At first glance, India might not seem like the most betting-friendly place. There are no domestic brands whatsoever available, after all, due to licensing issues in the country. In reality though, both sports betting and casino games are enormously popular, and – better still – there are plenty of international online gambling sites which are happy to accept Indian punters.
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know in order to start betting in India. Read on to discover the best brands in each major category, get a step-by-step guide to signing up and playing, and plenty more besides.
Top 5 Online Gambling Sites in India
In India, online gambling has never been more popular, and numerous gaming sites accept Indian gamers. Not all of these are created equal, however, which is why we’ve identified your 10 very top options of all above.
Now though, it’s time to zoom in on the very best of the best, and see what truly distinguishes them from the crowd.
1. PowBet – Top-Class Brand With Local Knowledge
PowBet is growing and is getting to be one of themost popular betting sites, expanding rapidly early in the internet era. They have millions of customers all around the world, and one of the main reasons for their popularity is the great sports betting coverage they offer.
User security is a primary focus on the PowBet website, along with strong customer service and a detailed yet user-friendly layout. They also offer arguably the most sports and markets in the Indian betting sector, as well as attractive odds on the vast majority of those markets, and you can both deposit and bet directly in INR
What we like:
- Incredible reputation
- Top-notch mobile apps
- Enormous selection of betting markets
What we don’t:
- Not the widest range of payment methods
2. 10Cric – Best for Cricket Betting
10Cric was founded in 2012, and – as the name suggests – focuses on the biggest market of all for Indian punters – cricket. 10Cric offers not just a large sportsbook with numerous betting possibilities, however, but also a decent online casino with a diverse selection of games.
Elsewhere, 10Cric is noted for its simplicity, thanks to a combination of its user-friendly design, convenient payment choices, and lightning-fast withdrawals. 10Cric also offers some of the most appealing betting bonuses around, particularly during big tournaments like the IPL, while the 10Cric welcome bonus is also highly regarded.
What we like:
- Cricket betting specialists
- INR payments accepted
- Plenty of jackpots available
What we don’t:
- Other sports betting markets could be improved
3. Parimatch – Massive Range of Betting Markets
Parimatch was founded in 1996, at a time when online gambling was still in its infancy, and has since evolved to become a worldwide renowned betting operator with a sizable Indian following.
The Parimatch website has a very user-friendly and straightforward style. The site pages, betting categories, and account management section are all easy to find, and the mobile version of their website is similarly well-designed and includes all of the same functionality as the desktop version. The company accepts a variety of deposit and withdrawal options, including UPI, IMPS, and Paytm, as well as Rupay Card deposits, Neteller, Visa and Mastercard, and others. They also accept Rupees, which is obviously great news for Indian customers.
What we like:
- Very wide range of games and betting markets
- Plenty of special offers
- Website available in several Indian languages
What we don’t:
- User interface could be modernised
4. Dafabet – Good Choice of Local Payment Methods
Dafabet is an Asian bookmaker that was founded in 2004, and provides a fantastic all-round online gaming experience for the Asian market.
Dafabet has a particularly strong sports betting service for Indian players. They provide plenty of betting markets on Indian sports such as kabaddi, accept Indian rupees, and even have Hindi-speaking customer care. The site itself is well arranged and easy to use, and there are a wide range of payment methods available to suit Indian players.
What we like:
- Specialists in the Asian betting market
- Several Indian payment methods accepted
- Great range of sports betting opportunities
What we don’t:
- Not the most user-friendly mobile app
5. Betway – Best All-Round Gambling Site
Betway is one of the world’s fastest-growing gambling platforms. Established in 2006, it has expanded to become a global player, offering a complete gambling service to betting fans in Europe, Asia and the US. This operator also has sponsorships with West Ham United, Mzansi Super League, the West Indies men’s cricket teams, and the Grand National Festival, all of which underline its reputation and status.
Indian users who sign up will have access to live cricket betting, as well as other sports in the sportsbook area, a live casino, and plenty of eSports markets too. Furthermore, Indian gamers will be able to play directly in rupees, while utilising a variety of payment methods.
What we like:
- Slick, streamlined user interface
- Excellent track record
- Brilliant mobile apps
What we don’t:
- Not the widest selection of casino games
How the Best Indian Gambling Sites Compare
There are many factors to weigh up when conducting an investigation into the best sports betting site in India. One of the most important, however, is undoubtedly the range of betting and gambling options available.
