When we think of sports betting in India, the first thing that probably pops into your head is cricket. And sure, cricket is like religion here — from the IPL to World Cups, fans bet in droves. But hold on, there’s more to the Indian betting scene than just cricket. In fact, online betting in India has spread its wings to cover a range of other sports that are now grabbing the attention of bettors across the country. This article dives deep into popular Indian sports for online betting besides cricket — the underdogs, the rising stars, and the ones quietly building massive fanbases. If you’re ready to expand your betting knowledge and maybe even discover your new favorite sport to wager on, you’re in for a treat!
Football: India’s Growing Obsession
Football has evolved far beyond being just a sport popular in Europe or Latin America; in India, its appeal is booming like never before. The surge in interest is driven largely by the widespread accessibility of major international leagues such as the English Premier League, La Liga, and the UEFA Champions League. Alongside these global competitions, the Indian Super League (ISL) has played a vital role in bringing football closer to home for millions of Indian fans. This growing enthusiasm has naturally spilled over into the online betting world, where more punters are now eagerly placing wagers on football matches, making it one of the fastest-growing betting markets in the country.
One key reason football attracts so many bettors in India is the sheer volume of matches played daily or weekly, providing endless opportunities to place bets. Whether it’s a high-stakes Premier League clash or a lesser-known fixture from a smaller league, football’s vast calendar keeps bettors engaged all year round. Moreover, the variety of betting options available — from predicting the total goals scored to who will net the first goal, or applying handicaps to even out uneven matchups — adds layers of excitement and strategy to the experience. This diversity of markets appeals to both novice and experienced bettors, allowing everyone to find their preferred style of wagering.
Another major draw is the surge in live or in-play betting on football. Watching a match unfold and making real-time bets based on the momentum swings, substitutions, or tactical changes intensifies the thrill unlike any other sport. The dynamic nature of football matches means odds can shift dramatically in minutes, offering sharp bettors plenty of chances to capitalize on changing situations. Coupled with the availability of global streaming services that broadcast matches directly to Indian viewers, fans can follow games live while engaging in betting action simultaneously, making the experience deeply immersive.
Finally, the broad global exposure of football plays a big role in its popularity in India’s betting scene. Iconic teams and players enjoy worldwide fanbases, which helps Indian bettors connect emotionally and culturally with the sport. The Indian Super League’s growth has also contributed by creating local heroes and bringing football closer to Indian traditions and rivalries. This blend of international glamour and domestic flavor makes football betting not just about numbers and odds, but about passion, pride, and community — elements that resonate strongly with Indian sports fans today.
Kabaddi: The Traditional Sport Turned Betting Goldmine
Kabaddi, once seen as a simple rural pastime played in dusty mud pits, has transformed into a thrilling professional sport that now commands a significant presence in the online betting world. The launch and success of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) revolutionized how Indians view this traditional game, taking it from local fields straight into prime-time television and digital streaming platforms. This exposure not only boosted kabaddi’s popularity but also created a booming market for bettors who are eager to explore new opportunities beyond mainstream sports. Today, kabaddi betting is a vibrant, fast-growing segment, capturing the interest of punters looking for fast-paced action and fresh markets.
