How to Bet on Cricket: Guide from Beginner to Pro 2025

Cricket is more than just a sport in many countries. It feels more exciting when you bet with your real money. If you want to bet on cricket, you need to learn the basics first. Knowing the teams, players, and odd types will help you make better bets. 

This cricket betting guide will show you all the easy steps to start. You will learn how to bet on cricket, what the odds are, and how to read them. It also gives some smart tips and strategies to bet on sport (cricket). Read this article to start your cricket betting safely with BetOnGame.

Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the world. Over 2.5 billion people watch cricket, and millions bet on it every year. In Asia, there are more than 1,500 cricket matches each year. These include both international and local tournaments. So, there is always a match to bet on.

Online cricket betting is growing fast. Statistics show that the global online betting market may cross $100 billion by 2026. A big part of this comes from cricket. Many people choose cricket because it gives more chances to win if you know the game well. You can place bets before the match or while the match is live. Here is an image, showing the cricket betting markets in BetOnGame.

Cricket offers various easy betting options. You can bet on the winner, total runs, top batsman, or number of wickets. These bets give many ways to win. The more you follow the game, the smarter your bets can be. That is why many people look for a good cricket betting guide. 

If you know how to play cricket betting, you can find good bets and stay profitable in betting. Odds often help those who study the game. Learning how to bet on cricket in the right way can help you win more often. 

Next, let us take a look at the odds of cricket betting market and how to read the odds like a pro. Understanding this different types of odds will help you to build a better strategy.

If you want to win more, you need to understand how cricket odds work. Odds show two main things, how much money you can win and how likely the bet will happen. When you learn to read odds, you will feel more sure about your bets.

This part will explain the three main types of odds. They are decimal, fractional, and American. Let us look at a real example from a recent India vs England T20 match. Suppose India’s odds to win were 1.80 (decimal), 4/5 (fractional), and –125 (American). All of these mean the same thing. They just look different.

Decimal Odds

Decimal odds are the easiest to read and are very popular in online betting. They show your total return, including your stake. For example:

• You place a $100 bet on India at 1.80 odds
• Total return = $100 × 1.80 = $180
• Profit = $80

Fractional Odds

Fractional odds are common in the UK. They show your profit in relation to your stake. For example:

• India at 4/5 odds means you will win $4 for every $5 you bet
• If you bet $100, your profit = ($100 × 4) ÷ 5 = $80
• Total return = $180

American Odds

American odds look different. They use positive (+) or negative (–) numbers. Negative odds show how much you need to bet to win $100. Positive odds show how much you win on a $100 bet.

Example for Negative Odds (–125):

• You have to bet $125 to win $100
• Total return = $225

Example for Positive Odds (+200):

• You bet $100 to win $200
• Total return = $300

To check profits faster, you can use this online betting calculator. It saves time and gives exact results.

Now let us look at the implied probability. This tells you the winning chance of a bet, based on the odds. To understand the implied probability, use this formula:

• Implied Probability = (1 ÷ Decimal Odds) × 100

So:

• Odds of 2.00 = 50% chance
• Odds of 1.50 = 66.7%
• Odds of 3.00 = 33.3%

Knowing this will help you to find value bets. The goal is to find odds that offer a better return than the real chance of the event.

Cricket offers various ways to bet on. That is why many people like it. If you know what to look for, you can find value bets and win more. Here are some of the most common cricket betting options explained with examples. These wagering types are widely used in all cricket formats.

Match Winner & Draw Options

This is one of the simplest ways to bet on cricket. You just choose who will win the match, or if it will end in a draw.

• Match Winner: You pick one team to win the match. This is used in all cricket formats such as T20, ODI, and Test. For example, bet on India to beat England at odds of 1.85. If India wins, your bet is a winner.
• Draw: In Test cricket, the match can end in a draw if both teams do not finish their innings in five days. For example, bet on a draw in England vs Australia at odds of 3.60. If time runs out and no team wins, your bet pays.

