Best Sportsbooks for Esports Betting in India 2026
Last updated: July 2026
Esports betting is the fastest-growing segment of the sports betting industry, and India is at the heart of the Asian esports boom. From League of Legends to Valorant to Mobile Legends, Indian fans can now bet on their favourite teams and tournaments with the same depth of markets as traditional sports.
Is Esports Betting Legal in India?
India does not have a single unified gambling law. Sports betting legality is governed by the colonial-era Public Gambling Act of 1867 and varies state by state under Entry 34 of List II of the Constitution. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 was passed by Parliament and received Presidential Assent in August 2025, but has not yet been brought into force as of March 2026. Until the Supreme Court reviews the new act, online sportsbooks operate in a legal grey area — some states like Sikkim and Nagaland have issued licences, while Maharashtra and Karnataka maintain strict bans. International sportsbooks licensed in Curaçao or Malta accept Indian players without domestic legal consequence in most states. Winnings are taxable under the Income Tax Act at 30% on net gains.
The minimum legal age for sports betting in India is 18 (21 in some states like Maharashtra and Goa).
What Are the Best Esports Betting Sites in India?
We’ve ranked the top sportsbooks for esports betting in India based on odds quality, esports market depth, payment options, and payout speed. Here are our top 3 picks for 2026:
1. Dafabet
Asia’s premier sportsbook with Hindi-language support, INR deposits via UPI and Paytm, and dedicated cricket and football markets. Licensed in the Philippines (CEZA/First Cagayan) with 15+ years in Asian markets.
2. SBOBET
Offers the sharpest odds in Asia with a massive football and cricket menu. Licensed by the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission. Known for high limits and fast payouts.
3. 1xBet
Widest market coverage (40+ sports) with UPI, Paytm, PhonePe, and crypto deposits. Licensed in Curaçao with a dedicated India portal and 24/7 Hindi support.
All three sportsbooks offer competitive esports odds with pre-match and live betting. For a full comparison, see our sportsbook reviews and comparison page.
How Do I Deposit for Esports Betting in India?
UPI (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm), IMPS/NEFT bank transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and cryptocurrency (BTC, USDT via TRC-20). Most sportsbooks accept INR directly with no conversion fees. Minimum deposits typically start at ₹300–500.
For bankroll management tips and staking strategies, visit our sports betting guides.
What Esports Leagues Can I Bet On in India?
Indian bettors have access to a wide range of esports leagues and tournaments — both domestic and international:
Local and Regional
Skyesports Champions Series (CS2/Valorant), Nodwin Gaming Masters, BGMI Pro Series, WCG India qualifiers, and the rapidly growing Indian Valorant scene
International
League of Legends World Championship, The International (Dota 2), CS2 Major Championships, Valorant Champions Tour
All three recommended sportsbooks cover these leagues with pre-match and live betting markets. For today’s odds, check our esports odds page.
What Types of Esports Bets Are Available?
Here are the most popular esports betting markets available to Indian bettors:
Match Winner: Bet on which team wins the series (Bo1, Bo3, or Bo5).
Map Winner: Bet on individual map outcomes within a series.
Map Handicap: Similar to Asian Handicap — a team receives a map advantage (e.g., +1.5 maps).
Over/Under Maps: Total maps played in a series (e.g., Over 2.5 in a Bo3).
First Blood/First Kill: Which team gets the first kill in a map.
Total Kills Over/Under: Combined kills in a map or match.
Tournament Outright: Bet on the overall tournament winner before it starts.
Game-Specific Props: Dragon/Baron kills (LoL), bomb plants (CS2), spike plants (Valorant), tower kills (Dota 2).
Want to calculate potential returns before placing a bet? Use our free betting calculators.
Esports betting sites in India compared
| Sportsbook | Esports markets | Live betting | India deposits | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dafabet | Wide markets incl. Asian handicap | Yes | UPI, Paytm, bank transfer | Asia-focused, local support |
| SBOBET | Deep Asian handicap & totals | Yes | UPI, Paytm, bank transfer | Sharp odds, high limits |
| 1xBet | Very broad, many prop markets | Yes | UPI, Paytm, bank transfer | Market breadth & live betting |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bet on esports from India on my mobile phone?
Yes. All three recommended sportsbooks have fully optimised mobile sites and dedicated Android apps. iOS users can access the mobile web version through Safari or Chrome. Live betting, cash-out, and deposit features all work seamlessly on mobile.
What is the minimum deposit for esports betting in India?
Minimum deposits vary by sportsbook and payment method but typically range from the equivalent of USD 5–10 in local currency. Cryptocurrency deposits often have lower minimums. Check each sportsbook’s deposit page for exact amounts.
Are esports betting winnings taxed in India?
Yes. Under the Income Tax Act, betting winnings are taxed at 30% on net gains. TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) may apply for winnings above ₹10,000 from domestic platforms. Winnings from offshore sportsbooks should be declared as income from other sources.
Can I use cryptocurrency for esports betting in India?
Yes. 1xBet and Dafabet accept Bitcoin, USDT (TRC-20 and ERC-20), Ethereum, and other major cryptocurrencies. Crypto deposits are typically processed within minutes and often have lower minimums than bank transfers. They also provide additional privacy for Indian bettors.
Which esports leagues offer the best odds for Indian bettors?
Tier 1 tournaments (Worlds, The International, CS2 Majors) have the tightest odds. Regional leagues can offer significant value because bookmakers have less data on local teams. 1xBet covers the widest range of esports tournaments, including regional Indian competitions.
How quickly can I withdraw esports betting winnings in India?
Withdrawal times depend on the method: cryptocurrency is typically instant to 1 hour, e-wallets process within 24 hours, and bank transfers take 1–3 business days. All recommended sportsbooks process withdrawals in local currency with no hidden conversion fees. Verification (KYC) is required for first withdrawals.
Related Guides
Explore more betting guides:
More India Betting Guides
Esports Betting in Other Countries
- Esports betting in Australia
- Esports betting in Malaysia
- Esports betting in Japan
- Esports betting in Korea
- Esports betting in Vietnam
- Esports betting in Thailand
For more strategies and expert analysis, visit our sports betting guides hub.