Most Trusted Betting Sites in India
If you’re looking for the top betting sites in India, you’ve come to the right place. LegalBet India is every bettor’s safe place. Whether you need betting tips, advice on sportsbooks, and legal betting, or you’re just looking for the best IPL and cricket betting sites, we have it all. And you bet we have the info on the best bonuses and promotions!
Top Betting Events in India This Month
Indian Premier League 2024
The IPL is more exciting than ever, and cricket sportsbooks like 1xbet and Parimatch bring you the best odds, latest news, stats, etc. The Indian Premier League is already off to a scintillating start with a few nail-biters. So, what do you think? Will it be Mumbai Indians again? Or will Chennai Super Kings give Dhoni a winning farewell?
English Premier League 2023/24
There’s never a dull moment in the English Premier League. And with the top teams like Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal in the race, it is closer than ever. Who are your bets on this football season? Or do you think wildcards like Aston Villa or Tottenham can spring a surprise? Follow all the action with a top sportsbook like Leon Bet and Parimatch, to keep up with all the news and stats from your favourite teams.
What You Need to Know About Online Betting in India
Is sports betting legal in India?
Sports betting is neither legal nor illegal in India. The Ministry of Information and Technology (MeitY) amended the IT Act of 2000 in April 2023. The amendments suggest setting up self-regulatory bodies (SRBs) that will verify whether a game abides by the laws or not. Until these are set up, MeitY acts as the regulatory body.
However, there are ambiguities in the
The difference between games of skill and chance
A game of skill is a game in which players can increase their own chances of winning by learning more about the game. By this logic, betting is allowed, because the more you learn about a particular sport, teams, their stats, etc., you increase your chance of winning a bet.
On the other hand, a game of chance is a game in which players have absolutely no impact on its outcome. So, no matter how much you study the game, you can never affect the outcome.
State laws
Each state can create their betting and gambling laws. The new amendments do not overrule the state laws. Andhra Pradesh has banned all forms of gambling under the Andhra Pradesh Gaming (Amendment) Act of 2020. Telangana has also banned all types of gambling including online gambling and skill games under the Telangana Gaming Act of 2017, but they’re in the process of reviewing this decision.
Tamil Nadu is another state that has banned online gaming.State officials claim online betting is driving players into debt and raising the rates of suicide. However, the eGaming Association is challenging this ban since the state has put rummy and poker under the category of games of chance, which goes against the Madras High Court. Furthermore, Chattisgarh has banned online betting on games of chance or luck.
Will online betting in India be regulated soon?
The framework of the Self-regulatory bodies is going to be important in this respect as it might address the ambiguities in the new amendments. So far members of the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), E-Gaming Federation (EGF), Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS) have sent in proposals for the SRBs. The MeitY will take the final call on it in a few months.
Regulating online betting and gambling could be beneficial to India since the country could have great financial gains from taxing Indian players and sportsbooks. Having clear laws and a comprehensive regulatory framework would make it a lot easier for Indian players to understand what is legal.
All Legal Updates on Online Betting in India
The new tax rules also led to Betway’s withdrawal from India. On 1 October 2023, Betway informed its Indian customers that they had ‘regrettably elected to cease trading operations in India.’
The new GST rules come into effect where 28% GST shall apply to online gaming, casinos and horse racing at total face value.
18th of August 2023, Bet365 restricted Indian accounts, as they have decided to withdraw from the market, due to change in GST regulations.
At the 50th GST Council meeting, it was decided that 28% GST shall apply to online gaming, casinos and horse racing at total face value. This change in taxation would come into effect on 1 October 2023.
Tamil Nadu bans online gaming again, claiming that it’s driving players into debt and raising the rates of suicide. The eGaming Association is challenging this ban since the state put rummy and poker under the category of games of chance.
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) introduces various amendments to the Information and Technology Act 2000. This includes formation of Self-Regulatory Bodies, rules for KYC, etc.
Chhattisgarh adopts the Chhattisgarh Gambling Prohibition Bill, banning any kind of wagering on games of chance or luck. However, games of skill, such as fantasy sports, rummy, poker, and similar, are exempt from this decision.
The High Court overturns Karnataka’s decision to ban all forms of gaming. The state didn’t have legislative competence to ban games of skill, but only games of chance.
The Kerala High Court overturns decision to ban online rummy on the basis that rummy is a game of skill. The High Court overturned the state’s decision by claiming that banning playing the game online is unconstitutional.