Runs & Overs Markets

These markets let you bet on how many runs a team will score or how many runs will be made in certain overs.

• Total Runs: You bet on whether a team will score over or under a number set by the bookmaker. For example, place a bet on Gujarat Titans Overs 165 total runs. If they score 166 or more, your bet wins.
• Individual Innings Runs: This bet is based on one team’s innings in a Test or ODI match. For example, England’s 1st innings overs at 280 runs. If they can score 281 or more in 2nd innings, the bet wins.
• Powerplay Runs: You bet on how many runs a team will score in the first 6 overs of their innings. For example, In the IPL 2024 Final, KKR scored 58 runs in the Powerplay. A bet on Over 52 would have won.

Player Performance Markets

These markets are all about how a player performs. If you follow player statistics, you can try these options.

• Top Batsman: You bet on the player who will score the most runs for a team.
  For example, bet on Virat Kohli to be India’s Top Batsman at odds of 4.00. If he scores the highest, the bet wins.
• Top Bowler: You choose the player who will take the most wickets in the match or for their team. For example, bet on Rashid Khan to be Top Bowler. If he takes more wickets than others, you win.
• Player Runs: You can bet on whether a player will score over or under a given number of runs. For example, bet on Shubman Gill Over 34 runs. If he scores 35 or more, your bet wins.

Specialty Bets

These bets are fast, fun, and often settled early in the match. They are perfect if you want something different.

• Coin Toss Winner: Bet on which team will win the toss before the game starts.
  For example, bet on South Africa to win the toss. If they win the toss, your bet wins.
• Method of First Dismissal: Bet on how the first batsman will get out, such as caught, bowled, LBW, or run out. For example, bet on “Caught” as the first dismissal. If the first batsman is caught, you win.
• Total Boundaries: Bet on how many boundaries will be hit in the match or by a specific player. For example, bet on over 14 total sixes. If there are 15 or more sixes in the match, your bet wins.  

Live betting means you can place bets while a match in going on. This makes your betting experience more exciting and thrilling. In live betting, you can react or place a bet on every action such as the score of the next ball, the next wicket, number of total runs in the current over and more. Using these small moments, you can make smart bets and get quick wins.

When you know how to bet on cricket live, you can take better chances. Odds change quickly after each over, wicket, or big shot. Here are some key factors you should keep in mind when live betting on cricket:

• End of Powerplay Overs (1–6): The powerplay is the first 6 overs of the innings. In this time, only two fielders can stay outside the 30-yard circle. So teams try to score fast. If the batting team plays well, their odds go up. But if they lose wickets, the odds go down quickly. For example, Mumbai Indians score 60/0 in 6 overs. Their odds change from 2.10 to 1.75. You can place a live bet on them at this point for a better value. 
• Fall of Key Wickets: When big players get out, the game changes fast. This is a good time to place a bet. Losing one wicket can make the other team stronger. For example, Chennai Super Kings are 90/2. Then MS Dhoni gets out. The odds change from 1.65 to 2.10. Now, the bowling team becomes stronger and you can place bets on them.
• Weather Interruptions: Rain or bad weather can stop the match or make it shorter. This changes the number of runs and the odds. A short match usually means fewer runs. For example, a match is cut from 20 overs to 15 overs. The new target is only 130 runs. Now, you can bet on total runs based on the new conditions.

To know how to bet on cricket and win, you need more than just luck. You have read match data, player form, and pitch conditions. For example, look at recent IPL 2025 statistics, you can find patterns in player form, pitch behavior, and how teams perform under pressure. Using this data helps you to make a smart plan. This is one of the most important cricket bet tips you can follow. Now, let us look at how pitch, weather, and player form matter in cricket betting.

Pitch Analysis

The pitch decides if the match will be high or low scoring. Some pitches help spinners, while others are flat and good for batters.

