Cricket betting laws really aren’t the same everywhere. Some countries have opened the doors wide and turned betting into a legit, regulated business. Others have slammed the door shut, imposing strict limits or outright bans.
And as cricket gets more popular worldwide, everyone’s talking about whether betting should be allowed. Fans, betting companies, and regulators all have something to say.
Here, we’ll dig into how different countries handle cricket betting, what’s legal, what’s not, and what rules you need to know. It’s not all smooth sailing, either.
Some places have managed to set up a legal system, but others stick to bans because they worry about match-fixing, underground betting rings, or people getting hooked on gambling. The whole industry keeps changing, and honestly, it’s a lot to keep up with.
Countries Where Cricket Betting Is Legal
To provide a clear overview, here’s a table of countries where cricket betting is legal:
| Country | Betting Legality |
|---|---|
| England | Legal and regulated |
| Australia | Legal with restrictions |
| New Zealand | Legal and regulated |
| South Africa | Legal with strict regulations |
| Sri Lanka | Legal since 2010 |
| Canada | Legal since 2021 (single-game betting) |
| United States | Legal in many states (varies by state) |
| Mexico | Legal and widely accessible |
| Ireland | Legal and regulated by the GRAI |
| Kenya | Legal and regulated by the GRA |
Cricket Playing Nations Involved In Cricket Betting
Several cricket-playing nations have legalized betting on the sport, each with its own set of regulations and restrictions.
England
Cricket originated in England, and betting on sports has been part of the culture for ages. It’s legal here, thanks to the Gambling Act of 2005, which lays out the rules. The England and Wales Cricket Board has its own guidelines for anyone involved with cricket betting. They want to keep things fair and protect the integrity of the game.
Australia
Cricket betting is legal in Australia, but Cricket Australia keeps it on a tight leash. Aussies actually rank among the world’s most frequent gamblers. The government monitors activities at both the federal and state levels, and here’s the twist: there is no tax on your winnings. The money comes from the betting operators instead.
New Zealand
Cricket betting is legal in Australia, but Cricket Australia keeps it on a tight leash. Aussies actually rank among the world’s most frequent gamblers. The government keeps an eye on things at both the federal and state levels, and here’s the twist: there’s no tax on your winnings. The money comes from the betting operators instead.
South Africa
South Africa lifted its long ban on sports betting in 2004, thanks to the National Gambling Act. Now, people can legally bet on cricket and other sports, but the industry doesn’t run wild. There are tough rules and licensing in place to keep things fair and crack down on anything shady.
Ireland
Ireland recently updated its gambling laws through the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. This established the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) to oversee all betting activities. While the market is well-established, new rules include a strict daytime ban on gambling advertisements and the creation of a social fund to help prevent gambling addiction.
Sri Lanka
Cricket betting was legalized in Sri Lanka in 2010, marking a significant shift in the country’s gambling landscape. However, the betting market is still developing, with most opportunities focused on the Indian Premier League and matches involving the Sri Lankan national team.
Mexico
Sports betting has been legal in Mexico since 2004, with few restrictions. People can place bets at retail sportsbooks or online platforms. Betting is allowed in many sports, including football and soccer. The only rule is that you must be 18 or older to participate. Due to its relaxed regulations, Mexico has a rapidly growing betting industry.
Non-Cricket Playing Countries Involved In Cricket Betting
Interestingly, some countries where cricket isn’t a major sport have also legalized betting on the game.
Canada
In August 2021, Canada lifted its federal ban on single-game sports betting, including cricket. This move has created new opportunities for the betting industry, with projections indicating significant growth in the coming years.
United States
The legality of sports betting, including cricket, varies by state in the US. Since the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to overturn the federal ban on sports betting, many states have moved to legalize and regulate the practice. The industry has seen rapid growth, with cricket betting gaining popularity alongside more traditional American sports.
Kenya
Kenya is one of the largest betting markets in Africa, and recently introduced the Gambling Control Act 2025. The industry is now managed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA), which replaced the older licensing board. These updated laws focus on stricter age verification and new tax rules for online platforms to ensure the industry is safe and well-regulated.
Is Cricket Betting Legal In India?
India’s relationship with cricket betting is messy, to say the least. Cricket is almost a religion there, but betting on it is a religion. That’s where things get complicated. The old Public Gambling Act from 1867 makes public gambling, including on cricket, totally illegal. You could get in real trouble for it. But everything becomes much more complex once you move online.
Right now, there’s no specific law that covers online cricket betting in India. That legal loophole has helped underground betting explode. Physical betting shops are banned, but tons of people still place bets online, usually through offshore websites that aren’t exactly playing by the rules.
Some apps and sites have been removed after regulators stepped in, citing questionable practices. A few states, Sikkim and Nagaland, have attempted to establish their own regulations for online gambling. Still, those rules don’t apply nationwide, so most people are left guessing what’s legal and what’s not. The absence of a clear national law adds to the confusion and has prompted calls for proper regulation to protect people and generate tax revenue.
The argument about legalizing cricket betting isn’t going anywhere. Supporters say regulation would cut down on illegal gambling and the crime that comes with it. On the other hand, critics worry about gambling addiction and match-fixing scandals. For now, the whole matter remains unresolved.
Suggested Reads:
Conclusion: Cricket Betting Is Legal in Many Countries
Cricket betting laws are all over the place, honestly. Some countries see it as a chance to attract revenue and keep things above board, while others still shut it down hard, usually because of social or moral concerns.
In places like England and Australia, betting on cricket is just part of the game. It’s built into the culture, and tight rules keep everyone in check. Then you have countries such as Sri Lanka and South Africa. They only recently legalized betting, hoping it would help the economy and bring the business out of the shadows.
India’s situation is a mess. Millions of people love cricket, but there’s no clear law about online betting. So, several platforms operate in this gray area. Every state does its own thing, and nobody’s really on the same page about whether betting should be regulated or banned outright. The debate just keeps going, and nobody’s figured it out yet.
Meanwhile, the betting industry continues to grow. Governments, cricket boards, betting companies, fans, everyone’s got a stake in this. If they actually work together, they can build a system that’s fair, safe, and transparent. Thus, people can bet responsibly, and the sport remains honest.
