The History and Rise of Online Cricket Betting in India

Early Days: The Birth of Cricket Betting in India

The roots of cricket betting in India date back to the British colonial era, when the sport was introduced to the subcontinent in the 18th century. By the time India gained independence in 1947, cricket was already the nation’s most beloved pastime, and informal betting often accompanied every match.

Early betting revolved around friendly wagers at clubs and racecourses. Over time, the activity spread to informal markets where local bookies accepted small bets on domestic and international games.

In the pre-Internet era (1960s–1990s), betting was conducted mainly via illegal bookmakers. Odds were communicated through word of mouth, phone calls, or coded radio announcements. These local bookies became community figures, but corruption followed, leading to match-fixing scandals, notably the 2000 match-fixing case that shook Indian cricket.

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The Digital Revolution: How the Internet Changed Everything

By the early 2000s, the rise of the internet had begun to reshape the gambling industry. Offshore operators, primarily from the UK, Malta, and Gibraltar, began offering online betting services accessible to Indian players. Sites like Bet365, Betway, and 10Cric offered real-time cricket odds, live betting, and e-wallet payments, exploiting the legal grey area created by the outdated Public Gambling Act of 1867.

The true turning point came with the smartphone revolution. When Reliance Jio launched in 2016, offering ultra-cheap mobile data, internet access exploded. Millions of new users suddenly had access to betting apps, live odds, and instant payment systems. Today, India has over 700 million smartphone users and an estimated 50 million active online bettors

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The IPL Era: Betting Meets Big Business

The launch of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008 was a watershed moment. Blending sports, entertainment, and celebrity glamour, the IPL became a global phenomenon, and a dream platform for bookmakers.

Fast-paced matches and constant action suited live, micro-betting models perfectly. Offshore operators introduced ball-by-ball betting, AI-driven odds, and hybrid fantasy betting. The convergence of technology, data, and sport turned IPL betting into a multi-billion-pound segment of the wider iGaming industry.

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Legal Landscape: Grey Zones and State Exceptions

India’s main gambling law, the Public Gambling Act of 1867, predates the internet. It bans operating or visiting a 'common gaming house' but does not mention online betting, leaving digital platforms in a legal grey zone.

India’s states can regulate gambling independently. Goa and Sikkim permit licensed casinos, while Nagaland regulates games of skill. In contrast, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh restrict online gaming. This patchwork of rules means online betting is neither fully legal nor entirely illegal.

Courts have ruled that fantasy sports, such as Dream11, involve skill, legitimising certain monetary engagements with cricket. However, traditional betting on match outcomes remains classified as a form of chance-based gambling.