These can broadly be divided into three main categories. Sportsbook betting is popular throughout India, particularly on cricket, but many Indian gamblers enjoy casino gaming, and particularly playing popular games such as baccarat. Finally, live casino games also have a big following.
Here’s how all of our recommended casino sites stack up, in both those areas and a few others.
Site | Casino | Live Casino | Slots | Sportsbook | Poker | Bingo | Lotto | App |
PowBet | ||||||||
10Cric | ||||||||
Parimatch | ||||||||
Dafabet | ||||||||
22Bet | ||||||||
1xBet | ||||||||
Fun88 | ||||||||
ComeOn! | ||||||||
Sportsbet.io |
How to Choose the Best Online Gambling Sites in India
The online gambling market is huge, and – with so many providers to choose from – it can sometimes be difficult for customers to know where to start. To an extent, the ideal site for you will depend on your personal requirements – what type of gambling opportunities you are looking for, whether safety, payment options or market depth are the most important to you, and so on.
There are some factors that are common to almost all Indian gamblers, however. You can see several key examples below, around which we’d advise basing your search.
- Customer Support
Most online bettors in India naturally place a high value on excellent customer service. When evaluating a betting site’s customer service, the most important factor to consider is the variety of ways in which you can get in touch, such as live chat, email, and phone.
In particular, two crucial features to look for are live chat with a quick response time, and – in general – 24/7 coverage for the support team. Of course, sites providing Hindi language services might also be worth prioritising, with Dafabet being a great example.
- Rupee Acceptance
Placing bets in a foreign currency necessitates numerous mental calculations to determine how much of your Indian Rupees this translates to. This is not only inconvenient and time-consuming, but it can lead to some miscalculations and errors. Often, you’ll also lose a little money in the currency conversion too.
That’s why – if possible – we’d recommend that you look out for sites that offer rupee deposits and withdrawals, like 10Cric. On its own, this is not enough to make or break a site, but it can make a considerable difference over the long haul.
- Games and Sport Selections
Whether you are betting on sport, or playing your favourite casino games, it’s obviously preferable to have access to a wide range of choices.
The best Indian gambling sites – like 1xBet and 22Bet – will offer a wide range of markets, including plenty of options around the big sports such as cricket, hockey, and football. A good all-round betting site will also offer the full complement of casino games, including slots, baccarat and rummy, and preferably a selection of live games for those who want to enjoy the real casino atmosphere.
- Safety and Security
User safety is essential when it comes to any online transaction, and that includes when you are using a gambling site.
The first thing to look out for here is that a site describes its security measures, including details of its encryption methods. You should also look at the licences that a site displays on its home page. We’d recommend prioritising sites with licenses from one of the better regulatory bodies, such as the UKGC, as these operators demand the highest standards of data protection and security from their licensees. PowBet and Cobrabet are just two brands which tick this particular box, and both have excellent track records.
- Payment Options
For most new bettors, this is a make-or-break aspect when selecting whether or not to register an account with a particular bookmaker, and a key part of a smooth betting experience is access to simple and quick payment methods.
For Indian customers in particular, we’re pleased to say that some betting companies, like Sportsbet.io, have moved to using local forms of payment. The likes of NetBanking and UPI, for example, are actually becoming pretty well-supported, in addition to the standard debit cards and bank transfers. You should also consider the restrictions on deposits and withdrawals, such as maximum and minimum figures, the speed of these processes, and any fees which are imposed.
Best Sites for Online Gambling in India by Category
Generally speaking, all of our recommended online gambling sites in India could qualify as ‘all-rounders’. With that said, it’s still true that certain brands excel in different ways. If you intend to strongly focus on one area during your betting, you can check out the most suitable site for your needs below.
Category | Betting Site | Category | Betting Site |
Sports betting | PowBet | Special offers | Sportsbet.io |
Casino games | ComeOn! | Mobile app | 10Cric |
Slots | 22Bet | Special features | PariMatch |
Payment methods | 1xBet | Customer service | Dafabet |
Live casino | Fun88 | Track record | Betway |
Best Online Casino Gambling Sites in India
When you’re looking for the best online casino site in India, there are several things to consider. Casino gaming fans can actually afford to be picky, simply because there are so many choices out there, with new sites entering the online market every week.
