Recently, sports betting has become more popular in India. But, the big question remains, is online betting legal in India? Luckily for Indians, online betting is not illegal in India as there is no law banning it. This means that there are a number of perfectly legal betting apps and sites in India.

We’re going to take a close look at the legality of betting in India. Additionally, we’re going to look at some of the best betting apps available. Read on to find out more about legal betting apps in India.

Legal Betting Apps in India – Top List

Is Betting Apps Legal in India?

First, let’s get straight out this very important question before we continue. Yes, betting is legal in India and this includes legal betting apps online. This is because there are no specific laws preventing online betting in any form. As such, it’s simply not illegal to bet online in India, which is slightly different to it being legal. However, it still is.

No laws in place mean that there are no rules preventing players in India from using betting sites from other countries. The main thing is that legal betting apps need to accept rupees. Of course, they also have to also accept Indian players.

So in brief, there are no Indian licenses available for online betting sites. In fact, local betting facilities are not actually able to provide online betting. Moreover, any online betting site accepting Indian players must hold a license from an overseas jurisdiction. There are a number of top jurisdictions such as the UK, Malta, Curaçao and more. In fact, all of these licenses must be shown on the betting app’s home page in order for it to be compliant with the license.

Because of all this, we recommend that you only ever play at a betting site that holds a valid licence from one of the above jurisdictions. If there is no licence, then it might not be a legal betting app anywhere. As such, try to avoid such sites.

Best Legal Betting Apps in India

With a growing number of legal betting apps in India, it’s getting increasingly difficult for players to determine where to play. We’ve taken the time to compile the best legal betting apps for you to place your bet on. These have been chosen by taking into consideration the overall usability of the platform, the licences, betting options available, payment options and more. In general, you must take these features into consideration whenever you look at Indian legal betting apps.

Take a look at our top ten legal betting apps here.

Betway

Without a doubt, this is one of the top legal betting apps in India. It’s got a stellar reputation, not just in India. And this is because it holds a UK licence as well as one from Malta. This means that it’s got high levels of security in place ensuring Indian players have access to a safe, fair gaming environment.

While Betway has a license in UK and Malta, Betway actually has a specific Indian site too. This is obvious throughout the site as it has a strong cricket slant. Of course, there are other sports such as hockey, tennis and football there too. Excitingly, this legal betting site doesn’t just have sports, but a casino too. And here you can play a wealth of slots and table games. All of this is available on a really great app that’s downloadable for both iOS and Android.

This legal betting site also accepts rupees. And, it offers a range of different Indian payment options such as UPI, Netbanking, Skrill and more. There’s also a good rupee-orientated bonus available. It’s important to be aware though that in some areas of the country this site is still under restrictions.

Parimatch

This betting site is one of the most popular and largest of the Indian legal betting apps. It has over a thousand different sporting events occurring each day. All sports have numerous betting options too. And, it doesn’t stop here. The casino is also full of high quality games. However, this is the section that needs the most work as there are not as many games as other sites. In addition, Curaçao regulates this site, which also has strong SSL encryption protocols to protect your data.

Moreover, it accepts rupees, allowing transactions in a range of different Indian-specific options. These include Netbanking, Neteller, MuchBetter, and UPI. There’s a generous rupee welcome offer as well, and this just serves to boost your gaming experience. The Parimatch app is also free to download and available for iOS and Android devices. All of the betting options come on the one app too.

10Cric

This is another hugely popular option among Indian bettors looking for legal betting apps. 10Cric has a very comprehensive betting site that doesn’t just feature sports, but also offers casino and live games as well. It’s actually been around for more than five years at this point and, as such, is one of the leading betting sites in the country. There are many features that is helping it earn this reputation too.

For instance, it accepts INR and has a range of Indian payment options such as NetBanking, card payments and UPI. As the name suggests, this is also a site with a cricket focus. Because of this, it’s got strong cricket odds, in fact, some of the best out there. The 10Cric app is also excellent and has a simple user interface that matches the desktop site. It’s also fully iOS and Android compatible.

However, like some of the other sites we’ve list, it’s not available in all regions. And, while there are some very high odds to be found here, some of them fluctuate quite wildly on some events.

