Cricket Betting Explained: How to Bet on Cricket in the US
How can I bet on cricket in the US? With 2.5 billion fans worldwide, cricket is the second most widely followed sport in the world.
Although the sport is mainly popular in regions like Asia, Australia and the UK, you can also join the excitement in the US. With diverse sportsbooks offering a wide range of events and markets, betting on cricket games is now easier than ever.
In this guide, we will show you how to place your first wager with cricket betting in the US. You will learn the basics of cricket betting and get expert cricket tips on how to win more money with your bets.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Learn how cricket betting works in the US.
- Master the basic rules, formats, and gameplay of cricket.
- Discover strategies to win consistently with cricket betting.
A Brief History of Online Cricket Betting
The origins of cricket date back to 16th-century England, when the sport relied on the support of wealthy patrons who wagered on local county teams. In the 18th century, cricket became England’s national sport, leading to its widespread adoption in colonial territories like India, Australia, the West Indies, and the Commonwealth.
Today, fans in these countries make up most of the sport’s global following. As cricket’s popularity spread throughout the British Empire, betting on the sport followed.
However, the most significant boost for cricket betting came with TV coverage and the advent of the internet and mobile technology. This led to the emergence of online betting platforms, real-time updates, and live-streaming.
With over 400 leagues and 200,000 players, interest in cricket is growing in the US. Now part of the most popular sports, bettors can now comfortably watch and wager on several international cricket leagues via streaming services and various online sportsbooks.
Can You Bet on Cricket in the US?
Yes, cricket betting is legal and available in the US. However, since the legality of sports betting varies by state, you must be physically within a jurisdiction that regulates sports wagering to place legal cricket bets.
It’s sweeter if you visit or reside in US states where online sports betting is legal. You’ll find many mobile sportsbooks to place cricket bets from anywhere and at any time.
Here is a list of states where online cricket betting is legal in the US:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington, DC
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Cricket Game Rules: How to Play Cricket
Cricket is a team sport played with two sides of 11 players each. Both teams take turns playing offense (batting) and defense (fielding):
- The batting side sends two batters on the field, who score runs by hitting the ball and running between wickets.
- The fielding team tries to stop them by getting the batters out.
A cricket game is divided into innings, with each team getting a chance to bat and bowl. The team with the most runs at the end of the match wins.
- Runs can be scored through hits, runs, and boundaries
- A coin toss at the beginning of the game decides which side will bat first
- The teams switch roles after a set number of overs (balls bowled).
- Wicket has a triple meaning in cricket: the 22-yard area between the stumps, the physical structure comprising three stumps and two bails, and a dismissal.
Cricket Formats
Cricket is primarily played in three formats at the international level. Let’s look at them below.
Test Match
Test cricket is the oldest cricket form, having been a feature of the sport since 1877. Over the years, the format has evolved from being a timeless Test, where a match could theoretically go on indefinitely, to the now-familiar five-day contest, with two innings per team.
In a Test Match, teams vie for supremacy by scoring runs and taking wickets. Test cricket is regarded as the pinnacle of the competition because it pushes teams to their limits over an extended period. It requires players to demonstrate endurance, technique, and temperament across several conditions.
→ Notable Test Match series include:
- The Wisden Trophy between England
- The West Indies
- The Freedom Trophy between India and South Africa
T20
Launched in 2005, Twenty20 Internationals (T20 cricket) are the most recently introduced, shortest, and fastest format in cricket. It features 20 overs per team and has drawn in new fans, fresh skills, and creative approaches to the game.
T20s are characterized by unique features, including creative shot-making, innovative power-hitting, and aggressive batting. This format also features entertaining elements like cheerleaders, lively music, and colorful team kits, all of which have contributed to its appeal among a youthful fan base.
→ Top-tier cricket tournaments using the T20 format include:
- The Indian Premier League (IPL)
- The T20 World Cup
ODI
One Day Internationals (ODIs) is a cricket format in which matches are completed in a single day. ODIs were introduced in the 1970s as a shorter alternative to Test Matches but became popular in the 1980s.