Karnataka decides to ban online gambling by amending the Karnataka Police Act of 1963.
It targeted both games of skill and games of chance, stating that any wagering is illegal.
The High Court overturns Tamil Nadu’s decision, betting is no longer illegal. The court stated that such a wide-ranging ban doesn’t meet the least intrusive measure test.
The state of Kerala amends the Kerala Gaming Act to ban online rummy for the first time. The reason for this decision was a rise in suicides associated with the game.
Tamil Nadu bans online betting by amending the Tamil Nadu Gaming Act of 1930. The bill prohibited all types of betting in the state, including poker and rummy.
Andhra Pradesh adopts the Andhra Pradesh Gaming Act and bans all forms of gambling, including poker and rummy. If caught, the player could face six months in jail. However, have been no reports of player prosecution.
In June and July 2017, the state of Telangana amends the Telangana Gaming Act of 1974. By doing so, the state banned all types of gambling, including games of skill.
Sikkim legalises online gambling and tries regulating the market by issuing licenses. This has turned out to be a very slow process, and there’s a very limited number of Sikkim-licensed casinos.
How We Test Betting Sites
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We Create an Account
To get the full picture, we register at the sportsbook and navigate the site like a normal user would. We take into account how easy the registration and KYC processes are, if placing bets is easy, if navigating around the site is smooth, are there lags while live streaming, etc.
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We Deposit Money
We don’t rely on what the betting site advertises. We deposit money and test payment times and fees for ourselves. We also take into account how true the claimed bonus is and if it is easy to claim. Advise: Do always reach bonus terms and conditions before depositing.
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We Contact Customer Support
Is the customer support quick? Are they really 24/7? Do they have the required knowledge to solve queries? We check this by contacting them with our queries.
How We Rate the Sportsbooks
One Star
If a sportsbook is rated one star, stay away. That is because these sportsbooks most likely do not have trustworthy licenses (or any at all), do not provide the required security, delay or cancel withdrawals, and have no or poor customer support
Two Stars
Two star sportsbooks are also best avoided since these have a poor user interface, lag a lot, and do not have proper navigation making it harder for users to change or place. They also either do not provide chat support or have slow response rate or lack of knowledge.
Three Stars
While three Star sportsbooks offer important features, they may not be straightforward. For example, you might need to contact customer support to place betting limits, or taking a break. They might also have ordinary bonuses or slow customer support.
Four Stars
Sportsbooks with a four-star rating have a license like the Curacao license. Furthermore, they also have offer good customer support, and intuitive website and app. However, there might be some issues, like making responsible gambling features harder to activate by contacting support for it.
Five Stars
Five-Star is for sportsbooks that have the most trusted licenses and like the Malta gaming license or other European licenses. They also have good welcome bonus, cover a wide range of sports and betting markets. Customer support is also top notch with a user-friendly design and app.
Upgrades and Downgrades
We test sites on a quaterly basis and thus, the ratings tend to change based on the performance then. For example, some sportsbooks might enter a new partnership, get other licenses, loose licenses, etc. This way you get the most up-to-date information and know the most trustworthy sportsbooks
Sportsbook Comparison: What Sets Them Apart
Each better will have a separate need. Some might want more payment options, while others wish for better odds or a sportsbook tailored for cricket betting. Below, we’ll talk about what sets each of the top sportsbooks apart to help you make a more informed decision.
Leon Bet
An award-winning sportsbook, Leon Bet is an excellent choice for bettors and casino players. Not only do they have competitive odds and hundreds of betting markets for cricket and football, but they are also one of the few sportsbooks with a loyalty program tailored for bettors (so you get constant rewards without relying on bonuses). Their live betting screen is user-friendly, giving you all important stats up top. Plus, you can mark matches as your favourite and quickly jump to them when you want to place or change bets. There’s also a smooth and equally user-friendly app. However, the app is only available for Android users and not iOS users.
Visit Leon Bet
1xBet
One of the stand-out features of 1xBet is the number of payment modes. You can choose from 76+ payment modes. This includes UPI, AstroPay, Neteller, Jeton, PayTM, Cred UPI, and even Cryptocurrencies. To top it all, 1xBet gives you almost the same options for withdrawal as well. They are also our top pick for cricket betting because they usually have higher odds. Apart from that, 1xBet is one of the few sportsbooks in India to have live streaming. However, this is restricted to only the crucial matches. Their Multi-Live betting page is another thing we love. This lets you track live scores and stats of multiple matches simultaneously and place your bets.