22Bet

This popular Indian cricket betting app is only available to Android users. It’s a simple process to download this app directly from the home page. All you need to do is download the apk file, just like you do for any other app. The fact that you can download it from the website itself makes this one of the easier ones to get hold of too. And, it works on a vast array of Android devices and doesn’t need to get regular updates as it works so well.

The app itself is safe, secure and have a license by the Curaçao authority. In addition, it has got a small size, so it’s not going to take up much space on your device, which is a definite plus for many. And, it’s got an array of sports to choose from. Rounding off the accolades is the fact that there are multiple bonuses for you to use across the thousands of sporting events available on the betting app. The only downside is that iOS users are completely missing out on all the fun. However, there are other good legal betting apps that offer iOS alternatives.

Fun88

This is a global betting brand. It’s got both a casino with a hundreds or more games, and a sports betting site. The Fun88 app is available and downloadable for both iOS and Android users too. And, it’s fully licenced and trusted by the UK Gambling Commission, one of the toughest and strictest jurisdictions in the world.

Using the apps means that you can enjoy placing bets and playing games on the go. Both their legal betting apps are easy to download, though neither are found on their respective app stores. Instead, you will need to go to the Fun88 website to download the apps there. Follow the appropriate link to be taken to the right app for your device.

In terms of sports betting, this site covers all major sports. As such, there’s no real focus on specific Indian sports which some might be a little let down by. However, there are great betting odds available here. And, there is a betting exchange for a more immersive player vs player betting experience.

However, there are still some downsides. When it comes to sports, horse racing is completely missing. And, there is no live streaming available. Not just on the app, but on the desktop site as well.

BC.Game

Standing out a little from the crowd here, the BC.Game app is one of the few major crypto apps available for Indian players. Not only does it have sports betting, but an extensive casino as well. As such, it’s got a great selection for any crypto bettors out there.

The site accepts Indian players though it doesn’t accept INR as it’s only a crypto site. However, Indian players can make crypto deposits across a range of different currencies including Ethereum and Bitcoin. These provide speedy transactions for both deposits and withdrawals. The fact that there essentially is nothing for fiat users may be a bit of a letdown for some players out there though.

Additionally, while it does well in terms of unique games and a fun gamified platform, it falls down on design. It’s clunky and a little dated making it hard to navigate. There are also some rather convoluted crypto promotion rules and requirements as well, which can be off-putting. It’s made especially hard on the small screen of your mobile.

CricBaba

For players in India looking for cricket, then this is another strong contender. CricBaba has a wealth of sports available, but it does give extra love to cricket events. While the rest of the sports betting markets could be expanded, those for cricket are exceptional. You can find anything from international tournaments through to domestic leagues. For some users this is great, for others, this is the biggest issue with this app — there are far fewer bets available for other sports.

The app itself is available for iOS and Android. It’s fast too, and has a simple user-friendly interface that is navigable even for a newbie. The site also makes sure to keep itself exciting no matter what sport you prefer. If you want high, competitive odds, then this is definitely a site to check out. And, it’s got excellent support if you do run into trouble as it’s available around the clock.

Dafabet

This is actually one of the top operators in Asia, not just in India. The app is top-notch and has elements tailored specifically to Indian players. Importantly, this is an app only for Android users. However, iOS users, while they can’t actually access the app, can use the mobile-optimised desktop site on their phones and mobile devices instead. Downloading the Android app is easy. Simply scan the QR code and download the app directly onto your phone. Logging in or creating an account on the app is super easy from this point.

In terms of what the Dafabet app offers, this is a site with over 30 sports available. There’s an exceptional range of betting markets too, and these are coupled with high, competitive odds. The site rounds things off by offering live streams of some sports that can be watched on the app. The only real issue for some is the lack of an iOS app.

BetTilt

One of the newer legal betting apps in India, BetTilt has a lot to offer players. It combines a sports betting site with a casino right from the start. Impressively, while this does operate on a global scale, it does have specific markets that it has as a focus, one of which is India. This is great for Indian players as there are huge betting markets for kabaddi and cricket. Not only that, but there are some great odds for these sports too.

