Sports betting in India starts with cricket, but it does not end there. Football runs almost all year, tennis has a tournament most weeks, and kabaddi has a large home audience through the Pro Kabaddi League. Each sport has its own markets, rhythms and quirks. This guide explains the most popular sports beyond cricket for Indian bettors, the main markets in each, and what to check before you try a new one.
Quick answer
- Football is the biggest sport after cricket for Indian bettors, with 1X2, goals and handicap markets.
- Tennis offers match, set and games markets, and a two-way result with no draw.
- Kabaddi markets centre on match winner and total points.
- Each sport settles differently; read the rules before your first bet.
- Start with one new sport you actually watch.
Why look beyond cricket
Cricket has quiet periods between series, and odds on big India matches are heavily traded. Other sports fill the gaps and sometimes offer softer prices on events that get less attention. The catch is that you need to understand the sport; betting on something you never watch is guessing.
The main sports and their markets
| Sport | Main markets | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 1X2, over/under goals, both teams to score, handicaps | Most bets settle on 90 minutes plus stoppage time |
| Tennis | Match winner, set betting, total games | Retirements can void or settle bets differently by site |
| Kabaddi | Match winner, total points, raid points | Matches are short; momentum swings fast |
| Badminton | Match winner, game handicap | Two or three games; quick matches |
| Basketball | Point spread, total points | Overtime usually counts; check rules |
| Hockey | Match winner, total goals | Draws possible in some formats |
Football
Football is the most popular non-cricket sport for Indian bettors, from the Indian Super League to the Premier League and the Champions League. The draw is a real outcome in the main 1X2 market, and most bets settle on normal time only. Late-night kick-offs in India also change how you bet: decide pre-match bets before the match starts.
Tennis
Tennis is a two-player sport with no draw, which makes match-winner markets simple. Set betting (predicting the exact score in sets) pays more but wins less often. Check how your site settles bets if a player retires injured; rules vary.
Kabaddi
Kabaddi is fast and high-scoring. The Pro Kabaddi League gives Indian fans a full season of matches, and markets usually include match winner, total points and points from raids. Because matches are short, momentum can swing within minutes, so live markets move quickly.
Badminton, basketball and hockey
These sports have smaller audiences in India but steady market coverage. Badminton suits fans who follow the world tour; basketball offers point-spread and totals markets; hockey has match winner and goals markets, with draws possible in some formats.
When each sport is in season
Use the calendar to plan: when there is a gap in cricket, one of these sports usually has a busy schedule.
How settlement rules differ across sports
The same type of bet can settle differently from sport to sport. In football, extra time and penalties usually do not count for the main result. In basketball, overtime usually does count for totals and spreads. In tennis, a retirement can void some markets and settle others. In kabaddi and hockey, check whether a tied match goes to a tie-breaker and whether that counts. Before you bet on any sport for the first time, read its settlement section once; it takes five minutes and saves arguments with support later.
Doing your homework on a new sport
Follow a few matches before betting on them. Note how often favourites win, how scoring changes in different conditions, and which teams start fast or finish strong. This kind of basic knowledge is what turns a guess into a reasoned bet.
How to start with a new sport
- Pick one sport you watch. Knowledge is your only edge.
- Read the settlement rules. Extra time, retirements and overtime all differ.
- Start with the simplest market, usually match winner.
- Use smaller stakes until you understand how prices move.
- Keep a separate record for each sport.
Searches such as Vikranth Exchange or vikrantexch sometimes lead to look-alike pages, so use the official address you have saved. On Winfix (often written as Win Fix), as on any platform, check which sports and markets are offered before depositing for a new sport. AutoExch is another platform from the same brand. Our guide to choosing an online sports betting site explains how coverage differs between sites.
FAQ
Which sports can I bet on in India besides cricket?
Football, tennis, kabaddi, badminton, basketball and hockey are the most common. Coverage varies by site, so check which sports and markets a platform offers.
Is football betting different from cricket betting?
Yes. Football’s main market has three outcomes including the draw, and most bets settle on 90 minutes plus stoppage time, not extra time or penalties.
How does kabaddi betting work?
Kabaddi markets usually include the match winner, total points and points from raids. Matches are short and momentum changes quickly, which makes live markets move fast.
What happens to a tennis bet if a player retires?
It depends on the site’s rules. Some void the bet, others settle it if a set has been completed. Read the tennis rules before betting.
Should I bet on sports I do not follow?
It is better not to. Knowledge of the teams, players and conditions is what helps over time; without it, betting is guesswork.
Before you play
Betting and real-money games are for adults aged 18 and over. Set a budget you can afford to lose, and use deposit limits and time-outs if you play more than you planned. India’s Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 and its 2026 rules affect real-money online games, and state laws differ, so check the laws that apply where you live.