Visit 1xbet
Parimatch
In 2021, Parimatch signed a 3-year deal with Chelsea F.C. (so you know they are a globally trusted brand). They also have excellent football odds, making them a great pick if you want to bet on the English Premier League, the Champions League, or other football leagues. They also have a very user-friendly interface, making finding your favourite sports and matches easy. Plus, you can mark matches as favourites. If you like to bet on multiple events or markets, you’ll also appreciate their comprehensive Parlay Bet section, which lists all the common parlays. Their app is also impressive. However, there’s no app for iOS users.
Visit Parimatch
4Rabet
What sets 4Rabet apart from the rest is its range of bonuses. Not only do they have one of the highest welcome bonuses, but they are also the only platform with a crash game welcome bonus. They are also an excellent option for anyone who wants to bet on niche sports, like kabaddi, handball, rugby, floorball, water polo, etc. And to cater to the broader Indian users who love cricket, they have a dedicated section in the navigation that covers everything cricket, like IPL, the World Cup, test matches, etc. However, they do not have live streams.
Visit 4Rabet
10Cric
Their welcome bonus is one of the lowest compared to 1xBet, Parimatch, 4Rabet, etc., However, they have a loyalty club that you can make the most of. Here, you can go from a 12th Man to a Legend. This opens the door to many rewards, including exclusive mystery boxes, early access to new matches, monthly cashback, level-up bonuses, exclusive gifts and events, etc. Now, they use many cricket terms that make it relatable to cricket lovers in India. However, I wish they had a page dedicated to cricket in the navigation.
Visit 10Cric
22Bet
22Bet is one of the few sportsbooks that can go toe-to-toe with 1xBet regarding payment options. They also have 70+ payment modes. This includes withdrawal modes as well. You’ll find options like UPI, Jeton, Skrill, AstroPay, and a combination of cryptocurrencies. While deposits are usually instant, they are also quick with withdrawals. You’ll also find some unique sports on 22Bet, like big rumble boxing, beach volleyball, etc. On the downside, they could have emphasized cricket more by adding it to the navigation.
Visit 22Bet
Why Leon Bet is Our No.1 Pick
Here are more reasons we love Leon Bet and you will too.
Award Winning Platform
In 2023, Leon Bet won the award for the best user experience. User experience is at the forefront of everything Leon Bet does, and the award shows they leave no stone unturned. But that’s not all; they also won silver for the Rising Star award at the SBC Awards and have been recognized at the SiGMA Europe Awards in November 2023.
Responsible Gambling
We appreciate Leon Bet taking responsible gambling seriously by allowing users to set deposit limits without the need to connect with the support. You can easily do this in the accounts section. You can also chat with their quick and responsive customer support for self-exclusion or any help you need with creating limits.
Loyalty Program and Forecasts
While you’ll usually find loyalty programs for casinos, Leon Bet offers one for sports bettors as well. This ensures you continue to get rewarded, even when there are few attractive bonuses for existing users. Furthermore, to ensure you can make every bet count, Leon Bet also gives you forecasts and tips for all sports.
4000+ Casino Games
Whether you love playing slots, table games or live casino games, Leon Bet’s casino has it all. They have all the popular live games like Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, and Teen Patti. However, we love that they also include niche games like Andar Bahar, Sic Bo, Dragon Tiger, etc., that most sites do not have.
Our Ratings for the Top Indian Betting Sites
As per our tests and analysis of Indian betting sites like Leon Bet, 1xBet, and Parimatch, don’t have the strongest of licenses. However, they offer higher bonuses and competitive odds. Not to forget, they have been in the business for years and trusted by millions. Furthermore, some brands like 1xBet also provide live streaming without the need for deposits.
| Sportsbook | License | Odds and Markets | Bonus | Payment Modes | Responsible Gambling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sportsbook Leon Bet | License ⭐⭐⭐ | Odds and Markets ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Bonus ⭐⭐⭐ | Payment Modes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Responsible Gambling ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sportsbook 1xBet | License ⭐⭐⭐ | Odds and Markets ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Bonus ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Payment Modes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Responsible Gambling ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sportsbook Parimatch | License ⭐⭐⭐ | Odds and Markets ⭐⭐⭐ | Bonus ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Payment Modes ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Responsible Gambling ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Is Online Betting Taxable In India?
Yes, online gaming winnings are taxable in India, under the Finance Act of 2001.
