Cricket is watched by more than 2.5 billion people around the world, but not every cricket-loving country has the same betting culture. In some places, betting is deeply connected to major tournaments like the IPL or The Ashes. In others, new franchise leagues and mobile sportsbooks have created a rapidly growing market.
The biggest difference isn’t just how many people bet on cricket. It’s how they bet. India dominates global betting interest during the IPL. The United Kingdom has one of the world’s largest regulated cricket betting markets, with licensed bookmakers offering free bets, odds boosts, and money-back specials throughout the season. Australia thrives on live betting during the Big Bash League, while countries like South Africa and Pakistan have seen betting interest grow alongside their domestic T20 leagues.
This article looks at the ten countries where cricket betting is most popular, the tournaments driving betting activity, and how large each market has become.
Top 10 Countries Where Cricket Betting Is Most Popular
| Rank | Country | What makes cricket betting popular? |
| 1 | India | IPL, massive fan base, year-round cricket interest. |
| 2 | United Kingdom | Licensed bookmakers, hundreds of cricket promotions, The Ashes and The Hundred. |
| 3 | Australia | Big Bash League, Ashes, strong live betting culture. |
| 4 | South Africa | SA20 growth and international cricket. |
| 5 | Pakistan | PSL and passionate international cricket following. |
| 6 | Bangladesh | BPL and one of cricket’s most engaged fan bases. |
| 7 | Sri Lanka | LPL and consistent support for the national team. |
| 8 | New Zealand | Small population but high cricket engagement. |
| 9 | United Arab Emirates | ILT20, IPL presence, and South Asian expat audience. |
| 10 | United States | Major League Cricket and growing South Asian diaspora. |
Why cricket betting has become a global business
Cricket betting has changed dramatically over the last decade.
Instead of being driven only by Test cricket, betting activity now peaks around fast-paced franchise tournaments such as the IPL, Big Bash League (BBL), Pakistan Super League (PSL), SA20, ILT20, and The Hundred. Shorter formats create more in-play betting opportunities, player markets, and bookmaker promotions.
Market researchers estimate that the global cricket betting industry is worth tens of billions of dollars annually and continues to grow as more betting takes place through mobile apps and regulated online sportsbooks. Growth has been especially strong during T20 tournaments and ICC events.
Another major trend is sponsorship. Between 2020 and August 2025, researchers identified at least 165 betting sponsorship agreements involving cricket teams, tournaments, or players worldwide, highlighting how closely betting brands have become connected to professional cricket.
1. India — The World’s Biggest Cricket Betting Nation
If cricket has a global capital, it’s India. The IPL is not only the country’s biggest sporting event. It’s one of the largest commercial sporting competitions anywhere in the world. During the two-month IPL season, betting conversations dominate social media, YouTube, Telegram channels, and sports websites.
Why India tops the list
- The IPL attracts hundreds of millions of viewers every season.
- Cricket represents around 89% of India’s sports economy, making it overwhelmingly the country’s biggest sport commercially.
- Every international series involving India creates enormous betting interest.
Betting Snapshot — India
| Biggest betting events | IPL, ICC World Cup, Champions Trophy, India vs Pakistan. |
| Popular betting markets | Match Winner, Top Batter, Top Bowler, Player Runs, Sixes. |
| Peak betting season | March–May (IPL). |
Unlike the UK, betting regulations vary significantly depending on the platform and jurisdiction. That means the betting landscape looks very different from the licensed bookmaker ecosystem found in Britain.
2. United Kingdom — The Home of Regulated Cricket Betting
The UK deserves second place because it combines a huge cricket audience with one of the world’s most established regulated betting markets.
According to market analysis based on UK Gambling Commission figures, the UK’s online sports betting sector generates around £2.37 billion in annual Gross Gambling Yield (GGY). Cricket accounts for roughly 2.2% of that market — approximately £52 million per year — while around 7% of British sports bettors place bets on cricket.
Why the UK betting market stands out
Unlike many cricket nations, UK bettors have access to dozens of licensed bookmakers competing with betting offers throughout the cricket calendar.
You’ll regularly find:
- Welcome free bets.
- Odds boosts on England matches.
- IPL promotions.
- Bet Builder offers.
- Money-back specials during Test matches and T20 games.
Betting Snapshot — United Kingdom
| Biggest betting events | The Ashes, England Tests, IPL, The Hundred. |
| Popular betting markets | Match Winner, Bet Builder, Top Batter, Top Bowler, Session Betting. |
| Promotions | Free bets, odds boosts, enhanced odds, money-back offers. |
| Regulation | UK Gambling Commission-licensed bookmakers. |
3. Australia — Big Bash and Live Betting Culture
Australia has always been one of cricket’s biggest betting nations.
The country’s betting culture is closely linked to:
- Big Bash League.
- The Ashes.
- Australia’s international Tests.
- Women’s Big Bash League.
Why Australians love cricket betting
T20 cricket is especially popular because it creates fast-moving betting markets.
Live betting is widely used during:
- Powerplays.
- Wicket markets.
- Total runs.
- Player milestones.
Betting Snapshot — Australia
| Top tournaments | BBL, Ashes, ICC tournaments. |
| Favourite markets | Live betting, Top Batter, Team Total Runs. |
The Ashes remains one of the busiest betting events of every cricket year.