The casino section is also home to a wealth of casino games. Many of these are actually Indian classics such as Teen Patti and Andar Bahar. Better still, there’s a live dealer casino that also has games run by Hindi-speaking dealers.

The site is available in both English and Hindi, which really helps to set it apart from some of the other betting apps out there. And, it’s got a range of different bonuses in rupees specifically for players from India. Options like better IPL prize pools and real-world prizes await.

Making transactions here is also simple. This is because the site is home to a range of different Indian payments such as UPI, PhonePe and Neteller, all of which accept INR. Various cryptocurrencies are also available too. As such, this is a very good site for players from India.

1xBet

This is a very popular sports betting platform and is growing in popularity within India. The app and desktop site actually sponsors a number of different leagues and teams in football. As such, it’s got a wide array of sporting events to draw from. Impressively, it’s got thousands of betting options making this the app with the most markets for Indian players. These include live betting, pre-match and outright bets. And, coverage is great for Indian sports like kabaddi, cricket and horse racing.

The site also does well when it comes to payment methods, accepting INR across various payments. For instance, it accepts Jeton, UPI, Netbanking, Paytm, MobiKwik and PhonePe to name a few. Bonuses and promotions are also offered in rupees which makes a nice change.

Finally, the betting site also has an extensive casino. It’s possible to play a range of slots, live games and table games. Even better is the fact that this site also offers exclusive casino games as well.

Is Betting Legal in India?

So, now that we’ve covered the general facts surrounding the legality of betting apps in India, it’s time to take a closer look at the specific laws in place. These specifically outline what is an offence when online gambling, and what is fine and legal.

Currently, there are actually no existing laws surrounding gambling in India. Betting and gambling issues were placed on the State List during the draft of the Constitution of India. This means that each state can make their own decision on legalizing and regulating any form of gambling in that state.

Despite this freedom, most states actually abide by the Public Gambling Act 1867. Typically though, there are a few amendments to it. Under this Act, gambling is only a punishable offence when it occurs in a gaming house or public place. The Act was written before the internet existed meaning that online betting is accepted. Essentially, the Act doesn’t mention the internet, so it has become a legal grey area in the country. As such, it’s a convenient loophole allowing Indian players to access and play via online gambling sites with offshore licences.

However, it is important that physical gambling venues are avoided. They are illegal in most states in India. As such, visiting one is a criminal offence and can result in fines and imprisonment.

Legal Betting Apps India – Chance vs Skill

Importantly, when it comes to gambling laws in India there are actually two different types of gambling activity. These are separated into games of chance, and games of skill.

Taking a Chance

Games of chance are generally illegal in India. States like Sikkim and Goa are just two of the states that do allow them. To avoid confusion, games of chance are those that you don’t have any control over the outcome. As an example, slot games are considered a game of chance. The outcome is purely based on luck and the RNG controls the randomised outcomes of the game.

Most states have games of chance as illegal. As such, there are no land-based casinos in India. But again, as with online sports betting, accessing an online casino licenced elsewhere is not illegal.

Skill Based Games

Games of skill, however, are beginning to be legalised within the country. In 1996, the Supreme Court of India allowed horse racing to become legal as it was considered a game of skill. It’s now perfectly legal to bet on horse racing as a consequence.

To avoid further confusion, games of skill are those where your chance of winning increases as your knowledge grows. Essentially, you gain information on the subject which then informs the betting decisions you make. Taking horse racing as an example, if you know a horse prefers to run on a muddy track over a long distance, you’re less likely to place a bet on that horse winning a race on a dry, short racetrack.

Excitingly for Indian players, games like Rummy and Teen Patti are considered games of skill as well. And, sports betting as a whole is becoming more widely accepted as a game of skill. This is because if you have a strong knowledge of a sport, you’re more likely to place better bets. Because of this, a growing number of states are making the move to legalise sports betting in all forms.

Is a Cricket Betting App Legal in India?

Yes, as with other online betting apps, cricket betting apps are legal in India. Again though, this is only as long as they are licenced and regulated by an offshore jurisdiction.

