India is a country where sports betting has become a popular pastime, and for good reason. The excitement, the stakes, and the possibility of making a substantial profit attract many bettors. However, not all sports are created equal when it comes to profitability. Some sports have higher betting volumes, better odds, and more favorable betting markets for players. In this article, we will explore the most lucrative sports to bet on in India, considering factors such as popularity, odds, and betting opportunities.
The Growing Popularity of Sports Betting in India
Sports betting in India has seen a significant surge in recent years, and understanding the reasons behind this growth is essential to grasp the current betting landscape. Historically, India has had a rich cultural association with sports, but betting on sports was often done discreetly or through informal means. However, the rise of the internet and mobile technology has changed everything. Today, online sports betting has become a mainstream activity, accessible to millions of Indians. The ease of access to online platforms and the widespread availability of smartphones have played a huge role in making sports betting a more inclusive and popular pastime.
Cricket has traditionally been the most popular sport for betting in India, largely due to the massive fan base and the sport’s deep roots in Indian culture. The Indian Premier League (IPL), in particular, has made cricket betting more prominent, drawing massive betting pools and sponsorships from global entities. However, the landscape of sports betting in India is expanding beyond cricket. Other sports, such as football, kabaddi, and eSports, have rapidly gained ground in recent years, offering new opportunities for bettors. International football leagues like the English Premier League (EPL) and La Liga, along with growing Indian football leagues, have sparked increased interest in football betting.
A key factor contributing to the rise in sports betting has been the increased accessibility of mobile applications and websites. Bettors no longer need to visit physical casinos or betting shops to place their wagers. Today, they can access their favorite betting platforms through user-friendly mobile apps, which provide seamless betting experiences from the comfort of their homes or while on the go. This digital shift has brought with it a new wave of bettors, particularly younger individuals who prefer the convenience and speed offered by mobile technology. The rise of digital payment systems also ensures that transactions are quick, secure, and hassle-free.
Moreover, sports betting in India has been fueled by the increased exposure to global sports events. International events like the FIFA World Cup, the Olympics, and major tennis tournaments such as Wimbledon have captured the attention of Indian sports fans. The ability to bet on these global events, coupled with the growing interest in local leagues like the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), has made sports betting a more dynamic and diverse market. As the betting community continues to evolve and expand, it’s clear that sports betting is becoming more integrated into India’s entertainment landscape, and its popularity will likely continue to grow.
Cricket – The King of Sports Betting in India
Cricket holds the crown when it comes to sports betting in India, and it’s not hard to see why. The sport has an unrivaled level of popularity, not only as a game but also as a betting opportunity. With millions of fans tuning in for major cricket events, betting on the sport has become a highly profitable venture for many. Here’s a breakdown of why cricket is the most lucrative sport to bet on in India.
- Huge Fanbase: Cricket has a massive and passionate following in India. The fanbase spans across all age groups, with millions of individuals closely following domestic and international cricket events. This strong fan engagement directly translates into a significant betting pool, especially during tournaments like the IPL and international series.
- Variety of Markets: One of the reasons cricket is so attractive to bettors is the range of betting options available. From betting on match winners to player performances, there’s an array of markets to explore. This variety means that bettors can place bets on multiple outcomes within a single game, increasing their chances of making a profit.
- Big Tournaments: Tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL) have made cricket betting a global phenomenon. The IPL generates billions of dollars in revenue annually, making it one of the biggest sports leagues in the world. With such a large betting pool, the odds are highly competitive, and there are plenty of opportunities to profit. Besides the IPL, international matches and tournaments like the ICC Cricket World Cup also provide ample opportunities for betting.
- Sponsorship and Partnerships: Cricket’s visibility on a global stage has attracted numerous sponsors and partnerships, especially in the IPL. Betting companies, broadcasters, and advertisers are keen to tap into the vast audience, further boosting the sports betting market. These sponsorships drive more interest in betting, leading to more significant investments.
- Media Coverage and Exposure: Cricket’s extensive media coverage, both on TV and digital platforms, ensures that bettors are constantly engaged. The more people watch and follow cricket, the more they are likely to engage in betting. With matches being streamed across various platforms and easily accessible, cricket betting continues to thrive.
Football – A Global Betting Powerhouse
| Betting Market | Description | Why It’s Popular | Betting Options | Profit Potential |
| Match Result | Wager on the home team, away team, or draw outcome. | It’s the most straightforward form of betting, where you predict the winner or if the match ends in a draw. | Home Win, Away Win, Draw | Moderate to High |
| Total Goals (Over/Under) | Bet on whether the total number of goals will be over or under a set number for a specific match. | Very popular due to its simplicity, and it’s especially engaging in high-scoring matches like T20 cricket or football. | Over 2.5 Goals, Under 2.5 Goals | Moderate to High |
| First Goalscorer | Bet on the player who will score the first goal of the match. | Bettors enjoy the excitement of predicting a specific player to score first. | Player A, Player B, Player C, etc. | High, if the correct player is chosen |
| Handicap Betting | Betting on a match where one team is given a point advantage or disadvantage, leveling the playing field. | It’s a great option when one team is significantly stronger than the other, providing more balanced betting opportunities. | +1 Handicap, -1 Handicap, +2 Handicap, etc. | High (especially in close matches) |
| Total Corners | Wager on the total number of corners in a match, whether it will be over or under a specific number. | Corners are a key aspect of football, and betting on the total provides additional excitement during matches. | Over 10 Corners, Under 10 Corners | Moderate to High |
Kabaddi – India’s Homegrown Betting Option
Kabaddi is a sport deeply embedded in Indian culture, and while it traditionally had a relatively small following, it has gained tremendous popularity in recent years, especially with the launch of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). This homegrown sport has captured the imagination of millions, turning it into a key player in the Indian sports betting landscape. The rise of PKL has brought kabaddi into the limelight, transforming it from a local pastime to a professional sport that attracts viewers and bettors alike.