• Spin-Friendly Pitch: Slower surfaces help spin bowlers. These matches usually have fewer runs. For example, Chennai pitch often supports spinners like Jadeja or Santner. You can bet on under total runs or top spinner to take most wickets.
• Batting Paradise: Flat pitches offer bounce and pace. Batters score fast, and high totals are common. For example, Wankhede Stadium often shows scores above 180. Betting on over total runs is smart here.

Weather Impact

Weather can change how a match goes. It affects both pitch and ball behavior. Here are two main facts about weather impact in cricket betting:

• Dew Factor: In night matches, dew makes the ball slippery and harder to grip. Bowling becomes tough in the second innings. For example, in a T20 match at Delhi, dew helped the chasing team win easily.  
• Rain Interruptions: Rain shortens the matches and changes run targets with the DLS method. For example, if a 20-over game is cut to 12 overs, the total runs bet must adjust.  

Player Form Analysis

Betting without checking player form is risky. Always look at a player’s recent form, not just their name. Here are two main things you should check before placing a bet:

• Current Form: Check how many runs or wickets a player got in the last 3 to 5 matches.
  For example, India’s young star Riyan Parag scored six straight half centuries in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2023. So, in his next match, betting on him as Top Player would be a good decision.
• Team Records: Some players perform better against certain teams. For example, KL Rahul’s strong record vs Mumbai Indians makes him a smart bet for top batsman in that match.

If you want to place a smart bet, you should look at some important things before the match. Here are five points that will help you understand the game better and make good betting choices.

1. Recent Head-to-Head Record: This means checking how the two teams played against each other in their last few matches. Look at their last five matches. If one team won most of them, it means they are stronger. For example, in the recent T20I tournament, England has dominated Pakistan. They have played five matches since May 2024, and England won all five of them.
2. Key Player Availability: Sometimes top players do not play because of injury or rest. This makes the team weaker. For example, if Bumrah is not playing for Mumbai, their bowling becomes weak. In this case, it may be smart to bet on the other team or on high runs.
3. Pitch and Weather Conditions: Always check the pitch condition and weather report before betting. Some sites like BetOnGame show weather report and pitch condition before every match. Knowing these will help you because some pitches help batters score more runs and some help bowlers take more wickets. For example, a dry pitch with sunny weather helps spin bowlers. In this case, there may be fewer runs and more wickets by spinners.
4. Team Composition: This means how the team is made, and how many good batters and bowlers they have. Some teams have strong batters but weak bowlers. For example, In IPL 2025, Rajasthan Royals (RR) had strong batters. Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal made many runs early in the season. But they did not have good Indian all-rounders or top spinners. Because of weak bowling, they often failed to stop the other team from scoring high. In this case, betting on high runs is a good decision.
5. Tournament Pressure: Some matches are more serious, like playoffs or knockout games. In these games, players feel pressure or play more carefully. For example, in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1, Punjab Kings scored only 101 runs against RCB because they lost many wickets fast and could not make a good score. In this case, betting on fewer total runs can be a good move.

If you want to know how to play cricket betting in the right way, the first step is to choose a good betting site. Not all sites are the same. Some give better odds, faster payouts, and easy apps. The site you pick can change how much you will win in the long run.

When you choose where to bet on cricket, check the payout rates, mobile app, payment methods, and live betting options. A good site gives fair odds and keeps your money safe. Here is a comparison table on cricket payouts among some popular sportsbooks:

Choosing the right betting site is the first step if you want to know how to bet on cricket in a smart way. Below are some simple things to check. These will help you find a safe and helpful site for betting.

If you want to learn how to bet on cricket, you also need to know what mistakes to avoid. Many people lose money not because of bad luck, but because of small errors. These mistakes happen when punters bet without thinking or checking match details. Whether you are new or not, avoiding these mistakes can help you learn how to win in cricket betting.

