Reviewed by The Best Sports Bet editorial team · Last updated June 2026 · Our editorial & review policy
Short answer for India: Dafabet is our top pick — strong on cricket and IPL markets, accepts ₹ via UPI, and is licensed in serious jurisdictions. But first, the part most sites skip: online betting law in India is tightening, and offshore sites sit in a legally grey-to-illegal area. Read the legality section before you deposit. (18+. Gambling involves financial and legal risk — only stake what you can afford to lose.)
Is online betting legal in India?
It’s complicated and getting stricter. Betting is largely a state subject, and the central Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 treats offshore betting operators as illegal. Several states — including Andhra Pradesh and Telangana — ban online gambling outright, and enforcement is rising (in March 2026 the Enforcement Directorate seized ₹18.10 crore linked to one offshore operator). Practical takeaway: check your own state’s law, understand that offshore sites are not government-approved, and never bet money you can’t afford to lose or lose access to.
How we judged the sites for India
- Cricket & IPL depth — the market that matters most to Indian bettors.
- ₹ deposits via UPI — PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, plus IMPS/NEFT.
- Licensing & payout record — serious regulators, no history of withheld winnings.
- Withdrawal reliability to Indian accounts.
- Odds & margins on cricket and football Asian handicap.
Best betting site for India: Dafabet
Dafabet is the natural fit for Indian bettors. Its cricket coverage is among the best anywhere — full IPL markets (match winner, top batsman/bowler, method of dismissal, series bets), internationals and T20 leagues — and it’s strong on football Asian handicap too. It supports ₹ deposits via UPI and local methods, and it’s licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, Curaçao, PAGCOR and the Isle of Man. It’s legal in most Indian states (but not Andhra Pradesh or Telangana). Watch-outs: modest bonuses and a slow first-withdrawal KYC — verify your account early. Read our full Dafabet review →
The site to avoid in India: 1xBet
1xBet advertises heavily in India, but it is classified as an illegal offshore operator under the 2025 bill, its UK licence was revoked, and India’s Enforcement Directorate has seized linked assets. It also has a documented record of disputed payouts. We don’t recommend it for Indian bettors. Why we’re cautious on 1xBet →
Cricket betting in India — what to look for
Because cricket is the centre of gravity, prioritise a book with deep IPL and international markets, live in-play cricket betting, and fair pricing on the popular bets (match winner, totals, top performer). Dafabet leads here; for broader multi-sport variety, 22Bet adds large esports and football menus. Read our 22Bet review →
Paying in ₹ with UPI
UPI is the fastest way in and out for Indian bettors — PhonePe, Google Pay and Paytm are the common rails, with IMPS/NEFT as backups. Deposits are usually instant; withdrawals depend on the book and your KYC status. Always complete identity verification before you have winnings waiting, so your first withdrawal isn’t delayed.
India betting sites — comparison
| Dafabet | 22Bet | |
|---|---|---|
| Cricket / IPL | Excellent | Good |
| ₹ / UPI | Yes | Yes (+ crypto) |
| Licences | UKGC, Curaçao, PAGCOR, IoM | Curaçao, Kahnawake |
| Best for | Cricket & Asian handicap | Market variety & crypto |
India betting — frequently asked questions
Which is the best betting site for cricket in India?
Dafabet — its IPL and international cricket markets are among the deepest, and it accepts ₹ via UPI.
Is 1xBet legal in India?
No — it’s classified as an illegal offshore operator under the 2025 Online Gaming Bill, and the Enforcement Directorate has seized linked assets. We advise against it.
Can I deposit in rupees with UPI?
Yes — Dafabet and 22Bet both support ₹ deposits via UPI (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm) and local bank transfer.
Is online betting legal in my state?
It varies — states like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana ban it outright, and offshore sites aren’t government-approved. Check your state’s law before betting.
Gamble responsibly — 18+. Betting can be addictive. Responsible gambling. If gambling is affecting you, seek local support.
