Tennis is one of the most popular sports in India, and many fans are now considering betting as a way to add more excitement. But the question often comes up—is it even legal to bet on tennis from India?
The answer is not clear-cut. India has older gambling laws that don’t fully cover modern online platforms, and each state handles the rules differently. This leaves many users confused about what is allowed and what isn’t.
This guide helps you understand the whole picture. From legal details and safe websites to betting steps and beginner tips, everything you need to know is here. Keep reading to get clarity before you place your first bet.
Is Tennis Betting Legal In India?
Tennis betting in India is neither legal nor illegal. The laws are outdated and don’t fully address how online betting operates today. To understand where things stand, we need to examine both national and state-level regulations.
Indian National Laws You Should Know
The Public Gambling Act of 1867 is still the main law used to control gambling in India. It bans physical gambling houses but does not mention online sports betting, as it was written before the internet existed.
The Information Technology Act of 2000 deals with digital activity, but it doesn’t clearly include online betting. This legal gap allows many international betting sites to target Indian users.
Indian courts have often said that games involving skill are different from gambling. Since tennis betting can involve analysis and research, it may fall into the skill-based category.
State Restrictions & Legal Zones
Some Indian states allow betting under local rules. For example, Sikkim, Nagaland, and Goa have made space for regulated online betting platforms. These states recognize the difference between betting on sports and gambling, often treating skill-based betting more leniently.
On the other hand, states like Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu have strict laws banning most forms of online gambling and betting. In these states, placing a bet, even on a sports match, can lead to legal trouble.
Court rulings have added to the confusion. Some courts have supported bans, while others have protected games that involve skill. A major case is now in the Supreme Court, and its outcome may shape the future of online betting in India.
Which Tennis Matches Can You Bet on From India?
Tennis fans in India have access to a wide range of matches through online platforms that accept Indian users. These platforms offer both pre-match and live betting options across major tournaments and tours.
Grand Slams: Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open
Grand Slams are the biggest tennis events of the year. You can bet on each match from the first round to the finals, with markets available for winners, total sets, and more.
ATP & WTA Tours
You can bet on top-level weekly matches from both men’s and women’s professional circuits. This includes major events and regular season tournaments held around the world.
Team Events: Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup
These international team tournaments include high-stakes matches between countries. Betting options are usually available during knockout rounds and major ties.
Challenger & ITF Matches
These lower-tier matches like ATP Challenger and ITF events are covered by select platforms like 1xBet and Bet365. They offer basic betting markets, often with fewer options compared to bigger events.
How to Bet on Tennis From India (Step-by-Step Guide)
Betting on tennis from India is simple if you follow the right steps. We’ve covered how to get started, place your bets, and manage your winnings safely.
Step 1: Choose a Legal and Trusted Platform
Pick a site that accepts Indian users and holds a valid international license. Look for reviews, payment options, and responsible gaming features before signing up.
Step 2: Register and Verify Your Account
Create an account with your name and contact details. Most platforms will ask for identity verification through Aadhaar, PAN card, or other documents to complete KYC.
Step 3: Add Funds Using Indian Payment Methods
After registration, add money to your account using UPI, net banking, Paytm, debit/credit cards, or wallets. Some platforms also accept crypto, but local methods are faster and easier.
Step 4: Place Your First Bet
Choose a tennis match, select a market like match winner or total games, and enter the amount you want to stake. Understand how odds work—decimal is common, but some sites show fractional formats too.
Step 5: Track Bets and Withdraw Winnings
Follow your bets through the site’s dashboard. If you win, you can withdraw the money through the same payment method. Some platforms may deduct taxes, depending on the amount.
Risk Factors While Online Tennis Betting in India
While betting on tennis can be exciting, it also comes with risks. Knowing these risks can help you avoid mistakes and stay in control.
1. Legal Risks
Online betting laws in India vary by state. Some states ban all forms of betting, while others allow it under strict rules. Using platforms not approved for Indian users could lead to issues, especially in banned states. It’s essential to check your local laws before placing bets.
2. Financial and Behavioral Risks
Betting always involves the chance of losing money. Without a clear plan or limit, it’s easy to spend more than you expected. Some people also face gambling addiction, which can affect mental health, relationships, and finances. Signs include chasing losses, betting under stress, or hiding your activity.
3. How to Bet Responsibly
Use tools provided by platforms to set daily or monthly deposit limits. Take breaks and avoid betting when emotional or stressed. Always treat betting as entertainment, not as a way to earn money. If you feel your habits are getting out of control, seek help through support services or helplines.