- Fast-paced gameplay that keeps the action continuous and engaging
- Unpredictable match outcomes due to the nature of raids and defensive tackles
- Short match durations that create quick results and opportunities for live betting
- Availability of both team-based and individual player betting markets
- Easy to follow for new bettors due to clear scoring rules and fast updates
- Growing fan base fueled by media coverage and the Pro Kabaddi League’s success
- Opportunities to bet on specific moments such as first raid points or highest scorer
- The strategic depth of the sport appeals to analytical bettors who study player form and tactics
- High entertainment value making betting a social and immersive experience
- Increasing number of online sportsbooks offering kabaddi betting options, making access easy and convenient
- Inclusion of advanced statistics in betting markets, such as tackle points and successful raids
- Popularity across different Indian states, ensuring a widespread betting audience
- Enhanced streaming and live updates supporting real-time betting decisions
- Promotions and bonuses by betting sites specifically for kabaddi events
- Emerging international kabaddi tournaments expanding betting horizons beyond domestic leagues
- Match Winner: Bet on which team will win the match
- First Raid Points: Predict which player or team will score the first raid point
- Total Points Over/Under: Wager on whether the combined points will be over or under a set number
- Player Performance Bets: Includes markets for tackles made, raids completed, and total points scored by individual players
Tennis: The International Favorite with Indian Fans
| Tournament Name | Surface | Frequency | Popular Betting Markets | Why Bettors Like It |
| Wimbledon | Grass | Annual (July) | Match winner, Set winner, Total games | Traditional prestige, unpredictable grass play |
| Australian Open | Hard Court | Annual (January) | Head-to-head, Live betting, Over/Under | Fast courts, early-year excitement |
| French Open (Roland Garros) | Clay | Annual (May-June) | Handicap betting, Player performance | Clay surface changes dynamics, longer rallies |
| US Open | Hard Court | Annual (August-September) | First serve winner, Next point, Total sets | Night matches, aggressive play styles |
| ATP Finals | Indoor Hard | Annual (November) | Group stage winner, Tournament winner | End of season climax, top player matchups |
Badminton: Betting on Smashes and Drops
Badminton has steadily risen in popularity across India, largely thanks to star players like PV Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth who have brought international recognition and pride to the country. Their successes have inspired a new wave of fans who now follow the sport with keen interest, not just as spectators but also as bettors. While badminton might not yet rival football or tennis in terms of betting volume, it is carving out a solid niche on many leading online betting platforms, especially during major tournaments. This growing presence shows that badminton’s fast-paced and thrilling gameplay has great potential for betting enthusiasts.
What sets badminton apart in the betting world is its quick, intense matches. Unlike sports with longer durations, badminton games are often wrapped up in a short timeframe, allowing bettors to see results rapidly. This fast turnaround appeals to those who enjoy frequent action and the excitement of knowing their bet’s outcome without long waits. Additionally, badminton’s straightforward scoring system makes it easy for bettors to understand and engage with match winner bets. The simplicity attracts beginners, while more seasoned bettors can explore handicap and total points markets when available, adding layers of strategy and opportunity.
The betting markets for badminton usually center around predicting the match winner, but there are also options to bet on set scores or total points in a match. Some platforms offer handicap betting, where one player is given a virtual advantage or disadvantage to balance the competition, making matches between unevenly matched opponents more enticing to wager on. Total points bets, which predict whether the combined score will be over or under a certain threshold, also add variety and excitement. These options provide a versatile betting experience suited to different levels of risk tolerance and betting styles.
When it comes to tournaments, several major badminton events dominate the betting scene. The BWF Super Series, featuring the world’s top-ranked players, is a favorite for placing bets throughout the year. The Olympic Games add a special flair to badminton betting, as national pride and high stakes intensify interest. Additionally, team events like the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup draw significant attention, with bettors placing wagers not just on individual matches but on team performance and progression. These competitions ensure that badminton betting remains active and engaging across different formats and times of the year.
Motorsports: Speed Meets Strategy in Betting
Motorsports have carved out an exciting space in the Indian betting landscape, attracting a growing number of enthusiasts who crave the adrenaline rush of high-speed racing combined with strategic betting opportunities. The sound of roaring engines, split-second decisions on sharp corners, and the tactical timing of pit stops all contribute to the intense drama that keeps fans hooked. Indian bettors, particularly the younger generation, are increasingly drawn to motorsports like Formula 1 (F1) and MotoGP, appreciating both the sport’s thrilling pace and the diverse betting markets it offers. The global appeal of these championships, along with enhanced coverage and easy access to live streams, has helped fuel this surge in betting interest.
- Race Winner: Betting on which driver or rider will cross the finish line first in a specific race.
- Podium Finish (Top 3): Wagering on a competitor finishing in the top three positions, offering more chances to win than a simple race winner bet.
- Fastest Lap: Predicting which driver or rider will record the fastest lap time during the race, often an exciting market for those following technical performance.
