game and predicting the outcomes, which makes it much more engaging,” he adds.
For many Indians, betting also represents a way to earn extra money. Given the economic disparities across the country, some view it as a means to improve their financial situation. Easy deposit options like UPI and Paytm, low minimum bets, and attractive bonuses make betting accessible for newcomers, encouraging more participation.
Attitudes toward sports betting in India are shifting gradually. Once considered shady or taboo, it is now increasingly viewed as entertainment, particularly among youth. Online platforms have played a significant role in this transformation by presenting themselves as transparent and modern, helping reduce the stigma around gambling. As a result, more people are beginning to see betting as a natural part of enjoying sports.
The widespread availability of smartphones and affordable internet, thanks to providers like Jio, has dramatically increased access to online betting. Modern betting platforms are user-friendly, allowing people to place bets, track live scores, and quickly cash out their winnings. Live betting, which enables wagers to be placed during a match, adds an extra layer of excitement by allowing bettors to react instantly to the action unfolding in real time.
That said, there are quite a few challenges to consider as well. Most notably, the legal regulations surrounding online betting in India are still not very clear. In the past, online betting operated in a legal grey area, but with the introduction of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming (PROG) Act, things have changed significantly. However, many betting sites outside India can still be accessed by Indian users. Here is a list of licensed Indian betting sites recognised by reputable gaming authorities. They accept Indian rupees, offer customer support tailored to Indian needs, and run special promotions.
Fantasy sports platforms like Dream11 and MPL, which were adversely affected by the passage of the PROG Act, had to shut down operations, sending hordes of users to betting sites where they could wager. While different from fantasy platforms, which allow players to build virtual teams of real athletes and earn points based on actual match performances, betting sites have continued to attract more and more fantasy sports players who find wagering on sports outcomes fun, exciting, and irresistible.
It’s easy to see why betting attracts so many people. It appeals to our natural craving for excitement, and winning releases dopamine, making the experience even more thrilling. Additionally, many major international betting platforms offer a variety of promotions—such as sign-up bonuses for new players, reload deals for loyal customers, and tempting offers like free bets or insurance against losses.
While these incentives can make betting more appealing, many people aren’t aware of the risks involved. Sports betting can be unpredictable and sometimes leads to emotional highs and lows that may become addictive. Some individuals lose control and keep chasing new wins to recover their losses, risking significant amounts of money. That’s why it’s important to understand the risks and select platforms that help you stay in control of your betting. This way, you can enjoy gambling for fun and excitement without falling into addictive habits.