Everything you earn while betting and gambling online is subject to income tax. According to section 115B of the Income Tax Act, these winnings are considered “income from other sources.”
There is a flat tax rate of 30% excluding a cess of 31.2%. And if the winnings exceed ₹10,000, you’ll receive the money after TDS (tax deduction at source).
So, let’s say you win ₹20,000 while betting on your favourite cricket team. You’ll get ₹13,760 after deducting the tax.
Sports to Bet On in India
Cricket
Bookmakers know how much Indian players love cricket, so expect to find a lot of cricket betting opportunities, from IPL to ODIs.
Cricket Betting Sites
Horse Racing
Indian players are crazy about the “sport of kings” so you can bet on the biggest races in the US, UK, and other major events.
Horse Race Betting Sites
Greyhounds
If you love to feel that adrenaline rush while watching a greyhound race, you can place a wager on your favourite race.
Greyhound Betting Sites
Kabaddi
Bet on the Pro Kabaddi League and stars like Pardeep Narwal and Anup Kumar. If you’re a fan of the UFC, you’ll love kabaddi!
Kabaddi Betting Sites
Football
Bet on the Indian Super League, English Premier league, Spanish La Liga, the World Cup and other major football leagues!
Football Betting Sites
Tennis
Are you a fan of Djokovic or Nadal? You can place a wager on the most important tennis events, and also dabble in badminton betting.
Tennis Betting Sites
How to Choose the Best Online Betting Site in India
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Safety and Security
Since gaming is still unregulated in India, you should be very careful when choosing a bookmaker. The safest sportsbooks available in India should have a license from Malta, Curacao, or the Virgin Islands.
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Markets and Odds
Pay close attention to which markets a sportsbook offers and which sports you can bet on. The best betting sites should offer competitive odds for all markets, not just for the most popular sports.
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Indian Players Accepted
To offer their services in India, offshore bookmakers have to deal in the official Indian currency – Indian rupees. So, if a sports betting site doesn’t offer this option, we recommend looking for another one.
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Customer Support
Every good betting site should have a professional and knowledgeable customer support team. They would ideally be available 24/7, through a live chat and email, but an FAQ section is also appreciated.
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Banking Options
The perfect betting site should offer a decent number of deposit and withdrawal options, such as UPI, Paytm, PhonePe, bank transfers, cryptos, etc. Furthermore, transfering your money should be quick.
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Bonuses and Promotions
Always check the welcome bonus and its conditions. See if there are any other bonuses and promotions like crypto bonuses, prize pools, birthday bonuses, bet boosts, odd boosts, free bets, and so on.
Different Bet Types
Moneyline
Moneyline is the simplest and most common bet type. This is a basic bet where you wager on which team will win the game.
Point Spread
Point spread is most popular for basketball and football. With this bet, you wager on how many points a team will lose or win a game.
Totals (Over/Under)
With this bet, you wager on the total points scored in a game and if that number will be over or under your bet.
Parlay
A parlay bet or accumulator is when you place more than one bet and combine them into one wager to get a bigger payout.
Live Bets
You can place live bets during a game or event. This gives you an opportunity to make a good wager while the game develops.
Prop Bets
A prop bet is not tied to the score of a game, but to a player or event. The first player to score, first touchdown, overtime, etc.
How to Get Started With Online Betting in India
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Register
Once you’ve selected the right sportsbook for you, you’ll have to register so that you can place a bet. The process is usually very quick and simple and requires you to share some personal info, like your name and address.
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Deposit Money
Next, you’ll need to deposit money into your account through one of the offered banking methods. Follow the instructions to complete the deposit and make sure to claim the welcome bonus and use all the promotions.
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Place a Bet
The moment your account is verified and the money is deposited into it, you’ll be able to place a wager. Find the event you want to bet on, check the odds, fill out the slip with your wager, and place your bet. Good luck!
Payment Methods at Indian Betting Sites
eWallets
eWallets are the most popular banking method among Indian bettors, mainly because they’re convenient and easy to you. Moreover, you don’t have to provide the betting site with any banking info. PhonePe, Paytm, PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller are just some of the most popular eWallets in India.
UPI
UPI (unified payments interface) is equally popular as eWallets since it allows you to use your phone as a debit card. It merges different banking services under one app, allowing instant money sending and receiving. You only need your UPI ID and PIN and you can place bets carefree.
