Best Esports Betting Sites in India 2025

Is Esports Betting Legal in India?

The legal framework for eSports betting in India is very different from that of most Western countries and is actually quite complicated. Most of India is governed by the Public Gambling Act of 1867, which prohibits betting on traditional sports. But that law does not really address things like e-sports or the modern online platforms that have really emerged in the last 10 to 20 years. One thing we do know, based on Indian law, is that betting on an activity that is defined as a game of skill has legal protection and can be considered perfectly fine and okay. But betting on a game of chance is a completely different story and is restricted under the same law. Games classified as games of skill and those classified as games of chance are clearly on opposite sides of an important legal distinction. In the minds of many legal experts, this classification issue is the crux of the matter and the reason why some people think betting on esports is legal and others don't.

State-wise Legality Overview

Esports betting legality by Indian states (high-level)

State/UT	Stance	Notes (skill vs chance, online focus)
Sikkim	Regulated	Online Gaming Act (2008); licensed online gaming incl. skill titles.
Nagaland	Regulated (skill)	Regulates online skill games under the 2015 Act.
Meghalaya	Allowed with limits	Regulated online gambling within state-set limits.
Telangana	Strict	Most online gaming treated as gambling.
Andhra Pradesh	Strict (with skill carve-outs)	AP HC clarified genuine skill games not automatically gambling.
Karnataka	Strict	Broad stance against most online gaming.
Goa	Partially allowed	Focus on land-based casinos; online less clear.
Most other states	Unclear	Ambiguity for online esports betting makes compliance challenging.

Because India is a federal country, each state can decide for itself how to regulate games of chance and skill. This division of authority has led to vastly different laws - and even different types of gambling - across the country.

• The two most advanced states are Sikkim and Nagaland. Their laws - the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Act, 2008, and Nagaland's Prohibition of Gambling and Promotion and Regulation of Online Games of Skill Act, 2015 - authorize and regulate licensed online gaming within their borders, including certain skill-based titles.

• The state of Meghalaya allows regulated online gambling, but within certain limits set by the state authorities.

• Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka take a strict stance. These states classify most forms of online gaming as gambling. However, the Andhra Pradesh High Court has clarified that genuine skill-based games cannot automatically be treated as gambling.

• Goa does allow some regulated gambling, but it is mainly focused on brick and mortar casinos rather than online systems.

Most Indian states have an unclear legal position when it comes to betting on eSports. This makes it difficult for international betting platforms to operate safely in India without risking conflict with local laws.

Understanding the gray areas

India’s legal framework for esports and betting — quick reference

Provision	What it says	Relevance to esports betting
Public Gambling Act, 1867	Prohibits gambling; does not address modern online esports.	Creates uncertainty for online platforms.
Section 12 (skill exception)	Skill-based games excluded from prohibition.	Core to arguments that esports are skill and thus treated differently.
Esports recognition (Dec 27, 2022)	Esports recognized as a multi-sport event under Sports Ministry.	Separates competitive gaming from gambling activities.
Promotion & Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025	Bans offering/advertising real-money online games; penalties apply.	Competitive esports legal, but betting on them becomes illegal.
Advertising restrictions	Advertising real-money games may attract fines and prison terms.	Limits how esports betting sites can market to Indian users.

India's main legal focus is on whether a game requires skill or chance. This distinction matters because

1. Games that require skill are often legally protected. Games based solely on chance are subject to stricter rules.

2. India officially recognized e-sports as a legitimate multi-sport event on December 27, 2022. This move separated competitive gaming from gambling activities. Esports now falls under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports along with traditional sports.

3. The Public Gambling Act excludes skill-based games under Section 12. Many legal experts say that esports require specific skills, so these games should not be subject to gambling prohibitions.

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, passed by Parliament has made things more complex. The bill prohibits offering, conducting or advertising online games for real money. Anyone who violates these rules faces up to three years in prison and a fine of up to ₹10 million.

The bill distinguishes between three types of games:

• E-sports (competitive skill-based games counted as sports)
• Social and educational games (for fun and learning)
• Online money games (played with real money) - which are now illegal

This creates a situation where competitive esports are legal, but betting on the same esports becomes illegal under the new rules.