What makes kabaddi so appealing for betting is its niche yet growing fanbase. While cricket and football dominate the sports betting market in India, kabaddi offers an exciting alternative, particularly for bettors looking for something different. The Pro Kabaddi League has provided a platform for bettors to place wagers on a fast-paced, action-packed sport that blends strategy, skill, and athleticism. As a result, kabaddi has become a lucrative option for those who know the game well and understand its intricacies.
One of the reasons kabaddi is so lucrative for bettors is the lower level of competition compared to more established sports like cricket and football. Since kabaddi is still relatively niche, fewer bettors are participating in the markets, which means there are often less crowded betting opportunities. For those with a good understanding of the sport, this provides a chance to spot value bets and secure profits without going up against as many other bettors. This makes it a great option for informed players who are looking to capitalize on less competitive betting markets.
Kabaddi’s fast-paced nature also adds an element of excitement for bettors. Unlike some sports that unfold slowly, kabaddi is a game of quick raids, swift tackles, and constant action. Matches are typically short, with high-intensity moments happening throughout, giving bettors the thrill of real-time action. For those who can predict the outcome of individual raids or the overall match result, kabaddi presents fast-paced betting opportunities that can pay off quickly. This constant action and unpredictability make kabaddi an exciting and profitable sport for both seasoned and new bettors alike.
Tennis – A Sport with High Stakes and High Rewards
Tennis may not have as large a fan base in India as cricket or football, but it remains one of the most profitable sports for bettors. With its high stakes and frequent high-reward opportunities, tennis offers unique betting options that attract both seasoned bettors and newcomers. The following are key factors that make tennis a popular and profitable sport to bet on:
- Big Events: Major tournaments such as Wimbledon, the Australian Open, the US Open, and the French Open draw massive attention, with millions of fans and bettors from around the world. These events make the betting markets highly active, with opportunities available for bettors to wager on numerous outcomes.
- High Odds: Tennis matches often offer higher odds, particularly when lesser-known players or underdogs are involved. These high odds can be appealing to bettors who are looking for lucrative opportunities. Sharp bettors who research player form, injuries, and head-to-head records can find value bets that lead to significant profits.
- Straightforward Betting: Tennis betting is relatively simple and easy to understand. The most common types of bets focus on match winners or set betting, which makes it accessible to newcomers. Bettors can place wagers on who they believe will win a match or how a match will unfold in terms of set scores. This simplicity makes tennis an attractive option for those just starting with sports betting.
- Match Winner: The most common bet in tennis is the match winner, where bettors place a wager on the player they believe will win the match. With plenty of matches happening throughout the year, including ATP and WTA tournaments, there are frequent opportunities to place such bets.
- Set Betting: In addition to predicting the winner, bettors can also place wagers on set betting. This involves predicting the exact scoreline of the sets, such as 3-0 or 3-1, providing more specific betting opportunities. Set betting can offer higher returns but comes with a greater level of difficulty, requiring a more detailed analysis of the players’ performance and form.
Basketball – A Growing Market in India
| Betting Market | Description | Profitability | Best for | Example |
| Moneyline | Betting on which team will win the game. | Offers a straightforward betting option with well-established odds. | New bettors or those looking for a simple betting experience. | Betting on the Lakers to win against the Celtics. |
| Point Spread | Betting on how many points one team will win or lose by. | Introduces a handicap for a more competitive bet, often resulting in better odds. | Experienced bettors who understand the strengths and weaknesses of teams. | Betting on the Miami Heat to win by more than 5 points. |
| Over/Under Total Points | Betting on whether the total points scored in the game will exceed or fall short of a set number. | Provides opportunities to wager on the total combined score, enhancing market diversity. | Bettors who prefer predicting the overall game outcome rather than individual performances. | Betting on the total points scored in a game being over 210. |
| First Half Winner | Betting on which team will lead after the first half of the game. | A niche bet that can be profitable if a team has a strong first-half record. | Bettors who focus on early game outcomes and team strategies. | Betting on the Golden State Warriors to lead at halftime. |
| Player Performance | Betting on individual player performances, such as total points, rebounds, or assists. | Allows for niche betting on player performances, often with higher odds for specific events. | Bettors with strong knowledge of individual player form and performance patterns. | Betting on LeBron James to score over 25 points in a game. |
Horse Racing – The Classic Betting Sport
Horse racing, despite being a more traditional form of betting, continues to hold its ground in the Indian market. While newer sports like cricket and football have gained massive popularity in recent years, horse racing remains a classic betting sport with a significant following. One of the key reasons why horse racing is still profitable is its long history in India. Major racing events, such as the Derby, attract large crowds of bettors, both seasoned and newcomers. These events have become an integral part of Indian betting culture, and the presence of high-stakes races increases the volume of betting activity.
Another reason why horse racing is still lucrative for bettors is the favorable odds it often provides. Unlike some sports where betting markets can be highly competitive, horse racing tends to offer better odds for those who have a deep understanding of the sport. Bettors who take the time to research horses, jockeys, track conditions, and form can identify profitable opportunities. This makes it an attractive option for both novice and skilled bettors. The predictability of outcomes in horse racing is often more straightforward than other sports, which appeals to many.
Horse racing also stands out because of its regular events. Unlike sports that only have a few major tournaments or seasons throughout the year, horse racing features races almost every day of the week, especially during racing seasons. This constant stream of events provides bettors with almost endless opportunities to place wagers. It keeps the betting community engaged year-round, and with so many races to choose from, bettors can find markets that suit their betting preferences and strategies. Whether it’s a major event or a smaller race, the action is always there, making it easy for bettors to stay active.