Best Sports Betting Sites in India 2026

Is Sports Betting Legal in India?

Every sportsbook EightOdds recommends holds an international offshore licence. The offshore framework is what Indian players use to access sports betting online. The Public Gambling Act 1867 is the main federal law on gambling, but it was written before the internet existed and does not address online sports betting. Goa, Sikkim and Daman have their own regulated gambling frameworks. A national online gaming framework from 2025 separates skill-based games from games of chance. Check your state's specific rules before depositing.

What Indian Players Bet On

Cricket is India's most-backed sport by far. The IPL runs March through May and generates more betting volume than any other single event in the region. India vs Pakistan matches at ICC events are the next highest peak. T20, ODI and Test matches all carry their own markets and attract different types of bettors.

Pro Kabaddi League is the second largest domestic betting sport in India. The PKL runs through the second half of the year, with twelve teams competing across a full home-and-away season. Match winner and tournament outright markets are listed at most recommended offshore sportsbooks during the season. PKL carries more betting volume than most other domestic Indian sports outside cricket.

Football follows at a distance. The Indian Super League runs November through March and has a growing domestic audience. EPL and Champions League generate additional volume from fans who follow international club football. Indian players use 1X2 markets on football, backing a home win, draw or away win.

Badminton draws serious attention when PV Sindhu and the men's doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty are competing at BWF events. BGMI leads the esports calendar, with VALORANT and CS2 growing among players under 30. UFC and boxing events attract younger bettors, and the NBA rounds out the year for those who follow basketball.

How to Deposit as an Indian Player

UPI is the most-used deposit method for Indian players. PhonePe and Google Pay are accepted at every sportsbook EightOdds recommends. Paytm availability varies by sportsbook. Confirm it is listed before registering if that is your preferred option.

Bank transfer via IMPS or NEFT is available at most recommended sportsbooks as an alternative. USDT TRC20 is accepted for players who prefer crypto deposits.

One rule applies across all deposit methods. Your sportsbook account name must match your Aadhaar or PAN card exactly. That same name must also match your UPI registered name. A mismatch on any of the three will hold your withdrawal until both accounts are verified.

How to Start Betting in India

• Choose a sportsbook that accepts UPI deposits in INR. EightOdds lists sportsbooks that process UPI payments directly. If you use Paytm, confirm it is listed as a deposit option before completing registration.
• Register using the name on your Aadhaar or PAN card. This name must also match your UPI registered name exactly. A mismatch on any of the three will hold your withdrawal.
• Deposit via PhonePe or Google Pay. Both land within seconds. Check the INR minimum deposit amount on the sportsbook review page before transferring.
• Open your sport. Cricket markets are active March through May during IPL. Pro Kabaddi League runs through the second half of the year. Football, badminton and esports markets are available year-round.