How to Bet on Tennis Safely (Beginner Tips)
If you’re just getting started, tennis betting can feel overwhelming. These beginner tips will help you stay in control and improve your chances of making better decisions.
Know the Basics of Tennis & Match Factors
Before betting, understand how tennis scoring works—sets, games, tie-breaks, and match formats. Knowing what affects outcomes is just as important. Court surface, player fitness, weather, and head-to-head history all play a role.
A player strong on hard courts may struggle on clay. These details can shape the result and your betting choice.
Betting Tips For Beginners
Focus on matches involving well-known players from ATP and WTA tours. Rankings and recent performance often give clues about outcomes. Check how players perform on different surfaces like clay, grass, or hard courts.
Set a fixed amount for betting each week or month. This helps protect your money and avoid emotional decisions. If a bet loses, don’t try to win it back immediately, wait and plan the next one.
Avoid Common Mistakes
Many beginners bet without checking odds across platforms. Always compare odds to get better value. Another mistake is betting on too many matches without research.
Also, avoid chasing losses or betting while emotional. Stay calm, follow your strategy, and stick to your limits. Betting should add to the fun, not create stress.
Top 5 Online Tennis Betting Platforms for Indian Users
Here are five trusted platforms that offer solid tennis betting options for Indian users. These sites support Indian payment methods, run legally with offshore licenses, and provide match coverage across tours and tournaments.
1. 10Cric
10Cric is designed specifically for Indian users. It offers a wide range of tennis markets, including Grand Slams, ATP, WTA, and live in-play betting. Odds are updated in real-time, and the interface is easy to use on both desktop and mobile.
The platform supports UPI, Paytm, and net banking, and often runs tennis-specific promotions. New users can get up to ₹10,000 as a welcome bonus with a sports betting focus.
2. Parimatch
Parimatch provides strong live tennis coverage, especially during major tournaments. It offers fast-loading mobile apps and clear market listings for sets, totals, and handicaps. Indian users can bet using INR and local payment methods.
The site offers a 150% welcome bonus up to ₹1,05,000. It’s a good pick if you prefer mobile-first betting and regular tennis boosts.
3. 1xBet
1xBet covers almost every tennis event, including ITF and Challenger matches, which many platforms skip. It’s ideal for users who want more betting depth and custom markets. The site also supports UPI, PhonePe, and bank transfers.
New players get a 120% bonus up to ₹33,000. It’s well-suited for those interested in detailed odds and wider betting options.
4. Betway
Betway is a global name with solid coverage of ATP, WTA, and Grand Slam events. The platform is reliable, easy to navigate, and offers strong responsible betting tools.
For Indian users, it accepts INR and provides a ₹4,000 free bet as a sign-up bonus. Its clean interface and market variety make it beginner-friendly for tennis bettors.
5. Bet365
Bet365 offers one of the most comprehensive tennis betting experiences. From Grand Slams to smaller tournaments, its odds are among the most competitive.
In-play betting is fast and includes real-time stats and streaming for selected matches.
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Conclusion: With the Right Platform And Limits, You Can Bet On Tennis From India
Betting on tennis from India is possible through international platforms that accept Indian users and payments. However, the legal situation is still unclear. Some states allow it under regulated rules, while others have strict bans.
National laws are outdated and do not directly address online sports betting, which leaves a legal gap.
If you decide to bet, make sure you use verified, licensed platforms with proper KYC and responsible gaming features. Focus on making informed bets and stay within your budget. Tennis betting can be a fun experience when done safely and with full awareness of the risks.
FAQs
It depends on the state you’re in. National law does not clearly ban online betting, but states like Telangana and Tamil Nadu have strict rules. Some states like Sikkim and Goa allow regulated betting.
Most platforms that accept Indian users allow betting in Indian Rupees. They support popular payment methods like UPI, Paytm, and net banking for deposits and withdrawals.
Winnings from betting are considered taxable income under Indian tax laws. Platforms may not deduct tax automatically, so it’s the user’s responsibility to report and pay taxes on large winnings.
Trusted platforms like 10Cric, Betway, and Bet365 are known for secure transactions, clear terms, and responsible gaming tools. These are often recommended for Indian users looking for safety and compliance.
Live or in-play betting is offered by most major platforms. It allows users to place bets during a match with odds that change based on the score and game flow.