Credit, Debit, and Prepaid Cards
Credit and debit cards like VISA and MasterCard are a favourite among bettors around the world. However, they might not be allowed in some Indian states. Prepaid cards are also favoured since they’re completely anonymous and safe. Also, they’re helpful when you need to limit your spending.
Instant Banking
Instant banking is another great option for using the funds from your bank account without giving betting sites too much information. This method uses a third-party service connected to your bank, through which you can make transfer money. Trustly is the best-known service.
Bank Transfer
If you’re a fan of classic things, you also have the option of the good old bank transfer, accepted by most bookmakers. You can deposit money into your sports betting account and withdraw your winnings easily. However, this method is known to take the longest (5–10 banking days, on average).
Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies aren’t as common as other banking options, so when you find a betting site that offers them, seize the opportunity. Bettors love cryptos because they provide anonymity. The most popular cryptocurrencies, besides Bitcoin, are Litecoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, and others.
Best Features On
Indian Sports Betting Sites
Live Streaming
Not many betting sites offer live streaming, so when you come across it, make sure to try it out, since it’ll take your betting experience to a whole new level.
Cashout
Cashout is a great feature that allows you to close your bet before the game or event is finished, and decrease your loss. Some sites offer full, others partial cashout.
Statistics
Some bookmakers offer detailed stats and scores on teams, players, and events. You can use this feature to learn more and increase your chances of winning.
Betting Apps
The best betting sites have a dedicated mobile app that will allow you to place a bet, deposit money, and withdraw your winnings no matter where you are.
Reliable Betting Apps in India
Thanks to mobile betting apps, betting on sports and eSports, and playing your favourite casino games on the go has never been easier.
Almost all of the best sportsbooks offer an app that will allow you to bet anywhere you are.
They will also very often offer exclusive bonuses or games for app users, which you shouldn’t miss out on.
Our experts have tested and reviewed the most popular ones, so make sure to read our detailed betting app reviews.
LegalBet India
Online Betting Tips
Bet Safely
Make sure to choose a betting site that’s licensed at one of the major gambling commissions, like Malta or Curacao. Doing this will ensure that you’re not participating in illegal betting and all your winnings will be processed safely since all licensed betting sites take several safety measures.
Take Advantage of Bonuses
All major sportsbooks offer welcome bonuses and promotions such as bet boosts and free bets. While you shouldn’t choose a betting site solely based on the bonus it offers, make sure to use all promotions you’re eligible for. They’ll help you earn more, and sometimes you won’t even have to wager your money.
Compare Odds
The best betting bookies almost always offer competitive odds. so be sure to check them and compare before placing a bet. The difference between odds may not always be big, but it could make a huge impact on your bet slip.
Try Different Sportsbooks
It’s okay to have a favourite betting site, but don’t limit yourself to only one sportsbook. There isn’t only one best bookmaker. Different sportsbooks offer different promotions, odds, features, and markets, so make sure you try as many as possible. Registering with more than one site will expand your options.
Tried and Tested Betting Sites in India for 2023
Not sure which betting sites to trust? You are in the right place. We tried and tested various aspects of the sportsbooks below, including customer support, payment modes, betting tools, etc., to give you the most up to date information about them.
Frequently Asked Questions
🏆 What site is best for betting in India?
There’s not only one betting site that’s best for everything and everyone. It majorly depends on what you need. For example, 1xBet offers live streaming. On the other hand, Parimatch is great for same game parlay bets
💶 How do I deposit money on a betting site in India?
All major betting sites accept Indians’ favourite UPI and eWallets like Neteller, Skrill, and others. Then, there’s the option of using debit, credit, as well as bank wire, but this is limited to a few sportsbooks. Lastly, some sports betting sites allow depositing cryptocurrencies.
⏱️ How long does a withdrawal take?
This depends on the banking method you use. UPI and eWallet withdrawals usually take about 15 minutes to several hours. Withdrawing to your credit or debit cards might take 1–5 banking days, while bank transfers can take anywhere between two to ten banking days.
💳 What are the best methods for depositing and withdrawing money?
The best banking options depend on your personal preferences, but we’d say that eWallets and UPI are the best options for most Indian bettors, mainly because they provide fast and secure transactions.
❓ How do I choose a good betting site?
Choosing a good betting site takes a lot of time. Our team tested and wrote reviews on the best and safest betting sites in India, so that we can save you the time and effort, so be sure to check out our reviews.
We took into consideration factors such as the bookmaker reliability, security, licenses, trust and payment security, payment options, bonuses, betting market variety, and so on.
