Just How Popular is Betting on Cricket?

Cricket is one of the most watched sports in the world. In fact, only football has more fans and there is estimated to be around 2.5 billion people who enjoy watching and playing cricket. If we combine that number with the amount of people who like to bet on sport, it quickly becomes apparent why betting on cricket is popular. 

Cricket Betting Turnover

It is believed the annual turnover of cricket betting is close to $3 billion, which is an incredible sum of money. This alone underlines just how popular cricket betting is around the world, with millions of people choosing to bet on the major events, including the Indian Premier League and ICC Cricket World Cup. In addition to the legal cricket betting activity, there are many people who do not have access to regulated online betting and are forced to bet on cricket using offshore websites. Taking India as an example, it is believed the illegal cricket betting market is worth more than $150 billion. The fact so many people are willing to bet on cricket using any means possible is testament to the popularity of the sport but anyone who wants to place a bet on cricket should always do so legally.

Why is Cricket Betting Popular?

Cricket betting is so popular because there are many aspects to the game that make it ideal for gambling. Cricket is statistics based and one glance at the final scorecard of any match shows an array of numbers, many of which can be used to create betting markets. In addition to betting on the match winner, it is possible to bet on a vast number of cricket markets. A fifty to be scored in the match, a hundred to be scored in the match, total number of boundaries, most runs in a single over, player of the match, player to score the most runs, player to take the most wickets, and total match runs are just some of the cricket markets on offer. There are also plenty of live betting opportunities with runs scored off next delivery, next dismissal method, and next batter out. Prior to the match, it is even possible to bet on which team will win the toss. 

Top Cricket Events for Betting

Due to the fact cricket is played across the globe, there are big events and matches taking place all year. The fact top level cricket is played regularly means there are always betting opportunities and with so many chances to bet on cricket, it is little wonder it is one of the most popular sports for betting. Some of the leading cricket tournaments for betting include the Indian Premier League, Twenty20 World Cup, the Ashes, County Championship, Big Bash League, and the T20 Blast. During any rare downtime when there are no professional cricket matches for betting, there are online casino based cricket slot games and virtual cricket matches on which to bet. 

Cricket is one of the most popular sports for betting and with so many matches and ways to bet, it is easy to see why millions of people enjoy the thrill of cricket gambling.