How to Bet on Cricket Online: A Beginner’s Guide (2025)

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How to Bet on Cricket Online: A Beginner’s Guide

Cricket and betting have always shared a strong connection — from street corner match talk to online prediction leagues. But in 2025, betting on cricket online has become more accessible, exciting, and safer than ever before.

If you’re new to online betting and wondering how to get started, you’re in the right place.

This beginner-friendly guide will walk you through everything you need to know about cricket betting online — from choosing the right site and understanding betting types to placing your first wager confidently.

✅ No complex jargon. Just simple, step-by-step advice to help you bet smarter.

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📍 Is Online Cricket Betting Legal in Your Country?

Before placing your first bet, let’s address the most important question — is it legal?

The legality of online cricket betting depends entirely on your location and local gambling laws:

India – Online betting exists in a gray area. While there’s no national law banning it, some states restrict it. Always bet through licensed offshore platforms that accept Indian players and support INR, UPI, or Paytm.

United Kingdom – Completely legal and regulated under the UK Gambling Commission.

United States – Depends on the state. Some allow sports betting through state-regulated apps; others still ban it.

Australia, South Africa, New Zealand – Legal but must use licensed providers.

📌 Smart Tip: Always check the site’s license. Look for certifications from bodies like the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), UKGC, or Curacao eGaming. These ensure fair play and safer transactions.

🛠️ What You Need to Start Betting on Cricket Online

Starting is easier than you think. Here’s what you need:

  • A smartphone or computer with internet access

  • A valid ID for account verification (passport, license, Aadhaar card)

  • A payment method like UPI, bank card, Paytm, Skrill, or even crypto

  • A trusted betting site account (we’ll recommend the best ones below)

🔎 Step-by-Step: How to Bet on Cricket Online

Let’s break down the process in simple steps.

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Step 1: Choose a Trusted Cricket Betting Site

Not all betting platforms are created equal. For a safe and smooth experience, choose a sportsbook that:

  • Is licensed and secure

  • Offers cricket-focused markets (IPL, T20s, ODIs, etc.)

  • Accepts INR or local currency

  • Has fast deposits and withdrawals

  • Provides mobile support (app or browser)

🏆  Our top picks for 2025 cricket betting sites with bonus offers!

Step 2: Create Your Account

Once you’ve picked a site, it’s time to sign up:

  1. Click the Join/Register button

  2. Fill in your basic details (name, DOB, email, phone)

  3. Set a secure password

  4. Submit KYC documents (for most platforms, this is required for withdrawals)

🛡️ Your info stays secure if you’re using a licensed betting platform. Avoid shady sites without proper verification.

Step 3: Make Your First Deposit

Once your account is verified, it’s time to fund it.

Most trusted sportsbooks offer a variety of deposit methods, including:

  • UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm)

  • Bank Transfer

  • Debit/Credit Cards

  • E-wallets (Skrill, Neteller)

  • Crypto (on select platforms like Stake.com or 1xBit)

💡 Look for betting sites that accept INR and offer zero deposit fees.

After selecting your method:

  1. Go to the Deposit/Wallet section

  2. Choose your payment method

  3. Enter the amount you want to deposit

  4. Confirm the transaction

Most deposits are instant, and your balance will reflect right away.

Step 4: Navigate to the Cricket Section

Once your balance is funded, head over to the sportsbook’s Cricket section. You’ll typically find this under:

  • “Sports” ➜ “Cricket”

  • Or via a quick link from the homepage (especially during IPL or World Cup seasons)

Here, you’ll see upcoming and live matches for:

  • International games (IND vs ENG, AUS vs PAK, etc.)

  • T20 Leagues (IPL, BBL, PSL, The Hundred)

  • ODIs, Tests, and even Women’s cricket events

📱 Pro Tip: If you’re on mobile, apps often have better layout and faster live odds refresh than mobile browsers.

Step 5: Pick a Match and Market

Let’s say India is playing England in an ODI.

You’ll find dozens of betting markets like:

  • Match Winner (India or England)

  • Top Run Scorer

  • Total Runs Over/Under

  • First Wicket Method

  • Most Sixes

  • Player to Score 50/100

  • Toss Winner

Select the market you want to bet on. You’ll see the odds listed next to each option.

Example:
✅ India to Win – 1.75
✅ England to Win – 2.05

If you bet ₹1,000 on India at 1.75 and they win, you’ll get ₹1,750 in return (₹750 profit).

Step 6: Place Your Bet

Ready to lock it in?

  1. Click the odds next to your selected outcome

  2. Your bet slip will appear (usually on the right or bottom)

  3. Enter your stake amount (e.g. ₹500)

  4. Review your total potential return

  5. Click Place Bet

That’s it — you’ve officially placed your first online cricket bet!

✅ You can track all your open bets under your account > “My Bets” section.

🧠 Step 7: Understand Different Types of Cricket Bets

Cricket offers a wide variety of betting markets. As a beginner, it’s helpful to understand the most common types:

🎯 Match Winner

Bet on which team will win the match. Simple and great for beginners.

🔢 Over/Under Bets

Predict whether a team will score over or under a specific number of runs.

Example: “India Over 275.5 Runs” — if they score 276 or more, your bet wins.

🧍‍♂️ Top Batsman / Bowler

Pick which player will score the most runs or take the most wickets.

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🧹 Outright Tournament Winner

Bet on the team you think will win an entire tournament — like the IPL or World Cup.

🎲 Prop Bets / Specials

Fun, niche bets like:

  • Method of first dismissal

  • Will a batsman hit a six?