What you are personally looking for in a casino site will vary, but certain factors are invariably important. Ideally, you want a wide choice of slot games, a healthy selection of table games, and both live casino and specialty game choices. Strong customer service, Indian language, currency and payment options, and a great site design will also be considerations.
Here are three of the best sites for Indian casino fans, which tick most – if not all – of these boxes:
- PowBet
- Betway
- 10Cric
Best Live Casino Sites in India
Live casino gaming is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the modern online casino world. As the technology becomes ever more sophisticated, the developers of live casino software have been able to push back the boundaries of what is possible in this genre.
Live casino gaming combines the convenience and ease of standard online casino gaming with a dynamic live element. The games are streamed from dedicated studios, and hosted by skilled dealers, with whom you can usually interact. Some live casino games also allow you to chat with other players, which adds to the casino atmosphere. In addition to recreating the feel of a real-world casino, live casino gaming also moves more slowly than the standard online casino game, which suits those who prefer a more leisurely approach.
Nowadays, most premium gambling sites in India will offer live casino gaming services. We’ve listed three of the best examples below:
- PowBet
- 1xBet
- 22Bet
Best Online Casino Slots Sites in India
Slots are the backbone of the casino sector, both in the retail industry and online. As such, it’s no surprise to find that the best online gambling sites offer a huge choice when it comes to slots.
The appeal of the slot is based around the versatility of the format. With modern online technology, it is possible to develop an enormous variety of both themes and rulesets. You can find games that are based on traditional real-world fruit machines, sitting alongside those that offer a host of modern innovations, such as hundreds of paylines, mini-bonus games, cascading reels, and progressive jackpots.
The best online casino slots sites – in addition to providing Indian currency, support and language options – will also offer a huge library of online slots. It is not unheard of to find sites that offer over thousands of slot games, and – while quantity isn’t everything – you should certainly expect a site to provide several hundred slot gaming options at least. There should also be a straightforward navigation and categorisation system, that enables you to quickly and easily find your preferred game.
Below, you can see three of the very best sites in this super-competitive sector:
- 1xBet
- PariMatch
- Fun88
Best Online Betting Sites in India
Sports betting is popular all over the world, with India being no exception. As such, it is no surprise that the biggest online sports betting sites are making it a priority to attract Indian betting fans.
Cricket is obviously the top sporting interest in the country, but kabbadi, hockey, football and eSports have a strong following too. The best sports betting sites cater to all these sporting interests and more, often providing markets on events across 30 or more sports, with over 100 markets typically provided for individual matchups in the more popular cricket tournaments, like the IPL.
Finally, as well as a wide range of sports and markets, the very best online sports betting sites will offer special features that help punters. These might including live streaming, stats, cash out and in-play tools, and regular bonuses and promotions, such as acca insurance and odds boosts.
Again, this is a super-competitive field, but these are the sites which have still managed to distinguish themselves:
- Dafabet
- 10Cric
- Sportsbet.io
Best Online Poker Sites in India
Poker has enjoyed a resurgence in the internet age, and various versions of the game are played constantly by millions all over the world. Some of the world’s best poker players have become international stars, and the fact that poker – unlike many casino games – is a true game of skill, has given the game a level of prestige and respect that other table games cannot match.
A good online poker site in India will offer fast and convenient payment options, but will also provide a big selection of poker genres, from Texas Hold ‘Em to Omaha. You should also expect a variety of tournament types and sizes, ranging from low-stakes cash games to high stakes no-limit options, along with prizes, rewards, bonuses and other regular promotions.
Here are three of the best online poker sites available to Indian players:
- Betway
- ComeOn!
- PariMatch
Guide to Online Real Gambling Mobile Apps
The ability to play your favourite slot games or bet on your favourite sports while on the move has revolutionised the gambling sector. Nowadays, every major gambling site offers customers the chance to bet through their mobile devices, either by using a dedicated app or a mobile-optimised site.
Not all mobile platforms are equally effective, however. The best mobile gaming apps will provide a combination of several desirable factors:
- Responsiveness. A good gambling app will work smoothly, with minimal lag or glitches
- Reliability. You need to know your app isn’t going to crash in the middle of a big game.
- Game Choice. Indian customers expect to be able to access the full selection of games or sports betting markets through their app, and apps that limit options are to be avoided.
- Usability. The best mobile gaming apps provide an intuitive user interface that makes it easy to find the games or markets you are looking for, even on smaller mobile device screens.