Age and location restrictions

Aside from legal status, there are several other rules that apply when you want to access the best site for esports betting:

• Age restrictions: You must be 18 or older to bet or gamble in India. The new law focuses on protecting young people from addictive behavior and losing money.

• Geographical restrictions: Your location in India determines which eSports betting sites you can legally use. People living in states with clear prohibitions, such as Telangana, may have legal problems placing bets. Those in states with reasonable rules, such as Sikkim, have clearer paths to legal betting.

• Cross-border considerations: Many of the top betting sites in India are operated from other countries. This adds another layer of complexity to the enforcement of local rules.

The new law also affects advertising. Anyone advertising real-money games could face up to two years in prison and fines of up to ₹5 million. This restricts how e-sports betting sites can advertise their services to potential Indian customers.

Top 5 Best Esports Betting Sites in India

The Indian eSports betting scene requires careful navigation through legal requirements before choosing the right platform. These top eSports betting sites offer Indian users unique advantages in game selection, bonuses and user experience.

Top esports betting sites in India — snapshot

Brand	INR Support	Esports Coverage	Notable for	Payments mentioned
Betway	Yes	CS2, Dota 2, LoL, Rocket League	Strong esports focus; team sponsorships	Net Banking, VISA, Bank Transfer, NETELLER, Skrill
Parimatch	Yes	CS2, Dota 2, LoL, Valorant, R6, CoD, HotS, mobile titles	Rich CS2 markets; frequent promos	Standard cards & e-wallets (per platform)
1xBet	Yes	Wide, incl. niche disciplines	ESL ties; advanced markets	Cards, e-wallets, others (per platform)
Bet365	Yes	StarCraft, CS, Dota 2	UX & variety; easy for newcomers	Includes e-wallets like PhonePe
Dafabet	Yes	CS2, Dota 2, LoL, CrossFire, WC3, Overwatch, R6, Valorant	Esports-specific bonuses; VIP cashback	App support; standard methods

1. Betway

Betway leads the pack as the top destination for esports betting in India. Their dedicated focus on competitive gaming and official sponsorship of professional teams such as Ninjas in Pajamas shows their true commitment to esports.

The platform's coverage includes major eSports titles such as

• Counter-Strike 2
• Dota 2
• League of Legends
• Rocket League

Indian users can enjoy Indian Rupee (INR) services for deposits and withdrawals. New players receive a welcome bonus of 100% match on their first deposit of ₹1200+ up to ₹15,000. Second and third deposits can earn additional bonuses up to ₹60,000.

Payment options are tailored for Indian users through Net Banking, VISA Cards, Bank Transfers, NETELLER and Skrill.

2. Parimatch

Parimatch's popularity is growing fast among Indian eSports fans. New users can claim a 150% welcome bonus up to ₹50,000 plus a ₹300 free bet with the right promo code. These offers make it one of the most rewarding platforms for new Indian users.

CS2 (Counter-Strike 2) betting shines on this platform with markets that go beyond game outcomes:

• Handicap betting
• Correct score predictions
• Total kills markets

The platform's game selection includes Dota 2, League of Legends, Valorant, Rainbow 6, Call of Duty, Heroes of the Storm, and mobile e-sports titles.

Regular users can enjoy ongoing promotions such as ₹400 free bet offers after placing five ₹500 bets on eSports events.

3. 1xBet

1xBet stands out as a complete esports betting hub for Indian players. Bettors interested in niche competitions will find an extensive range of eSports disciplines.

Its sponsorship of the Electronic Sports League (ESL) and partnerships with teams such as The MongolZ, MIBR, IHC eSports, Aurora Gaming, and Beastcoast demonstrate its commitment.

New users can grab a welcome bonus of up to ₹10,000 on eSports bets. Serious bettors will find specialized options like combo bets and unique markets for Counter-Strike 2, such as "first kill" or "win a round by a certain score".

