Have you noticed how cricket dominates the sports betting scene in India? It’s almost synonymous with sports itself here. But what if I told you there’s a whole world of thrilling sports waiting for your bets, beyond just cricket? Betting on other Indian sports can be just as exciting and profitable — sometimes even more. So, let’s dive into some of the most popular Indian sports you can bet on besides cricket, and how to get started with them.
Why Betting on Sports is Popular in India
Sports betting in India has experienced a remarkable surge in popularity over the last decade, largely fueled by increased internet penetration and the widespread adoption of smartphones. With millions of Indians now connected online, accessing betting platforms has become easier than ever. Mobile apps and websites have revolutionized how bettors engage with sports, offering convenient, real-time options from anywhere. Moreover, the youthful population, which is tech-savvy and eager for new forms of entertainment, has contributed significantly to this growth. Social media and online communities also play a crucial role, creating vibrant spaces where enthusiasts share tips, predictions, and experiences, further encouraging participation.
Cricket’s Dominance and the Need to Explore Other Sports
Cricket is unquestionably the king of sports in India, commanding vast fan bases, sponsorships, and media attention. This dominance naturally translates to betting, where cricket-related wagers constitute the majority of the market. However, focusing solely on cricket can limit bettors’ potential for diversification and growth. Betting on just one sport means you are exposed to the risks of that sport’s unpredictability and limited market opportunities during off-seasons or breaks. Expanding into other sports not only helps mitigate these risks but also opens up fresh avenues for discovering value bets and higher odds.
Exploring other sports beyond cricket is also an exciting way to broaden your sports knowledge and enjoy a richer betting experience. India’s sporting landscape is evolving, with sports like football, kabaddi, badminton, and tennis gaining popularity and professional structure. These sports provide varied betting markets such as match outcomes, player performance, and live betting, catering to different betting styles and preferences. Moreover, betting on multiple sports allows bettors to maintain engagement throughout the year, as various leagues and tournaments happen on different schedules. Ultimately, branching out from cricket betting is not only smart for financial reasons but also makes the whole betting journey more enjoyable and less predictable.
Football – The Rising Star of Indian Betting
Growing Popularity of Football in India
Football in India has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Once playing second fiddle to cricket, the sport has gained immense traction thanks to improved infrastructure, better coaching, and extensive broadcasting of international football leagues like the English Premier League, La Liga, and UEFA Champions League. Indian youth are increasingly attracted to football, and school and college-level competitions have grown substantially, feeding the passion for the game. As a result, more people are following football, attending matches, and naturally showing interest in betting on this fast-paced sport.
This growing fanbase is especially concentrated in urban centers but is gradually spreading to smaller cities and towns as well. Football’s appeal lies in its global nature and the opportunity it offers bettors to engage with multiple leagues from around the world. The accessibility of football betting markets, combined with competitive odds and the frequency of matches, has contributed to its rise as one of the most popular sports for betting in India beyond cricket.
Indian Super League (ISL) and Its Impact
The Indian Super League (ISL), launched in 2014, has been a game-changer for Indian football. Designed to professionalize and popularize football domestically, the ISL attracts top Indian players, emerging talents, and international stars, enhancing the quality of competition. The league’s aggressive marketing, live broadcasts, and growing fan engagement have created a buzz around football in India that was previously unseen. This growth has naturally spilled over into the betting world, where ISL matches now generate significant betting volumes.
For bettors, the ISL offers an exciting and accessible platform, with regular fixtures allowing plenty of betting opportunities throughout the season. The league features diverse match-ups and a wide range of betting markets including outright winners, match results, goal totals, and player-specific bets. The presence of star players and passionate fanbases also makes ISL matches more predictable, enabling strategic betting based on form and player availability.
Betting Opportunities in Football
Football’s popularity in India has translated into a broad spectrum of betting options that cater to both beginners and seasoned bettors. The simplest bets involve predicting the match winner or draw, but football betting also extends to more nuanced wagers such as:
- Total goals scored (over/under)
- First goal scorer
- Half-time/full-time results
- Correct score predictions
- Handicap betting to balance uneven teams
- Number of corners or cards issued
One of the most exciting aspects of football betting is live or in-play betting, where you can place bets as the match unfolds. Imagine placing a bet on a last-minute goal or a red card, making the experience far more thrilling and interactive. Football’s constant flow and multiple scoring opportunities create dynamic betting scenarios that keep bettors engaged throughout the match.