Not all apps will offer this combination of positive factors, unfortunately. That’s why we’ve put together a table of the five best apps you can find in the Indian gambling sector, to help you quickly pick an excellent option:
- PowBet
- Betway
- Sportsbet.io
How to Register at an Online Gambling Site in India
The good news for Indian players looking for a new gambling site is that modern gambling platforms generally provide a smooth and rapid sign up process. These are the few steps you’ll typically take as you’re getting started.
Step1 – Choose your Site
Your first challenge is to pick a site that you are interested in joining. Take your time to check out the various features and options that a site offers and do your research.
When you are ready to start the sign-up process, simply navigate to the home page and click on the Register, Sign-Up or Join button, which are usually located at the top-right of the home page.
Step 2 – Create an Account
Once you have clicked on the Join option, you will then be guided through the account creation process.
This will involve providing your information, including your name, home address, email address, and so on. You’ll also need to set a username and password, and will be able to impose deposit limits if you so desire. When all of the information has been added, you will then be able to officially create your account.
Step 3 – Make a Deposit
The next step will usually be to make your initial deposit. This can be done through the Payment or Cashier area of the site. Once you’re there, just choose your preferred payment option, enter an amount, provide any necessary payment details, and confirm the deposit. In most cases, deposits will clear instantly, enabling you to get on with playing your favourite games or betting on your sports market of choice straight away.
Step 4 – Play Games
With some money in your account, it’s high time to start gambling on your chosen site. Take your time to look around at the various gaming options before you begin to play with real money. Some sites will even let you use a free play mode, so that you can try out various games before committing any cash.
Step 5 – Verify Your ID
In order to ensure that gaming sites remain safe for everyone, operators will usually ask you to verify your identity. This is most often done at the withdrawal stage, and is straightforward to complete.
All you have to do is to upload digital copies of identity documents – typically a passport or driving licence, and a recent utility bill. Once these have been checked and verified, you will be able to make withdrawals.
Step 6 – Make Withdrawal
If you get lucky while playing and want to withdraw your winnings, you will need to return to the payment section. Generally, you will have to withdraw using the same banking method you used for deposits, for anti-fraud reasons.
The withdrawal process itself simply involves inputting the required amount, and confirming that you wish to make a withdrawal. The best sites will process these transactions quickly, although the speed with which the money arrives in your account will depend on the banking method you have chosen.
Payment Methods at Online Gambling Sites in India
Having access to a preferred payment method is an important part of finding the best online gambling site for your needs. Most sites will provide access to the usual payment options including debit card and bank transfer. Indian online gamblers, however, should also look out for sites that let them make payments and bets using INR, which saves both time and money on currency transactions.
The best Indian gambling sites will also provide popular India-specific payment options, such as UPI and PayTM, alongside the likes of Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal and Neteller. To help you quickly see which brands tick each box, we’ve put together this list of payment methods offered by our top ten brands.
Site | Debit card | Bank Transfer | Neteller | UPI | Cryptos |
PowBet | |||||
10Cric | |||||
Parimatch | |||||
Dafabet | |||||
22Bet | |||||
1xBet | |||||
Fun88 | |||||
ComeOn! | |||||
Sportsbet.io |
Is Gambling Online Legal in India?
There are no federal laws against online betting in India. Instead, each state can choose if they want to make laws either banning or legalising online betting. And so far, only a few states in India have explicitly made it illegal to gamble online.
The biggest restriction in online gambling is that no company registered and based in India can offer a gambling platform. Overseas-based gambling companies, however, can offer gambling products to Indian players. These punters are then free to play their favourite games, as long as online gambling is legal in their part of the country.
Finally, it is also important to note that the legal situation here is constantly changing, with state governments coming under increasing pressure to legalise or to clarify their existing gambling laws. As such, it is always a good idea to check on the current situation in your part of India before you use an online gambling site.
Final Thoughts on Top 10 Online Gambling Sites in India
For a long time, India has effectively been an untapped gold mine as far as online gambling goes. This is certainly not the case any more. Instead, international betting sites have woken up to the possibilities of targeting the country in a big way. In turn, this has created an unprecedented amount of choice for bettors within the country.
After reading this article, you’re now possessed with all the information you need in order to start your own online gambling journey in India. All that remains for you to do is pick one of our recommended sites, create an account, and start having fun.