Indian cricket fans lived in grey zones for years. That changed in August 2025, when a new central law banned online money games nationwide and tightened ads and payment routes. If you’re searching “online cricket betting apps,” here’s the state of play as of September 12, 2025.
The 2025 legal picture, in plain English
Parliament passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 on August 20–21, 2025 (assent followed), creating the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. The law bans money-based online games nationwide (skill or chance) and criminalises their offering, promotion/advertising and enabling transactions. In short: cash wagering online is out, while e-sports and social/casual titles are encouraged. The Supreme Court has since consolidated all constitutional challenges and will hear them centrally.
So where do “online cricket betting apps” stand?
Apps that take deposits for wagers on cricket matches are unlawful to offer in India. Beyond the ban, enforcement has included blocking hundreds of illegal/offshore betting sites and links, as well as police actions against large betting rings. Authorities have also engaged banks and payment firms to curb offshore flows. Practically: don’t expect legitimate payment rails—or legal cover.
App stores: why you won’t find them
Google’s India DFS/Rummy pilot on Play Store ended on September 28, 2023; no new apps have been accepted since. In July–August 2025, Google proposed opening Play to self-declared “compliant” real-money games, with third-party oversight—subject to Indian law. With a nationwide ban in force, don’t expect any legitimate cash-betting cricket apps to be listed in India.
Tax: the GST backdrop (and what changed)
From October 1, 2023, India levied 28% GST on online money gaming (including offshore suppliers under a simplified IGST route). In September 2025, the 56th GST Council approved a hike to 40% for “specified actionable claims” including online money gaming, effective September 22, 2025. While the ban means lawful money-gaming supply shouldn’t exist domestically, these moves show the broader policy stance.
Ads, endorsements and the fine print
India’s ad watchdog ASCI bars showing minors in real-money gaming ads and requires prominent risk disclaimers (“may be addictive/financially risky”). In 2025, ASCI formalised cooperation with industry bodies and the government to flag illegal offshore betting ads. The Information & Broadcasting Ministry has separately advised media to avoid promoting betting/gambling. Expect sharp scrutiny of any surrogate branding.
What’s still okay for fans?
Plenty—as long as there’s no cash stake. E-sports, casual cricket games, analytics tools, score/data apps, and free-to-play prediction contests with no entry fee and no monetary prizes fall outside the “money gaming” bucket. The 2025 law explicitly aims to promote e-sports and social games.
Safety checklist for the curious (and cautious)
Before you tap “install,” ask: Does it ask for deposits or promise cashouts? If yes, it’s off-limits in India. Avoid sideloaded APKs, “mirror” domains, or VPN “workarounds” that expose you to fraud and enforcement risk—recent crackdowns and arrests underscore the stakes.
Alternatives for cricket lovers in 2025
Cricket content is booming without wagers: richer broadcast analytics, team apps, and no-stake community prediction games scratch the competitive itch without legal or financial risk.
Why the offshore pitch isn’t worth it
Unlicensed sites will dangle big bonuses and “instant UPI.” Remember, India has blocked hundreds to 1,500+ illegal gambling/betting links since 2022, with ongoing takedowns and tax-evasion probes. Customer recourse is thin to none if funds get frozen.
FAQ
Are online cricket betting apps legal in India in 2025?
No. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 bans money-based online games nationwide and criminalises their promotion and facilitation.
Why don’t I see “online cricket betting apps” on Google Play in India?
Google’s 2022–23 DFS/Rummy pilot ended; in 2025 it proposed allowing only apps that are legal under Indian law. With a national ban on money games, cash-betting apps aren’t legitimately listable.