4. Bet365

Bet365's reputation as a world class bookmaker extends to its strong eSports markets. Indian punters can take advantage of an attractive 'Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets' welcome offer.

The platform's user-friendly interface makes it easy for newcomers to navigate complex eSports markets. It stands out for its variety of betting options and tournament coverage.

Bet365's eSports section:

• StarCraft betting
• CS:GO competitions
• Dota 2 tournaments

Indian users can deposit and withdraw using a variety of payment methods, including e-wallets such as PhonePe.

5. Dafabet

Dafabet's dedicated e-sports section caters to competitive gaming fans with betting options on Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, League of Legends, CrossFire, Warcraft 3, Overwatch, Rainbow Six and Valorant.

Indian bettors will receive cybersport-specific bonuses, starting with a 160% welcome bonus up to ₹16,000 on eSports bets. VIP Bronze status members can earn up to 10% cash back worth up to ₹13,000.

The platform's mobile app delivers full eSports betting functionality on the go. Users can watch live streams of major Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2 and League of Legends events.

How We Chose the Best Esports Betting Sites

You need to review several factors to choose the best esports betting platforms. The Indian esports betting market will reach about INR 8.4 billion by 2025. This makes finding reliable platforms crucial. We have looked at five areas that separate the best platforms from the average ones.

Licensing and regulation

A valid gaming license is the foundation of any trustworthy eSports betting site. We give preference to platforms that are licensed by reputable bodies such as the Malta Gaming Authority and the UK Gambling Commission. These regulators ensure that platforms follow strict rules regarding fair play, responsible gaming and financial security.

Our review checked for:

• Easy-to-find licensing details (usually in the page footer)
• Valid registration numbers you can check on regulatory websites
• SSL certification for secure connections (look for "https" in the URL)
• PCI-DSS compliance for payment processing

This verification is important because unlicensed operators cannot guarantee secure payouts or protect your personal information.

User experience and mobile apps

The interface design of the betting platform shapes your betting experience. We tested both desktop and mobile versions, focusing on platforms that have dedicated apps for Android and iOS devices.

We looked:

• How fast pages load and apps run
• Easy navigation through betting markets
• Quick access to deposits and withdrawals
• How well it works across different devices

Stake.com stands out with a clean interface that makes betting easy from start to finish. We also liked that the platform supports Indian languages and the INR currency to avoid conversion problems.

Esports coverage and betting markets

Betting sites vary in their eSports coverage. We have selected platforms that offer detailed markets for major games like CS:GO, Dota 2, League of Legends and Valorant, as well as new games that are becoming popular in India.

Beyond simple match winner bets, we looked for platforms with special betting options such as

• Map winners and total maps
• First blood/first kill predictions
• Handicap betting choices
• Live betting with immediate odds updates

Pinnacle scored big by offering early markets with some of the lowest odds mark-ups, giving serious bettors better value.

Bonuses and promotions

Good incentives make betting more worthwhile. Many top eSports betting sites now offer eSports specific welcome bonuses and regular promotions to keep you betting.

We reviewed promotions based on:

• Bonus size and percentage match (Parimatch gives up to 150% match)
• Betting requirements and time limits
• Esports-specific free bets and cashback deals
• VIP programs for regular esports bettors

Dafabet shows its commitment to esports with welcome bonuses of 160% up to ₹16,000 just for esports bets. This gives real value to dedicated esports fans.

Customer support and reviews

Great customer service helps when problems arise. We have tested and verified support systems ourselves:

• Live chat support availability (24/7 is best)
• How fast they answer emails
• How helpful their answers are
• Quality of their FAQ section

We also read user reviews and community feedback to identify patterns in service quality. This helps us recommend only platforms that consistently deliver good service and keep customers happy.

Popular Esports Games to Bet On

Anyone interested in betting on competitive gaming events needs to get to know the most popular eSports titles. Each game creates unique betting opportunities based on how it's played and how tournaments work.