- Head-to-Head Driver Matchups: Betting on which of two selected drivers or riders will finish higher in the race standings, a popular market that creates direct competition.
- Qualifying Winner: Placing bets on who will secure pole position during the qualifying rounds, influencing race day expectations.
- Constructor/Team Winner: Wagering on which team or constructor will earn the most points or win the championship over a season.
- Race Position Betting: Betting on whether a particular driver or rider will finish within a specified position range, such as finishing in the top 5 or top 10.
- Margin of Victory: Predicting the time gap between the winner and the runner-up, appealing to bettors who enjoy analyzing race pace.
- Safety Car Deployment: Betting on whether a safety car will be deployed during the race, adding an element of unpredictability.
- Lap Leader: Wagering on which competitor will lead at a specific lap during the race, allowing for more granular bets.
- Number of Pit Stops: Predicting how many pit stops a driver or team will make during the race, combining knowledge of strategy and race conditions.
- Retirement/Non-Finish: Betting on whether a driver or rider will fail to finish the race due to crashes or mechanical issues.
- Season Championship Winner: Long-term bets placed on who will win the overall drivers’ or riders’ championship at the end of the season.
- In-Play Betting Markets: Real-time bets during the race, such as next overtaking maneuver, next driver to pit, or next driver to set a fastest lap, offering dynamic betting experiences.
- Qualifying Top 3 Finish: Wagering on which drivers will qualify in the top three positions, influencing race strategy.
Basketball: NBA & International Leagues in Indian Betting
| League/Competition | Country/Region | Season Timing | Popular Betting Markets | Why Indian Bettors Like It |
| NBA (National Basketball Association) | USA | October – June | Point spread, Moneyline, Over/Under | Most popular league with daily games, star players, and dynamic betting options |
| EuroLeague | Europe | October – May | Match winner, Quarter betting, Total points | High skill level, tactical games, great for live betting |
| FIBA Basketball World Cup | International | Every 4 years | Tournament winner, Head-to-head, Player performance | National pride and global competition draw interest |
| Indian National Basketball Championship (INBC) | India | Varies | Match winner, Total points, Handicap | Domestic league growing in popularity, easier to follow locally |
| NBA Summer League | USA | July | Game winner, Player stats | Opportunity to bet on rising stars and rookies |
Horse Racing: The Oldest Form of Betting in India
Horse racing holds a unique place in Indian betting history, being one of the oldest and most traditional forms of wagering in the country. For decades, it has been associated with the elite turf clubs and racecourses in major cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata. These cities have hosted some of the most prestigious races in India, attracting bettors who cherish the excitement and elegance that come with the sport. Over time, horse racing developed a loyal following, and betting on horses became more than just a pastime—it was a cultural event with a rich heritage.
With the advent of technology and the internet, horse racing betting has evolved dramatically. What was once limited to physical racecourses and betting windows has now transitioned to the online sphere. Today, bettors across India can watch live streams of major races from anywhere and place their bets through user-friendly digital platforms. This shift has made horse racing betting more accessible and convenient than ever before, expanding its reach well beyond traditional circles and bringing in a new generation of fans who appreciate the thrill of the race from the comfort of their homes.
Understanding how horse race betting works is crucial for anyone interested in this classic sport. The most common bet types include the “Win” bet, where you select a horse to finish first. The “Place” bet allows you to wager on a horse finishing either first or second, while the “Show” bet is a bit safer, as it wins if the horse finishes in the top three. For those looking for more complex bets, “Exacta” and “Trifecta” bets are popular, where you must predict the horses finishing first and second, or first, second, and third in the exact order. These betting options offer various levels of risk and reward, catering to both conservative bettors and thrill-seekers.
Horse racing’s blend of tradition, strategy, and fast-paced action keeps it relevant in India’s evolving betting landscape. The digital transformation has only enhanced this, making it easier for bettors to engage with the sport, analyze form guides, and place bets in real-time. Whether it’s a classic derby or a high-stakes race at a metropolitan turf, horse racing continues to offer a unique betting experience rooted in history but fully adapted to the digital age.