BetOnGame’s data says over 62% of losing punters did not check the team statistics and pitch conditions. They lost money that they could have saved by doing some simple research. Here are some of the most common mistakes punters make while they bet on cricket:

• Emotional Betting: Some punters always bet on their favorite team or player. This is called emotional betting. For example, a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore may always bet on them, even when they are not doing well. This is okay for a fan, but not for smart betting. You should bet using real facts, not feelings. If the team is playing badly, it is better not to bet on them.
• Confusing the Match Format: Cricket has different formats such as T20, ODI, and Test. Each one is different. Some punters get confused. For example, a draw is rare in T20, so betting on a draw there is a bad idea. But in Test cricket, a draw can happen often, especially on flat pitches. Knowing the format helps you choose the right bets.
• Poor Bankroll Management: One big mistake is betting too much money on one match. Some punters put all their money in one go. This is risky. Smart punters only use a small part of their money for each bet. For example, if you have $100, only bet $5 or $10 on one match. This keeps you in the game longer.
• Ignoring Pitch and Ground Conditions: Pitch and weather change the game. If you skip this, you miss important info. A slow pitch helps spin bowlers. A green pitch helps fast bowlers. In one IPL game, Kolkata scored only 128 runs because the pitch was slow. Many punters bet on high scores and lost. Knowing the pitch and using cricket bet tips can save your money and help you to win.

Once you know how to play cricket betting, the next step is to learn how to make money with smart strategies. Good punters do not depend on luck. They use numbers, timing, and focus to win more. If you want to learn how to bet on cricket and win, it helps to follow a plan. This gives you more control and keeps your risk low.

According to BetOnGame data, users who apply advanced methods like value betting and hedging have a 38% higher success rate over time. Below are a few practical strategies that can take your betting skills to the next level.

• Value Betting: Value betting means you bet only when the odds are better than they should be. For example, if you think India has a 60% chance to win, the fair odds should be 1.66. But if the site gives 1.85, that is a value bet. If you keep doing this, you can make steady money even if you lose some bets. One punter on BetOnGame made $210 in 12 days by finding these value bets in IPL 2025.
• Live Hedging Strategy: Hedging means placing another bet during the match to protect your money. It helps in close games. For example, if you bet $50 on Team A before the match and they start playing badly, you can bet on Team B during the game. This way, you lose less or even win. One user bet $30 on Kolkata at 2.40 odds, then placed $20 on Punjab at 2.10 after a strong start. He made a small profit no matter who won.
• Specialization Profits: Some punters only bet on one team, one league, or one player. They watch them closely and notice things others do not. For example, one user only followed the Bangladesh Premier League. He checked toss results, average scores, and how players performed. In 3 months, he turned $100 into $370. Focusing on one thing helps you avoid bad bets and make better choices fast.
• Statistical Modeling: Some punters use Excel or apps to follow numbers like strike rate, runs, and bowling economy. Some even make simple tools to guess match results. You do not need anything hard. Just tracking scores and patterns can help. One user looked at old match totals, powerplay runs, and fall of wickets. He bet on 20 games, won 13 of them, and made $140 profit.

When learning how to bet on cricket, always remember that it should be fun. Do not treat it like a way to earn money. Betting should never feel hard or stressful. Some people get into trouble when they try to win back lost money, borrow money to bet, or hide their betting from family. These are signs of a big problem. If you see any of these signs, take a break.

Websites like BetOnGame have tools to help you stay safe. You can set a limit on how much you add, take a short break, or stop your account for some time. These options are easy to find in your account settings. BetOnGame also has a “responsible gambling” page. It gives tips and support links to help you make better choices.

Now you know how to bet on cricket in a smart way, reading the odds and some helpful tips. Always check match statistics, player form, compare odds and follow a strategy. Keep it simple and fun by setting a budget and staying calm while betting. Do not use your emotions to place bets. Use real facts and true information based on your research. After all this, when you are ready, sign up bet on game and start your cricket betting with a safe strategy.