Popular esports in India — formats & common betting markets

Title	Format	Typical Markets	India Angle
Counter-Strike 2	Rounds / Maps	Match winner, Total rounds, First pistol, Map winner, Handicap	Strong fanbase; live betting friendly
Dota 2	MOBA (5v5)	First to 10 kills, Map winner, Handicap, Roshan, Objectives	High-profile internationals drive interest
League of Legends	MOBA (5v5)	First Blood, First Tower, Kill milestones, Match/Map winners	Global leagues & finals attract viewers
Valorant	Rounds / Maps	First blood, Total maps, Pistol rounds, Spike outcomes	Active local tourneys (e.g., Skyesports)
Overwatch	Objective-based FPS	Match winner, Totals, Handicap, First kill props	Major events fuel seasonal spikes

CS:GO

Counter-Strike is the lifeblood of eSports betting markets because its match formats are easy to understand for both experienced and casual bettors. Indian fans love CS:GO, which has evolved into Counter-Strike 2, especially in cities like Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi. Indian teams like Global Esports add a local flavor and get more people betting.

Popular betting markets include

• Match winner
• Total rounds (over/under)
• First kill/first pistol round winner
• Map winner
• Handicap betting

The round-based structure makes live betting exciting and the odds change throughout the match.

Dota 2

Dota 2 is one of the richest e-sports, with tournament prize pools worth more than over INR 3.3 billion. This multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game attracts serious bettors who love its deep strategy. Teams of five players compete to destroy their opponent's Ancient structure.

Indian bettors are most excited about big international tournaments like The International. The complex mechanics of the game create interesting betting markets such as

• First team to reach 10 kills
• Tower or barracks destruction timing
• Map winner
• Handicap betting
• Roshan kill predictions

Parimatch now accepts both single and parlay bets on Dota 2 events and multiplies odds for combination bets.

League of Legends

League of Legends (LoL) is the biggest name in e-sports, with an audience bigger than the Super Bowl. This 5v5 MOBA features champions with unique abilities who fight to destroy the enemy's Nexus.

LoL betting offers several special markets:

• First Blood
• Team to destroy first tower
• First to reach certain kill milestones
• Match and map winners

Indian fans can look to the League of Legends India Championship (LIC) for local tournament action. Tournaments will take place in regional leagues across North America, Korea, China, and Europe, leading up to the global finals.

Valorant

Valorant has grown faster in India since PUBG Mobile's demise, mixing precision shooting with unique agent skills. Many Indian players and bettors have become dedicated fans.

Local tournaments hosted by Skyesports and The Esports Club keep betting activity steady. New players will find Valorant's rules easy to understand.

Common betting markets include

• First blood
• Total maps played
• Spike plant/defuse outcomes
• Pistol round winners

W88, 1XBET and Fun88 offer Valorant markets with bets starting at ₹10.

Overwatch

Overwatch changed competitive gaming in 2016 by combining MOBA and FPS elements. Teams of six face off against heroes with unique abilities that shape the way the game plays out.

Betting options include:

• Match winner
• Totals (over/under on rounds)
• Handicap betting
• Props (first kill predictions)

The 2025 calendar features major tournaments such as the Overwatch League 2025 Midseason Madness, with prizes valued at around INR 82.8 million.

FIFA and NBA2K

These games combine traditional sports with e-sports betting. The familiar FIFA rules make it easy for regular sports bettors to adapt.

NBA2K is affiliated with the National Basketball Association and plays just like real basketball. The NBA 2K League launched in 2017 with five-player teams in different starting roles.

You can bet on match winners, handicaps and player performance. The prize pool for the 2021 NBA 2K League season reached INR 126.57 million, showing that sports simulation e-sports are only getting bigger.

Types of Esports Bets You Can Place

You need to understand the betting options before you place a wager on your favorite eSports competitions. The best esports betting sites have markets designed for different priorities, skill levels and risk appetites.

Match winner

Match Winner bets are the easiest bets to make in eSports. All you have to do is predict which team will win a particular match. New bettors will find Match Winner markets a great place to start, although odds rarely go above 4 or 5. Every major bookmaker in India offers this type of bet in their esports line-up.