This faster-paced format features one innings and a limited number of overs, usually 50 per team, with each side getting a chance to bat and bowl for a fixed number of overs. ODIs demand a balanced combination of technical skill, speed, and strategy to succeed.
→ Perfect examples of major international cricket tournaments based on the ODI format include:
- The ICC Cricket World Cup, which takes place every four years
- The ICC Champions Trophy
- The Under-19 Cricket World Cup
How Can I Bet on Cricket Matches?
This was the same question I asked several years ago before I successfully placed my first winning cricket bet on an electrifying India-Pakistan game. Yes, cricket betting is simply wagering on the outcome of a cricket match. However, before you start placing cricket bets at online sportsbooks, there are some vital factors to consider.
Step 1: Understand Cricket Odds
Cricket betting odds show the probability of an event and potential winnings. Understanding these odds is key to strategic cricket betting. Cricket odds are displayed in three formats:
- American: Presented as a positive or negative number in sports betting (e.g.,-150 +200). The positive number shows how much you will win on a $100 underdog bet. Negative number indicates how much you need to bet to win $100.
- Fractional: Displayed as a fraction (e.g., 3/1 or 2/5). The first number shows how much you’ll win. Second number shows how much you need to bet.
- Decimal: A single number (e.g., 1.50, 4.00) showing the total return on a winning bet, including stake.
Step 2: Choose a Cricket Betting Site
The cricket sportsbook you bet with can go a long way in determining your overall betting experience. As such, it is vital to sign up with only reputable and reliable cricket betting platforms.
Here are some features to consider when selecting a cricket betting app:
- Licenses from reputable authorities
- On-site security encryption like SSL Encryption
- User-friendly interface and mobile app
- Wide range of cricket betting markets
- Generous welcome bonus
- Regular promotions
- Secure and reliable payment methods
- 24/7 customer support
- Live streaming and in-play betting features
You will be glad to know that various sites and apps in the US check these boxes. Some of them include FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and more. Find one that is available in your state and create an account.
Step 3: Place Your Bets
Now that you’ve registered with your preferred sportsbook, follow these steps to place your bet.
- Go to the cashier or deposit section and fund your account. Using supported banking methods like PayPal, Skrill, or debit cards.
- Select cricket from the list of sports. Then, click on your desired event or market.
- Choose your cricket bet type.
- Enter your stake and review your bet details.
- Confirm or submit your cricket bet.
Understanding Different Types of Cricket Bets
There are a variety of ways to place bets on cricket events. From simple match outcome bets to prop bets, the sport offers a range of betting options. Let’s look at them below.
Match Bets
This is a popular cricket bet where you wager on the outcome of a game or which team will win a specific match.
- In Test cricket, there are three possible outcomes: Team A wins, a draw, or Team B wins.
- In contrast, T20 or 50 Overs (ODIs) have only two outcomes: Team A wins or Team B wins.
In this case, drawn matches are considered a tie and settled according to the bookmaker’s terms and conditions.
Here are examples of match-winner bets in cricket:
Example:
1. England vs Australia Test Match
- England to win
- Draw
- Australia to win
2. India vs Pakistan T20 Match:
- India to win
- Pakistan to win
Over/Under
The Over/Under score bet involves predicting whether a team’s total runs will be higher (Over) or lower (Under) than a specified number. Bookies offer various options, and you choose:
- Over: If you think the team will score more runs than the given number
- Under: If you think they’ll score fewer runs
Example:
India vs. England, ODI Match
- Over 320 runs (-110)
- Under 320 runs (-110)
- Over 350 runs (+150)
- Under 350 runs (-200)
You think India will score a big total, so you choose Over 350 runs (+150). This means you are betting that India’s total runs will be more than 350.
- If they score 351 or more, you win!
- If they score 350 or less, you lose.
Outright Winner
A futures bet allows you to wager on the winner of a major cricket tournament like the ICC Cricket World Cup or the Indian Premier League. You place futures bets during the early stages of the competition or even before the tournament begins.