Legal cricket betting apps in India are some of the more popular betting apps out there. These apps tend to offer an array of cricket betting options. And, some of the top sites will also offer live or in-play betting options with the cricket matches streamed live for players.

In addition to cricket betting apps, there are also cricket betting exchange apps as well. Here, players can place bets against each other rather than the betting site. All of these are legal and increasingly easy for Indian players to access.

Downloading a Safe Betting App

While some betting apps are easy to download, this is not the case for all of them. As there are regulations for downloading gambling apps, you can’t actually always find them in the Indian version of the App Store for iOS or the Google Play Store for Android.

Instead, you will have to go to the actual home page of the betting site you have joined or wish to join. Then, you can download it from there. Whether or not you can go to an app store or download directly from the betting site’s website does depend on the betting site. Check the process for each site as it may be slightly different. And, if you can download from an app store, make sure your location is set to India.

Take a look at the steps below for quickly and efficiently downloading your preferred betting app.

iOS Download at Legal Betting Sites

1. Visit the home page of your chosen betting site
2. Make an account and provide all the required sign-up details
3. Head to the section for downloading the app
4. Click to install the betting site app
5. Wait to be directed to a new page
6. Select the iOS download option
7. Once the download is complete, install the app
8. Open the app and sign in
9. Make a deposit and begin to play

Android Download at Legal Betting Sites

1. Go to the home page of the betting site you want to play at
2. Register for an account by clicking on the register or sign up button provided
3. Find the download app section of the site
4. Click to download the apk file
5. When your device prompts you, allow downloads from an unknown source
6. Install the app
7. Log in to your account using the sign-up details created on the desktop version
8. Make a deposit and start playing

Pros and Cons of a Legal Cricket Betting Apps in India

There are a lot of great reasons to use a legal betting app over a desktop site when betting online in India. We’re just going to go through some of them here.

1. You get instant access to the site
2. Games or betting options are available to you whenever and wherever you are
3. No need to load up a website each time you want to play
4. Deposits are often faster
5. In-app bonus and promotion exclusives

However, there are some downsides to using a betting app too. So that you’re prepared, here are some of the reasons you may not want to use one.

1. Upgrades don’t occur instantly
2. Apps can be buggy and take time to load
3. Not all sites have an app available
4. You can’t always access all features (e.g. live streaming) via an app
5. Some sites only offer Android apps

Will There Be a Gambling Licence in India

Impressively, while there are no gambling licences in India as yet, and it’s still a legal grey area, this industry is already worth more than $60 billion. This is due to the passion Indians have for betting and gambling particularly when it comes to sports like cricket. As mentioned, it’s looking increasingly likely that laws will change to cater to this huge demand.

Therefore, it’s very possible that sports betting will become legal in India. As some states are already contemplating this move, it’s only going to be a matter of time before more states follow suit.

With more states legalizing online betting, it’s possible that federal or central laws will come into place legalizing online betting. And, with the entire country legalizing it, India may be forced to implement some kind of licencing system in order to regulate gambling. If the government were to do this, they would be able to make a profit. Gambling sites would be required to pay GST like other businesses.

With regulation in place, more and more betting sites would be able to appear giving more choices to those visiting them. And, with more competition for sites, better bonuses would be present. All of this is still just a possibility. It’s only a matter of time before the Indian government sees the increasingly urgent need to legalise online betting in all forms.

List of Safe Betting Sites in India

There is a growing number of legal betting sites in India. Here we have provided a list of all the safe, fully licenced betting sites available in the country.

1. Parimatch
2. Betway
3. 1xBet
4. 22Bet
5. 10Cric
6. Fun88
7. BetTilt
8. BC.Game
9. Rajabets
10. Setbet
11. 4rabet
12. Megapari
13. CricBaba
14. Dafabet
15. Maharaja Fortune
16. 20Bet
17. Sportaza
18. Bons
19. BetShah
20. Fairplay
21. Leonbet

Legal Betting Apps in India FAQ

We’ve taken a look at all you need to know about legal betting apps in India. However, this FAQ section has answers to some of the additional questions you might have.

Last Updated on March 16, 2024