Legal aspects of online betting in India for IPL 2025

With IPL 2025 just around the corner, fans are gearing up for another thrilling season of cricket. The stadiums may be packed with energy, but there’s another growing crowd – people turning to online betting to add a little more excitement to the game.

If you’ve been hearing about platforms like madrasbook or you’re thinking of signing up for a madras book id, you might be wondering: “Is this even legal in India?” It’s a fair question—and one with a not-so-straightforward answer. So let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense.

Betting Laws in India: Still Stuck in the Past?
Believe it or not, the main law governing gambling in India dates all the way back to 1867. Yep, that’s over 150 years old. Back then, there was no internet, no IPL, and definitely no online platforms like madrasbook. That law, the Public Gambling Act of 1867, basically says you can’t run or visit a gambling house.

But here’s the twist: it doesn’t mention online betting. And that’s where the confusion starts.

To make things even more complicated, gambling laws in India are handled by each individual state. Some states, like Goa, Sikkim, and Meghalaya, are more relaxed and allow certain types of betting. Others, like Telangana and Maharashtra, have a complete ban on it—including the online kind.

So whether IPL betting is legal for you depends entirely on where you live.

What’s the Difference Between Betting and Fantasy Sports?
There’s a key legal difference in India between a game of skill and a game of chance.

Games of skill (like fantasy cricket) are allowed in many states because they involve knowledge, strategy, and decision-making. That’s why platforms like Dream11 are legal.

On the other hand, traditional IPL match betting, which is based on predicting outcomes like who’ll win the toss or how many sixes will be hit, is usually seen as a game of chance. That lands it in legally grey territory.

Still, platforms like madrasbook operate in that space—and plenty of people use them. With a madras book id, users can place bets on various matches, follow odds, and make predictions throughout the IPL season.

How Do Online Betting Sites Like Madrasbook Work?
Here’s the interesting part: most of these betting platforms aren’t even based in India. They’re usually set up in countries where online gambling is legal—places like Malta, Curacao, or Gibraltar.

So when you sign up with madrasbook, you’re technically using a service that operates outside of Indian jurisdiction. The bets you place go through their international servers, and many of them offer wallet payments or even crypto options to keep things smooth and discreet.

That said, while there’s no clear national law banning you from placing bets, there are restrictions around using Indian banking channels for gambling. So platforms tend to avoid direct payment gateways that could raise red flags.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind Before You Start Betting
Even if the platform is working legally from abroad, you still need to be smart about it. Betting should be fun—not something that causes stress or financial trouble.

Here are a few tips if you’re planning to use your madras book id during IPL 2025:

Know your state’s laws. Seriously, this matters.

Don’t spend more than you can afford to lose. It’s easy to get carried away in the heat of the match.

Look for platforms like madrasbook that promote responsible gambling with tools like deposit limits and self-exclusion.

Avoid using official bank accounts or UPI for betting transactions. Stick to safer alternatives like e-wallets or prepaid cards.

Bet smart, and treat it like entertainment—not income.

Will India Legalize Online Betting Anytime Soon?
It’s very possible. In fact, the Law Commission of India recommended legalizing and regulating betting way back in 2018. Their argument? Regulation would help control illegal gambling, protect consumers, and bring in tax revenue.

So far, though, not much has changed. But with the rise of online platforms and how massive the IPL has become, the pressure to create proper laws is definitely growing.

Until that happens, platforms like madrasbook will continue to exist in that legal grey area—technically not “illegal” for users, but still not officially recognized within India.

Final Thoughts
IPL 2025 is going to be electric, and for many fans, placing a few bets makes it even more exciting. But before you go all-in, it’s important to understand the legal landscape you’re stepping into.

While online betting platforms like madrasbook are popular and accessible with just a madras book id, the reality is that India’s laws are still catching up with the times. So if you’re planning to bet, do it responsibly, be aware of your local laws, and make sure you’re using a trusted platform.

At the end of the day, betting should add to the thrill of the match—not leave you with regrets.