Cricket has long been a passion in India, and the establishment of the local league has brought it to an unprecedented level. The IPL has become a global phenomenon, extending far beyond the country’s borders, and is now involved millions of sports fans and bettors. Wagering on the Indian Premier League is one of the most common forms of entertainment in the country, but its legality remains uncertain. Before engaging in this activity, learn the legal landscape and explore the risks that you may face when placing predictions on the most anticipated cricket matches.
Current Legal Framework: What Should Bettors Consider
The betting landscape in India is complicated, as the country sticks to the Public Gambling Act of 1867, which is obviously outdated. This law was enacted during the colonial era and implied a clear distinction between games of skill and games of chance. Betting falls under the second definition and has been officially prohibited since the mid-19th century. Currently, the country doesn’t have a unified nationwide framework, so regional governments can regulate the sector independently. Several states legalized offline casinos, but the digital branch still remains uncontrolled.
Attempts to Initiate Digital Laws and the Legal Grey Zone
In 2025, the Indian government released the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, which prohibits real-money games in its territory, establishing the authority supervising the industry, and guaranteeing a high level of consumer protection. Although it’s just a draft, this document is likely to continue the ban on risky activities involving initial investments.
However, it doesn’t mean that locals cannot enjoy legal IPL betting in India. Offshore bookmakers can enter the country’s market without limitations and provide residents with a variety of markets and thrilling promotions. Users should be attentive when selecting an online sportsbook and pay attention to the brand’s reputation before risking their personal funds.
Risks for Indian Bettors When Wagering on IPL
While offshore betting is a legal grey zone in the country, there are multiple threats awaiting users in this high-risk sector. The possibility of placing a wrong prediction and losing the entire stake is typically the first thing that comes to mind when discussing this point. However, there are still some points that punters should know before registering for the chosen bookmaker platform.
Unregulated Online Sportsbooks
Unfortunately, not all iGaming operators are legal and provide fair and transparent services. Some bookmakers only aim to deceive customers and steal their money, which is why users must thoroughly check the company’s reputation before making their first deposit. A fair sportsbook always indicates all the terms and conditions for members to ensure that they have fun in a regulated environment.
In this case, they can count on high-quality services and timely payouts. Bookmakers operating without licenses from responsible bodies such as the Curaçao Gaming Control Board, Malta Gaming Authority, or alternative supervisors are not worth users’ attention, as they can appear to be fraudulent.
Consumer Protection Loopholes
As online betting isn’t officially regulated in India, there’s no regulatory authority controlling compliance with industry standards. If a punter faces any problematic issues or has disputes when interacting with online bookmakers, they lack legal mechanisms to get the necessary consumer protection. This point also concerns safer gaming requirements: if players experience the first symptoms of gambling-related disorders, they need to seek help independently.
Specific IPL Considerations
Cricket betting is gaining popularity in India; despite the ban on domestic online bookies, fans actively join offshore platforms and wager on IPL matches. It’s one of the most-watched leagues in the state, which implies unpredictability and high risks for punters. Take a look at some points you should know and try to minimize the threats during your sports wagering journey:
- In the past, IPL had several match-fixing scandals; although the league now prohibits such instances and closely follows compliance, punters should be attentive
- IPL betting markets have large volumes, which increases the risk of manipulation and insider tips that can affect wagering lines and eventual payout sizes for users
- The visibility of the Indian Premier League can result in higher enforcement and scrutiny from sports‑governance bodies
- If punters utilize in-country payment systems on offshore betting sites, they may expose themselves beyond the state’s law and face bank account freezing
These points aren’t the reason to completely avoid IPL betting activities. Cricket fans can still take advantage of legal loopholes and join bookmaker platforms registered outside the Indian borders. If you face problems when depositing via in-country systems, opt for international alternatives. Cryptocurrencies are a worthy choice in this case, but users must ensure that online bookmakers offering these banking options operate legally and hold a license.
Taxation and Financial Risks
The financial risks of IPL online betting are evident: users can lose their funds if they make a wrong prediction. Hence, punters must carefully plan their budgets and never exceed limits to avoid overspending. Taxation issues are another point here. While cricket wagering isn’t officially regulated in India, winnings are taxable. Punters have to pay 30% of their betting income. It’s typically one of the most disappointing aspects for adrenaline seekers, encouraging them to select cryptocurrencies as a preferred payment system.