First blood / First kill

First Blood bets allow you to predict which team will be the first to be eliminated in a match. MOBA games like Dota 2 and League of Legends feature this market heavily, along with FPS games like Valorant. These bets settle quickly because first blood is drawn early in the match. The outcome often depends on early game plans and how aggressive the players are.

Map winner

Series-based games (best-of-3 or best-of-5) allow you to bet on the outcome of individual maps rather than the entire match. Smart bettors use this market when they spot teams that play certain maps well or show strong patterns at the beginning or end of games.

Total kills or rounds

Over/under bets look at combined statistics. The bookmakers set a number and you predict whether the final score will be higher or lower. These markets track things like total kills, rounds played, and match length. 4Rabet's odds change based on the type of score you choose.

Handicap betting

Handicapping markets even out uneven games by giving underdogs virtual advantages or giving favorites disadvantages. A handicap bet on a favorite (-1.5) means they must win by more than the handicap number. Asian handicapping eliminates the possibility of a draw through half-goal spreads, creating better odds.

Live/in-play betting

Live betting allows you to place bets as the game unfolds and odds change as the game progresses. You can react to how the teams are playing and how the momentum is shifting. Most pre-match markets stay open during live betting, plus you get special options like Next Round Winners or Immediate Goals.

Best Payment Methods for Indian Bettors

Your eSports betting experience depends heavily on the payment method you choose. Indian bettors can choose from several options that offer speed, security and convenience.

UPI and Paytm

UPI dominates the Indian betting world and statistics show that 9 out of 10 bettors use it to fund their accounts. The system takes only 3-5 seconds to process transactions and uses reliable 128-bit encryption. NPCI data shows 18 billion UPI transactions in 2024, proving it's the most trusted payment option in India. Casual bettors will find it easy to get started with minimum deposits ranging from ₹100-₹500.

Skrill and Neteller

These e-wallets work well as alternatives to international betting platforms. Skrill allows users to buy cryptocurrency directly from their accounts without additional exchanges. Both services allow instant deposits, but charge around 2.5% per transaction.

Credit/Debit cards

Bank cards continue to work reliably at most of the top sportsbooks. RuPay, which serves as India's domestic payment network, has become popular because it uses 256-bit encryption and two-factor authentication. Visa and Mastercard work on most platforms and users receive their withdrawals in 3-5 business days.

Cryptocurrency options

Cryptocurrency offers users unique privacy and speed benefits. Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin withdrawals can be completed in as little as 10-30 minutes. Each platform has different minimum withdrawal amounts. Stake.com requires a minimum of roughly 0.00004 BTC (a few hundred INR) for each transaction.

Withdrawal speed and limits

UPI withdrawals start at ₹500 and users can withdraw up to ₹1 lakh daily. Many platforms don't allow users to withdraw directly through UPI or Paytm. E-wallets process withdrawals faster than traditional methods - 24 hours compared to 2-4 days for bank transfers.

Conclusion

Esports betting in India is at an inflection point. Competitive gaming has been legally recognized as a sport since 2022. But in the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, a new and different standard has been applied to betting on esports. It was deemed illegal. So in India, you can watch and compete in esports, but you can't bet on them - at least not in most places.

For bettors in India, this means three things:

1. State laws are important - Sikkim, Nagaland and Meghalaya have much more open regulatory frameworks, while Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka enforce much stricter prohibitions.

2. Betting on esports may be legal in some places and illegal in others, but whether betting is legal often depends on whether a jurisdiction considers esports to be a game of skill or a game of chance.

3. Risk management is critical - users should verify local laws, platform licensing, and payment security before committing.

The market itself continues to grow: esports betting in India is estimated to be worth ₹8.4 billion by 2025. This makes India not only one of the fastest growing eSports betting regions in the world, but also a focal point for this particular part of the eSports ecosystem. The games seeing the most action are popular titles like Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and League of Legends, as well as newer entries like Valorant and Overwatch.

Currently, esports are legal in India, but gambling on esports is not. While there are competitive gaming and entertainment platforms, betting real money remains somewhere between a gray area and outright prohibition, depending on which part of the very diverse India you happen to be in.