Reviewed by The Best Sports Bet editorial team · Last updated June 2026 · Our editorial & review policy
Quick take for India: If you came looking for a 188BET review, here’s the honest update first: 188BET no longer operates under that name. It rebranded to Taptap in 2025, and its closure has since been reported in the trade press. You can’t open a new 188BET account, and any “188BET” offers you still see advertised in India are out of date. Below: what actually happened, what to do if you held a balance, and the best current alternatives for what 188BET was known for — sharp Asian handicap odds — for Indian punters who bet cricket and football. (18+. Gamble responsibly.)
What happened to 188BET?
188BET launched in 2006 and was, for years, licensed by the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission. In 2025 it rebranded to Taptap (under the operator CyberArena) and shifted operations toward the Philippines. Since then, 188BET’s closure has been reported by industry outlet Gambling Insider. In short: the brand you remember is gone, and it is winding down rather than taking on new customers. For Indian punters still seeing 188BET ads or affiliate links, treat them as stale — there is no live, signup-able 188BET today.
I have a 188BET / Taptap account — what should I do?
If you still hold a balance, take it seriously, but get your information from the right place:
- Verify directly with the operator (Taptap / CyberArena) and with your own bank, UPI app or e-wallet provider about pending balances and timelines.
- Be sceptical of third-party “deadline” pages. Several sites are publishing specific shutdown dates and “your funds are 100% safe” reassurances while funnelling you to one particular replacement bookmaker. Those are affiliate marketing pages, not official notices — don’t make decisions based on them.
- Withdraw to a verified method you control (your own UPI handle or bank account), and keep records of every transaction and support ticket.
We don’t publish an unverified closure date here on purpose — the specific dates circulating online trace back to a promotional source, and we won’t repeat a claim we can’t stand behind.
Is online betting legal in India anyway?
Worth knowing before you pick any replacement: offshore betting sits in a legally grey-to-illegal area in India, and it’s tightening. The central Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 treats offshore betting operators as illegal, and states like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana ban online gambling outright. Enforcement is real — in March 2026 the Enforcement Directorate seized ₹18.10 crore linked to one offshore operator. So whatever you do next, check your own state’s law, understand that offshore sites are not government-approved, and never stake money you can’t afford to lose or lose access to.
Why punters rated 188BET (and what to look for in a replacement)
188BET’s reputation came from one thing above all: sharp Asian handicap pricing, with margins reported below 1.5% on top-league football, plus fast withdrawals for Asian customers. Bonuses were always its weak point. So when you pick a replacement, prioritise the things 188BET did well: low Asian-handicap margins, deep cricket and football markets, ₹ deposits via UPI, and reliable withdrawals to Indian accounts — not the size of the welcome bonus. New to these lines? See our Asian handicap betting guide →.
Best 188BET alternatives for India in 2026
For Asian-handicap and cricket-focused Indian punters, these are the closest active, licensed options:
- Dafabet — the natural successor for AH and cricket bettors: operating since 2004, multi-jurisdiction licensed (UK GC, Curaçao, PAGCOR, Isle of Man), with genuinely strong Asian handicap on football plus deep IPL and international cricket markets, and ₹ deposits via UPI (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm). Read our full Dafabet review →
- 22Bet — broad markets and a huge payment menu (₹/UPI plus 30+ cryptos), good if you want variety and fast crypto payouts; margins are wider than 188BET’s were. Read our full 22Bet review →
How to choose a 188BET replacement (quick checklist)
- Legality where you live — confirm your state’s position first; offshore books are grey-to-illegal in India and banned outright in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
- Licence — pick an operator regulated in a serious jurisdiction (UKGC, Isle of Man, PAGCOR, Curaçao at minimum).
- Asian handicap margins — the lower the better; 188BET set the bar near 1.5% on top football.
- Cricket depth — for Indian punters, deep IPL and international markets matter most.
- ₹ / UPI support and withdrawal speed — check real user reports for India and your payment method.
188BET — frequently asked questions
Is 188BET still operating in 2026?
No — 188BET rebranded to Taptap in 2025, and its closure has since been reported. You cannot open a new 188BET account, and any 188BET ads in India are out of date.
Is Taptap the same as 188BET?
Taptap is the rebrand of the former 188BET operation (under CyberArena). It is not the 188BET you may remember, and reports indicate it is winding down.
Can I still withdraw from my 188BET account?
If you hold a balance, contact the operator (Taptap/CyberArena) and your payment provider directly, and withdraw to a UPI handle or bank account you control. Be cautious of third-party sites stating specific deadlines while promoting a replacement bookmaker.
What’s the best alternative to 188BET for India?
Dafabet is the closest active, licensed match for 188BET’s Asian-handicap strength and adds deep cricket/IPL markets with ₹/UPI; 22Bet is a broad, crypto-friendly alternative. Remember all offshore books are legally grey-to-illegal in India — check your state’s law.
Gamble responsibly — 18+. Betting can be addictive. Responsible gambling. If gambling is affecting you, seek local support.