Betting Opportunities in Football
From predicting match winners to the number of goals, football offers varied bets. Live betting during matches adds an extra thrill — imagine placing a bet on a last-minute goal!
Badminton – A Fast-Paced Betting Choice
With stars like PV Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth, badminton has shot to prominence. India’s strong performances in international tournaments have boosted interest domestically.
Events like the All England Open, India Open, and World Championships offer exciting betting options with clear match outcomes and handicaps.
You can bet on match winners, set scores, or even point-by-point outcomes. Its quick rounds make badminton betting a pulse-racing experience.
Badminton – A Fast-Paced Betting Choice
Badminton has gained incredible traction in India, especially due to the international success of stars like PV Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth, and Saina Nehwal. Their achievements in prestigious tournaments such as the Olympics, World Championships, and the All England Open have brought badminton into the mainstream sporting conversation. Indian fans now closely follow both domestic and international badminton circuits, making it a natural choice for betting enthusiasts who want to diversify beyond cricket.
Tennis – A Global Sport with Indian Flair
Though India has not historically been a tennis powerhouse, players like Sania Mirza and Leander Paes have put Indian tennis on the international map, inspiring a growing fanbase. Tennis’s global calendar, with marquee tournaments such as Wimbledon, the US Open, the French Open, and the Australian Open, offers year-round action. This constant flow of matches provides plenty of opportunities for tennis betting enthusiasts to stay engaged no matter the season.
Tennis betting stands out due to its unique match structure, which includes multiple sets and frequent breaks. This format creates natural momentum swings and strategic opportunities for bettors. They can wager on set winners, match outcomes, and even point-by-point results during live matches. For bettors who enjoy analyzing form and momentum, tennis is a perfect choice. In-play betting is particularly popular in tennis, as fortunes can change dramatically within a single set.
Wrestling – From Traditional Arenas to Online Betting
Wrestling holds a special place in India’s sporting heritage, with Kushti (traditional wrestling) practiced for centuries in rural areas and wrestling festivals celebrated nationwide. In recent years, modern professional leagues like the Pro Wrestling League have elevated the sport’s profile, blending tradition with commercial appeal. This professionalization has expanded the sports betting market, with fans increasingly betting on wrestling matches and tournaments.
Bettors who understand wrestler styles, strengths, and past records can find value in wagering on winners and match specifics. Unlike many other sports, wrestling involves head-to-head combat, which makes predicting outcomes somewhat more straightforward but requires a good grasp of technique and form. The rise of online wrestling betting platforms has made it accessible to urban and rural bettors alike, combining cultural pride with modern entertainment.
Hockey – India’s National Sport and Betting Potential
Although cricket has overshadowed it for decades, field hockey remains India’s national sport and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many fans. The Hockey India League (HIL), although currently on hiatus, created a competitive platform showcasing top domestic and international talent. This league offered bettors opportunities to engage with the sport through betting markets on match outcomes, player stats, and goal scorers.
Common hockey bets include predicting the final score, which player will score, and total goals scored. Hockey’s fast pace and frequent scoring make it exciting for bettors who enjoy dynamic and fast-moving games. As interest in hockey grows again, betting markets are expected to expand alongside renewed professional leagues and tournaments.
Motorsports – Speed and Thrills for Bettors
Motorsports in India are gaining momentum, thanks partly to figures like Narain Karthikeyan, India’s first Formula 1 driver. The popularity of motorsports, including Formula 1, MotoGP, and local racing events, is increasing among Indian fans. These sports provide bettors with a unique kind of thrill, where speed, strategy, and weather conditions heavily influence outcomes.
Betting on motorsports involves predicting race winners, podium finishes, fastest laps, and even qualifying results. Unlike team sports, individual driver performance, car reliability, and track conditions play significant roles in shaping odds. For bettors willing to study driver form, circuit characteristics, and weather forecasts, motorsport betting can be a rewarding, albeit challenging, endeavor.
