Is Cricket Betting Allowed in Casinos? Rules, Laws & Legal Guide

Cricket betting is not allowed in casinos in India after the Online Gaming Bill 2025 became law. The new rules ban all real-money betting, including cricket betting in physical casinos.

Anyone involved in cricket betting can face serious consequences. Penalties may include heavy fines of up to ₹2 crore and imprisonment of up to five years. Both players and operators can be punished.

This article clearly explains the current legal position, the penalties for breaking the law, and the legal alternatives available for cricket fans who visit casinos or enjoy gaming platforms.

Is Cricket Betting Allowed in Casinos? – Legal Snapshot (2026)

Region / Country	Is Cricket Betting Allowed in Casinos?	Legal Status (2026)
India	No	Real-money cricket betting banned nationwide
United Kingdom	No (directly)	Allowed via licensed bookmakers, not casinos
Australia	No (directly)	Sports betting is allowed via licensed operators
United States	State-based	Only in states with legal sports betting
South Africa	Yes (regulated)	Allowed under licensed betting laws
UAE	No	All forms of betting are prohibited
Caribbean (select regions)	Yes	Depends on local gambling regulations

Cricket Betting in Casinos: Latest Legal Laws

Cricket betting in casinos is regulated under India’s updated gaming laws, including India’s Online Gaming Bill 2025. Under these rules, real-money cricket betting is not allowed anywhere in the country, even inside physical casinos.

Earlier laws, such as the Public Gambling Act of 1867, did not clearly explain the status of sports betting in casinos. This created confusion about whether cricket betting was permitted. The 2025 Online Gaming law removes this confusion by clearly banning real-money cricket betting.

These rules apply to land-based casinos, online platforms, and sports betting operators. As a result, cricket betting is not allowed in casinos, and both casino operators and players can face legal penalties.

Cricket Betting Laws by State in India (Before vs After Gaming Law)

Before the new law, Indian states had different gambling regulations. States such as Goa and Sikkim permit licensed casinos to operate certain gambling activities with state permission.

At the same time, states such as Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh enforced strict bans on betting. Many other states relied on older central laws, creating confusion about whether cricket betting was permitted anywhere.

The Online Gaming Bill 2025 removed these differences by introducing a uniform national ban. Cricket betting is now illegal in every Indian state, including former casino hubs like Goa and Sikkim. 

Earlier, many players from different states used offshore casinos and betting websites to place cricket bets, especially during major tournaments. After the ban on casino and betting sites, access to platforms like 1xbet, Betaway, etc., reduced sharply, with  payment options also  blocked.

Is Cricket Betting Allowed in Online Casinos?

The Online Gaming Act applies to all digital platforms, including online casinos and betting websites. Under this law, cricket betting is not allowed, even if the platform operates outside India.

Offshore betting sites and foreign online casinos cannot legally offer cricket betting to Indian users. Even though cricket betting is not allowed in online casinos, some people still place  online cricket bets 

Doing this is risky. Users can face bank or UPI account freezes, fines, and even criminal charges.  Remember that you will face serious consequences, if you play at any online casino in India.  

Cricket Betting Punishment in India: Fines and Jail Time

The Online Gaming Bill 2025 sets strict penalties for anyone involved in cricket betting. First-time offenders can face fines of up to ₹1 crore and imprisonment of up to three years.

Repeat offences attract harsher punishment, including fines of up to ₹2 crore and jail terms of up to five years. Betting operators, facilitators, and advertisers may face even stricter legal action.

Since the law came into force, enforcement has increased, with authorities closely monitoring betting activities. Even small or casual cricket bets can lead to legal consequences, as the law applies equally to organizers and players. 

Legal Alternatives to Cricket Betting at Casinos

Since cricket betting is illegal in India, you can still enjoy similar excitement through esports tournaments, which are skill-based, legal, and competitive. These games provide the thrill of strategy and winning prizes safely.

Free-to-play cricket prediction games let fans forecast match outcomes without using money, keeping the experience fun and fully legal.

Fantasy-style formats without cash prizes offer social and interactive competition, letting cricket enthusiasts engage responsibly, enjoy friendly contests, and avoid any legal risks associated with casinos or betting platforms.

Conclusion: Cricket Betting Remains Illegal In Casinos

Cricket betting is not allowed in casinos anywhere in India under the Online Gaming Bill 2025. The law imposes a strict nationwide ban covering physical casinos, online platforms, and all real-money betting.

Violators face serious penalties, including heavy fines and imprisonment, regardless of the bet size or frequency. Both operators and participants are fully liable under this legal framework.

For safe entertainment, choose legal alternatives like esports tournaments, free cricket prediction games, and social fantasy platforms. Staying aware of the rules helps you enjoy cricket responsibly and avoid legal trouble.

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