Is Cricket Betting Legal in India?

Cricket betting through online sportsbooks continues to expand in India. This growing interest has compelled authorities to create a framework to regulate and oversee these activities to ensure player safety. The question arises: Is cricket betting legal in India? You will learn about the current landscape of making bets on cricket in the country and the jurisdiction that controls it.

What is Cricket Betting?

Cricket bets are predictions of the outcome or situations that may occur in a match. Each prediction is known as a “betting market” and has assigned odds, determining how much the player will be paid if their bet is correct. Online sports betting is conducted through websites regulated by gambling authorities, and its legality varies from country to country. The question “Is online cricket betting legal in India?” is a complicated issue, as there is no uniform regulation approving or prohibiting these activities on a national scale. In some states, it is permitted and regulated, while in others, it is prohibited. This situation leads players to question whether online cricket betting is legal in India or not.

The Current Jurisdiction on Cricket Betting

The Public Gaming Act of 1867 remains the dominant national law, and it prohibits Indians from gambling. However, this law does not mention anything about online sports betting because it did not even exist at that time. Over the years, the federal government has granted each state the autonomy to decide whether to legalize online gambling within their respective jurisdiction. 

This concession has created a fragmented landscape of whether cricket betting is legal in India. One of the few states to openly approve this activity is Sikkim, where online sportsbooks regulated by international bodies are allowed. Furthermore, betting on cricket is allowed if you reside in the following states:

• Meghalaya;
• Dadra and Nagar Haveli;
• Daman and Diu;
• Goa.

In contrast, states like Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra have strictly banned online sports predictions. Opponents of legalized gambling put forward two main arguments: the possibility that an addiction will increase and that, instead of eliminating illegal betting, it will spiral out of control.

Which Agencies Deal with Cricket Betting in India?

There are federal agencies related to the regulation and control of online gambling. One of the most prominent is the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, which sets the rules on the legality of such activities and content, including gambling and betting. For example, it establishes the requirements to be met by bookmakers in the states where they are permitted. 

In addition, each state sets its own rules for cricket betting. Two prominent examples are:

• The Sikkim Online Gaming Regulation Act was passed in 2008; 
• The Meghalaya Gaming Regulation Act was passed in 2021.

The lack of consensus regarding the question “Is betting on cricket legal in India?” has created a gray area in many states and Union Territories. Therefore, each player should thoroughly research which laws apply in the state where they live if they are interested in making online bets, to always act within the current legal framework.

The Future of Cricket Betting in India

As one of the countries with the largest populations, the online betting market has great potential in India. The need to create a comprehensive regulatory framework has motivated various proposals to consolidate the legality of this activity. Increased tax revenues and improved integrity in sporting events are some of the arguments in favor of this project. 

Although the future of online betting on cricket and other sports is uncertain, the profound impact this market has had on the population cannot be denied. Technological growth and legislative advances in some states are determining factors in this process.

Conclusion

In summary, whether is cricket betting legal or illegal in India depends on the region where you live. Although federal law has created a gray area around betting, each state’s freedom to define its legal framework has allowed the first steps toward more comprehensive legalization to be taken. For now, it is up to players to keep up with the updated regulations to avoid any illegal or harmful acts.