The earlier you place your bet, the higher the odds and potential payouts. However, it also means taking on more risk, as several factors can develop during the tournament to influence its outcome.
Toss Winner
The toss winner is another simple bet in cricket. To win the toss, you predict which team will win the coin toss at the start of the match. With only two possible outcomes, it’s a straightforward 50/50 chance. As a result, the odds are even money, meaning if you bet $100 on the correct team, you’ll receive a payout of $100.
Series Winner
This betting option requires you to predict which team will win the most matches in the entire series. It’s a long-term bet that involves analyzing the teams’ overall strength, form, and performance across multiple matches. The bet pays high odds for your correct prediction.
Example:
Ashes Series (England vs Australia):
- You bet on England to win the most matches in the 5-match Test series.
- You win the bet if they win 5-0, 4-1, or 3-2.
- The more games England wins, the higher your payout will be.
Player/Team Props
There are various player props and team proposition bets you can wager on in cricket. Here are a few:
- First Innings Score: Wager on the score of a team at the end of the first inning
- Most Match Sixes: Bet on the team to score more sixes
- Top Batsman: Which batter will score the most runs
- Top Bowler: Which bowler will take the most wickets
- Man of the Match: Guess the best player of the match
- Player of the Series: Best player of the series
What Is the Safest Bet in Cricket?
Generally, no bet is completely safe in sports betting. However, based on my analysis, some wagers in cricket can be less risky than the rest.
If you are placing a moneyline bet, I recommend wagering on strong teams with a high win percentage.
Backing favorites with a strong track record, such as India, Australia, or England, can increase your chances of winning. However, keep in mind that the odds for favorites to win are usually lower, meaning the potential payout will be smaller.
Another relatively safe cricket wager you can consider is the Draw No Bet option. It removes the risk of losing your due to a draw, which can be a common outcome in cricket matches. Instead, your stake gets refunded. Odds are usually lower than a straight match winner bet.
Major Cricket Events to Bet On
Cricket’s annual tournament schedule usually features a variety of events and competitions. Here are some of the most popular ones worldwide.
ICC ODI World Cup
The ICC ODI World Cup is the most coveted title in cricket. It has been held every four years since 1975. Ten elite teams participate in a round-robin stage followed by a knockout stage.
Despite the increased popularity of other cricket formats in the 21st century, the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup remains the most revered and highly anticipated event. Past winners include the West Indies, India, and England, with Australia winning the most titles (5).
→ Popular betting markets in this competition include match winners, top-run scorers, and highest wicket-takers.
ICC T20 World Cup
The ICC T20 World Cup is the shortest global tournament in cricket. Since its introduction in 2007, it has rapidly become one of the most anticipated tournaments in sports.
The tournament is known for its fast-paced action, big hits, and quick turnarounds. It is also held every four years and features 16 teams of the best cricketers in the world. West Indies and India have won the most titles, with two each. Other tournament winners include Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
→ In addition to match winners, run scores and most sixes are popular betting options here.
The Ashes
The Ashes, dating back to 1882, is the oldest cricket tournament in the world. The historic Test series is only contested between England and Australia. The event embodies the pinnacle of sporting rivalry between the two countries.
The Ashes takes place every two years and usually lasts a month. Each test lasts over five days, and both countries take turns hosting the competition. Australia has dominated the series, but England has also had notable wins.
→ The series is a bookmaker’s and punter’s paradise, with a wide array of markets and bets available, from individual march results to most wickets taken.
IPL
The Indian Premier League is the most popular league worldwide. Featuring the T20 format, the competition has an annual audience of over 400 million worldwide. It was founded in 2008 by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The event is held annually and features 10 star-studded teams competing for the coveted title. Each plays 14 matches in a round-robin format, followed by playoffs and the final. The Mumbai Indians are the most successful team in the league, with five titles.
Fact: The IPL is credited to have launched the careers of renowned players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Cricket Betting Strategies I Live By
Want to be in the green when betting on cricket? Here are some helpful cricket betting tips that can increase your chances of winning.