Basketball – A Niche but Growing Betting Market
Basketball is slowly but steadily growing in India, particularly in schools, colleges, and smaller leagues. While it doesn’t yet rival cricket or football in popularity, basketball has carved out a niche community of passionate fans and bettors. International leagues like the NBA are widely followed, providing inspiration and opportunities for betting enthusiasts.
Betting on basketball often involves analyzing team form, player injuries, and point spreads to identify smart bets. Popular markets include predicting the match winner, total points scored, and quarter-by-quarter results. As local basketball leagues develop, more domestic betting opportunities are expected to arise, making basketball an emerging market worth watching.
Esports – The New Frontier in Indian Betting
Esports has exploded in India, with games like PUBG Mobile, Dota 2, and Valorant leading the charge. The young, tech-savvy population has embraced competitive gaming, turning esports into a mainstream entertainment and betting category. Esports tournaments attract massive online viewership, and betting platforms have quickly adapted to meet this new demand.
Esports betting is unique compared to traditional sports because it requires quick decision-making and deep knowledge of game mechanics, team strategies, and player skill levels. Bettors can wager on match winners, tournament champions, and specific in-game events such as the first team to destroy a tower or secure a kill. This dynamic and fast-paced environment offers a fresh and exciting betting experience that’s especially popular with younger Indians.
| Sport | Key Events/Leagues | Common Bet Types | Unique Features |
| Football | Indian Super League (ISL), EPL | Match winner, total goals, live bets | Fast-paced, frequent matches, live betting thrills |
| Badminton | All England Open, India Open | Match winner, set scores, point-by-point | Rapid rallies, short match duration |
| Tennis | Grand Slams, ATP/WTA Tours | Match winner, set winner, live bets | Momentum swings, set breaks |
| Wrestling | Pro Wrestling League | Match winner, wrestler performance | Head-to-head combat, style analysis |
| Hockey | Hockey India League | Match result, goal scorer, total goals | Fast, dynamic gameplay |
| Motorsports | Formula 1, MotoGP | Race winner, podium finish, lap times | Weather and track conditions impact |
| Basketball | NBA, Indian leagues | Match winner, point spread, total points | Quarter-by-quarter bets |
| Esports | PUBG, Dota 2, Valorant | Match winner, in-game events, tournament | Requires quick decisions, deep knowledge |
The Legal Landscape of Sports Betting in India
Current Laws and Regulations
Sports betting in India exists within a complex and often confusing legal framework. The Public Gambling Act of 1867, a colonial-era law, bans gambling activities but does not explicitly address online betting or differentiate between games of skill and chance. This ambiguity means that cricket betting operates in a semi-legal or gray zone in many states, while some states like Sikkim and Goa have taken steps to legalize and regulate betting more clearly. The legal landscape varies significantly by region, which can confuse bettors and operators alike.
Because of this unclear regulatory environment, many bettors prefer to use offshore betting platforms or domestic websites that operate with licensing from other countries. While these platforms provide access and variety, bettors should be cautious and prioritize security and legal compliance when choosing where to place bets.
Safe Betting Practices
To enjoy betting safely, Indian bettors should always opt for licensed and regulated platforms. Such platforms are audited for fairness, secure financial transactions, and offer customer protection mechanisms. Avoiding unverified or suspicious betting sites reduces the risk of fraud, delayed payouts, or data breaches. Using trusted payment methods and enabling account security features like two-factor authentication also enhance safety.
It’s wise for bettors to set limits on their betting activity, avoid chasing losses, and view betting as entertainment rather than a guaranteed income source. Responsible betting keeps the experience enjoyable and prevents financial harm.
Choosing Reliable Betting Sites
When selecting a betting site, several key factors help ensure a good experience. Look for platforms with positive user reviews, quick and hassle-free payout options, and payment methods popular in India, such as UPI, Paytm, or NetBanking. A user-friendly interface, responsive customer support, and mobile compatibility are also important.
Furthermore, check if the site offers localized content, including language options and support for Indian sports and leagues. Many top sites now tailor their offerings specifically for Indian bettors, including cricket and other popular sports. Researching and selecting a reliable betting site is the first step toward a successful and enjoyable betting journey.
