Tennis has a huge fan base in India, and for many, tennis betting once seemed like a fun way to add extra thrill to the matches. But the big question now is, can you still bet legally in India?
The short answer: NO. What used to be a confusing grey area has been made clear by the new Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. The law bans all kinds of online betting and money games, which means tennis betting is no longer allowed in India.
In this guide, we’ll explain what the new rules mean, how they affect fans, and why using offshore betting sites is now risky. Keep reading to get the full story before you think about placing a bet.
Is Tennis Betting Legal In India?
Tennis betting in India is now illegal under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. Earlier, outdated gambling laws left the status of online betting unclear, but the new Act has created a uniform nationwide ban. To understand the shift, we need to look at how this central law has reshaped the legal framework.
Indian National Laws You Should Know
Earlier, the Public Gambling Act of 1867 and the Information Technology Act of 2000 were the main references for gambling. Since they were written long before the rise of online gaming, they left loopholes that international betting sites used to operate in India.
The 2025 Act has now closed these gaps. It bans all “online money games,” which include betting, gambling, fantasy sports, poker, rummy, and lotteries. Unlike before, there is no difference between a game of skill and a game of chance. If money is involved, it is prohibited.
Platforms and advertisers face strict penalties, while a new body called the National Online Gaming Commission (NOGC) has been set up to regulate and block illegal sites.
State Restrictions & Legal Zones
In the past, some states, such as Sikkim, Nagaland, and Goa, allowed certain betting activities, while others, like Telangana and Tamil Nadu, had strong bans. With the new central law, these differences no longer matter. The Act overrides state rules and creates a uniform ban across India.
Today, betting on tennis matches from India is no longer a grey area; it is simply illegal. Offshore platforms may still try to attract Indian users, but using them comes with legal and financial risks.
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.
Disclaimer: These tips applied before the 2025 nationwide ban on online betting. Today, tennis betting is illegal in India, and the information below is shared only for educational purposes.
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 of 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. Criminal Penalties Under the 2025 Law
The new Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, imposes strict punishments for offering, promoting, or facilitating online money games. Penalties include jail terms of up to 3 years and fines of up to ₹1 crore for providers and promoters. While individual players are not the direct target, engaging with banned sites still carries legal risks.
4. Blocked Platforms & Payment Restrictions
The government now has the power to block betting websites, apps, and payment channels linked to illegal gaming. This means deposits and withdrawals can be frozen, and players may lose access to their funds without warning.
5. How to Bet Responsibly
Use the 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)
Disclaimer: These tips applied before the 2025 ban. Today, betting on tennis is illegal in India, and they are shared for informational purposes only.
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
Disclaimer: Before the 2025 nationwide ban, the following offshore platforms were popular among Indian bettors. Today, they are no longer legally accessible in India and are mentioned here for informational purposes only.
1. 10Cric
10Cric was designed specifically for Indian users, offering a wide range of tennis markets, including Grand Slams, ATP, WTA, and live in-play betting. It supported UPI, Paytm, and net banking, and often ran tennis-specific promotions.
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: Betting On Tennis In India Is Now Completely Illegal
Betting on tennis from India is no longer legal after the 2025 Online Gaming Act, which introduced a nationwide ban on all forms of online money games, including sports betting. This has removed the earlier grey area where some states allowed it under regulated rules, while others enforced strict bans.
The new law overrides outdated gambling regulations and makes it clear that tennis betting is prohibited across India. Platforms that once accepted Indian users have either withdrawn or now operate illegally if they continue to target the market.
If you come across offshore sites still offering tennis betting, proceed with caution. Using them carries legal, financial, and security risks. Instead, focus on safe and legal online entertainment options, and always prioritize responsible use of digital platforms.
FAQs
Under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, all forms of online money games, including tennis betting, are banned nationwide.
While some offshore platforms may appear accessible, using them is risky and considered illegal under Indian law. The government can block these sites and penalize facilitators.
Operating, promoting, or advertising online betting platforms can lead to imprisonment of up to three years and fines reaching ₹1 crore. Repeat offenders face harsher punishments.
The 2025 law removed the distinction between games of skill and chance, meaning fantasy sports, poker, and rummy are also banned.
E-sports, social games, and educational online games remain legal. The government is promoting these as safe digital entertainment options.