Analyze Team and Player Performance
In cricket, a team’s or player’s current form can greatly impact the outcome of a game. As such, it’s vital to analyze their performance when developing a cricket betting strategy. Look at their recent match results, batting and bowling records, injuries, head-to-head records, and player availability.
Identify the game-changers, typically 2–3 players per team, and compare their strengths and weaknesses against the opponent’s star players.
Consider Pitch and Weather Conditions
Another way to gain a valuable edge in cricket betting is to analyze the pitch and weather conditions of where the game will be played. Different surfaces and weathers suit particular playing styles. For instance:
- Slow bowlers thrive in spin-friendly pitches – cracked and worn-out surfaces.
- Fast bowlers dominate in bouncy tracks like the ones in Australia.
- Sunny skies and clear horizons favor batsmen
- Dark clouds and grass-covered pitches align with fast bowlers.
- Dew can make batting easier.
- Rain can alter the game’s pace and make the pitch more challenging.
Manage your Bankroll
Managing your bankroll is crucial to long-term success in cricket betting. Here’s my tried-and-tested approach:
- Set a realistic budget, decide how much you want to bet, and stick to it.
- Avoid impulsive decisions by not chasing your losses or betting more than you can afford.
- Spread your stakes across various markets to manage risk and maximize your potential returns.
Find the Best Value
Ensure you get the best cricket picks by comparing odds across multiple sportsbooks. You should also look out for betting opportunities where the cricket odds exceed the actual likelihood of the outcome.
This means finding overpriced odds that underestimate the chances of a particular outcome, or undervalued teams or players with a higher probability of success than the odds reflect.
This is why it’s important to sign up with multiple top-notch sportsbooks with competitive odds. You can also benefit from a rewarding cricket betting bonus on the bookie sites.
So, Are You Ready for Some Cricket Betting Action?
As a beginner in the US, betting on cricket may seem complex. But, as outlined here, you only need knowledge and strategy to navigate cricket betting with confidence and success.
Sign up at any legitimate sportsbook and start betting on cricket games using the tips and strategies contained in this guide. And don’t forget to save our TrustnBet guide to your favorites to stay updated with the latest cricket news.
Ready to elevate your cricket betting? Explore our comprehensive Betting 101 section to learn advanced betting strategies for master punters.
Frequently Asked Questions Cricket Betting
What is live cricket betting and how does it work?
Live cricket betting allows you to place bets during a match. Real-time odds change based on the game’s progress, offering all the latest cricket betting odds and dynamic betting opportunities on outcomes like the next wicket or match winner.
Which are the best online cricket betting sites?
The best online cricket betting sites include bet365 and Betway. These sportsbooks are among cricket fans favorites. Not only they offer a wide range of betting markets, competitive match odds in cricket, and live betting options, but also generous bonuses and promotions.
How can I use an odds calculator for cricket betting?
An odds calculator helps determine potential payouts. Input match odds and your wager amount to see the expected return. Many online cricket betting sites provide these tools for informed decision-making. Wagering on cricket with such a tool is recommended for beginners.
What are the most popular cricket betting markets?
Popular cricket betting markets include match winner, top batsman, and total runs. During the ICC World Cup, these markets see increased activity. Other popular options include the toss winner or series winner.
How do match odds work in cricket betting?
Match odds represent the likelihood of outcomes in a cricket match. Presented in decimal, fractional, or American formats, they indicate potential returns. For example, odds of 2.00 mean a $1 bet returns $2 if the team wins.
How can I know how to bet on cricket effectively?
Before you check out our cricket betting options above, there are several factors to consider. Look at the team line-up, assess who’s in form, and account for any injuries to key players. Additionally, consider who’s playing at home and the weather conditions, as these can significantly impact the game.
What should I consider when betting on the Big Bash League?
When betting on the Big Bash League, it’s important to evaluate team form, player injuries, and home advantage. Additionally, consider the unique T20 format and factors like pitch conditions and weather, as they can greatly influence match outcomes. Staying updated on recent performances and trends can also help.