  • Total number of boundaries

  • First ball of the match outcome

🧠 Tip: Stick to basic markets until you’re familiar with team/player form and pitch conditions.

🎮 Step 8: Explore Live/In-Play Betting

One of the most exciting features of online cricket betting is live betting.

You can place bets as the match unfolds in real time.

Live markets include:

  • Next over runs

  • Next batsman out

  • Live match winner odds

  • Session runs

Odds shift quickly based on momentum, wickets, and strike rate — so it’s fast-paced and thrilling.

⚠️ Be cautious. Emotions can run high during live betting. Always stick to your betting limit.

💡 Step 9: Use Betting Tips & Stats

Before placing your bets, check out:

  • Form guides

  • Head-to-head stats

  • Pitch and weather reports

  • Player injuries or line-up changes

SmartCricketBetting.com regularly posts expert tips, previews, and match insights to help you bet smarter.

You can also follow cricket analysts and tipsters on:

  • Twitter / X

  • Telegram betting communities

  • YouTube channels for match previews

✅ Combine expert tips with your own analysis for the best results.

💰 Step 10: Bankroll Management – Don’t Bet Blindly

Just like the pros manage their game, smart bettors manage their bankroll.

Here’s how to stay in control:

  • 🎯 Set a monthly or weekly betting limit

  • 💵 Avoid chasing losses — it often leads to bigger losses

  • 🪙 Bet a small % of your bankroll per wager (e.g., 1–5%)

  • ⛔ Never stake more than you can afford to lose

Pro Tip: Treat betting as entertainment — not a quick money-making scheme.

🙏 Step 11: Practice Responsible Gambling

Gambling should be fun, not stressful.

Watch for these warning signs:

  • Betting more than you planned

  • Feeling anxious when you lose

  • Hiding your betting activity

  • Chasing losses

If you or someone you know is struggling:

👉 Visit: BeGambleAware.org
👉 Helpline: Call 1-800-GAMBLER (USA) or your local responsible gambling authority.

At SmartCricketBetting, we fully support responsible play. Know when to stop.

🧠 Understanding Cricket Betting Odds: Your Key to Smart Bets

Before placing your first cricket bet, you need to understand how odds work. Odds are not just numbers — they reflect the probability of an event happening and determine how much money you can win.

📊 What Are Odds?

In simple terms, odds show:

  • How likely something is to happen (like a team winning)

  • How much you’ll win if your bet is successful

For example, if the odds for India to beat England are 2.50, and you bet $10, your return will be $10 × 2.50 = $25 (including your stake).

Let’s look at the three most common formats of odds used in cricket betting:

✅ Decimal Odds (e.g., 2.50)

  • Most common in cricket betting, especially online.

  • Easy to calculate your payout:
    Winnings = Stake × Decimal Odds

  • Example: $10 bet at 2.50 = $25 return ($15 profit + $10 stake)

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✅ Fractional Odds (e.g., 5/2)

  • Popular in the UK and traditional betting circles.

  • Shows profit relative to your stake.
    In “5/2”, for every $2 bet, you win $5.

  • Example: $10 bet at 5/2 = $25 return ($15 profit + $10 stake)

✅ American Odds (e.g., +150 or -200)

  • Common in North America and less so in cricket.

  • Positive odds (+150): You win $150 for every $100 bet

  • Negative odds (-200): You need to bet $200 to win $100

🎯 Implied Probability: What the Odds Really Mean

Odds also tell you the bookmaker’s estimated chance of an event happening. Here’s how you can convert decimal odds to implied probability:

Implied Probability (%) = (1 / Decimal Odds) × 100

Example:
If odds are 2.00 → (1 / 2.00) × 100 = 50% chance

Understanding implied probability helps you spot value bets — where the odds offer more than the actual likelihood.

🏏 Common Cricket Bet Types for Beginners

Once you understand how odds work, the next step is knowing what you can bet on. Cricket offers a wide range of betting options — here are the most beginner-friendly types.

1. 🏆 Match Winner (Moneyline)

  • The simplest bet: Pick which team will win the match.

  • Example: India vs England — you bet on India to win.

2. 🥇 Outright Winner

  • Bet on the winner of a tournament or league before it begins.

  • Example: Predict the winner of the IPL or Cricket World Cup.

3. 🏏 Top Batsman / Top Bowler

  • Bet on which player will score the most runs or take the most wickets.

  • Available for individual matches or full series.

4. 🔢 Over/Under Totals

  • Bookmakers set a total number (e.g., 290 runs).

  • You bet if the total will be over or under that number.

5. 🎯 Player Props

  • Bet on specific player outcomes:
    Example: “Virat Kohli to score 50+ runs”

  • Great for fans who follow individual players closely.

6. 🔴 Live Betting (In-Play)

  • Bet while the match is happening.

  • Options include:

    • Next batsman out

    • Runs in the next over

    • When the next wicket will fall

7. 🏆 Series Winner / Correct Score

  • Bet on the overall winner of a series (e.g., India to win 2-1).

  • Also includes predicting the exact series scoreline.

🏁 Final Thoughts: Start Smart, Stay Sharp

Online cricket betting is more exciting than ever — especially with the rise of legal sportsbooks and in-play options.

To recap:

✅ Choose a legal, trusted sportsbook
✅ Learn the betting types and rules
✅ Follow the game, research teams, and watch the odds
✅ Bet responsibly with a smart bankroll strategy

🎓 The more informed you are, the better your chances of making smart, enjoyable bets.

Want Expert Tips?
👉 Follow us at SmartCricketBetting.com for real match previews, betting tips, and up-to-date guides tailored for fans like you.

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