4. South Africa — SA20 Has Changed Everything
South Africa’s betting market has grown rapidly alongside the rise of SA20.
The tournament attracts:
- International players.
- IPL franchise ownership.
- Global television audiences.
That has increased betting interest both locally and internationally.
Betting Snapshot — South Africa
| Main betting competitions | SA20, Proteas internationals. |
| Popular markets | Player Performance, Match Winner, Live Betting. |
SA20 has quickly become one of the most bet-on franchise leagues outside the IPL.
5. Pakistan — PSL Drives Huge Betting Interest
Pakistan has one of cricket’s most passionate fan bases. The Pakistan Super League has become the country’s biggest annual cricket betting event.
Why PSL matters
- Star international players.
- Competitive T20 format.
- Large global Pakistani audience.
Betting Snapshot — Pakistan
| Biggest tournament | Pakistan Super League. |
| International events | India vs Pakistan, ICC tournaments. |
The India–Pakistan rivalry consistently produces some of the highest betting interest anywhere in world cricket.
6. Bangladesh — One of Cricket’s Most Engaged Fan Bases
Bangladesh may have a smaller population than India, but cricket is deeply woven into everyday sporting culture.
Why betting interest is high
- Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
- National team support.
- Huge engagement during ICC events.
Betting Snapshot — Bangladesh
| Main competitions | BPL, ICC events. |
| Popular markets | Match Winner, Top Batter, Over/Under Runs. |
The country’s enthusiasm for international cricket translates into strong betting interest whenever Bangladesh plays major opponents.
7. Sri Lanka — Cricket Remains the Nation’s Biggest Sport
Sri Lanka’s cricket betting culture revolves around:
- Lanka Premier League.
- ICC tournaments.
- Bilateral series involving Sri Lanka.
Betting Snapshot — Sri Lanka
| Peak betting events | LPL, Asia Cup, World Cups. |
| Popular markets | Top Bowler, Match Winner, Player Runs. |
The LPL has helped create more year-round betting interest beyond international cricket.
8. New Zealand — Small Population, Big Cricket Audience
New Zealand consistently punches above its weight in cricket. Despite a population of around five million, the Black Caps have one of the sport’s most loyal audiences.
Betting Snapshot — New Zealand
| Most popular betting events | Black Caps internationals, IPL, ICC tournaments. |
| Popular markets | Top Batter, Team Total Runs, Outrights. |
New Zealand bettors also follow overseas franchise leagues closely.
9. United Arab Emirates — Cricket’s International Betting Hub
The UAE has become one of cricket’s busiest international venues. Here’s why:
- IPL has been hosted there.
- ILT20 launched successfully.
- Millions of South Asian residents follow cricket.
Betting Snapshot — UAE
| Top competitions | ILT20, IPL, Asia Cup. |
| Audience | Large Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan expatriate communities. |
Dubai has become a major commercial centre for international cricket.
10. United States — Cricket Betting’s Fastest-Growing Audience?
Cricket is growing faster in the United States than many people expected.
The biggest reasons include:
- Major League Cricket.
- ICC tournaments hosted in North America.
- A rapidly growing South Asian diaspora.
Betting Snapshot — United States
| Growth drivers | Major League Cricket, T20 World Cup, diaspora communities. |
| Popular betting markets | Match Winner, Outrights, Player Markets. |
While still much smaller than India or the UK, the US is becoming an increasingly important cricket market.
Which Cricket Tournaments Generate the Most Betting Activity?
Not every tournament attracts the same betting volume.
| Tournament | Why bettors love it |
| Indian Premier League (IPL) | World’s biggest T20 league with hundreds of betting markets per match. |
| The Ashes | Five-Test rivalry with extensive player and session betting markets. |
| ICC T20 World Cup | Global audience and outright tournament betting. |
| The Hundred | Short matches create popular live betting opportunities. |
| Big Bash League | Fast-paced Australian T20 competition with heavy in-play betting. |
| Pakistan Super League | Strong regional and international betting interest. |
| SA20 | Growing franchise league backed by IPL team owners. |
Short-format cricket generally creates the most betting activity because there are more moments for live markets to update throughout a match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country bets the most on cricket?
India has the world’s largest cricket betting audience, driven primarily by the IPL, ICC tournaments, and the country’s enormous cricket fan base.
Is the UK one of the biggest cricket betting markets?
Yes. While football remains Britain’s biggest betting sport, cricket has become a significant regulated betting market worth an estimated £52 million annually, with around 7% of UK sports bettors placing bets on cricket.
Which tournament attracts the most cricket betting?
The IPL is widely considered the biggest cricket betting event globally because of its huge audience, daily match schedule, and extensive player betting markets.
Why are there so many cricket betting promotions in the UK?
Licensed UK bookmakers compete aggressively during major cricket events such as The Ashes, England internationals, The Hundred, IPL matches, and ICC tournaments by offering free bets, odds boosts, and money-back specials.
Is cricket betting growing globally?
Yes. The growth of franchise T20 leagues, mobile betting apps, and international sponsorships has made cricket betting one of the fastest-growing areas of the wider sports betting industry.