Cricket Betting Guide: How to Bet on Cricket in the US

Did you know cricket is the second most popular sport globally, with 2.5 billion fans? While its heartlands are in Asia, Australia, and the UK, the excitement is catching on in the US—and you can be part of it!

With top sportsbooks offering diverse markets and events, betting on cricket has never been easier. In this guide, you’ll learn the basics of cricket betting and discover expert tips to maximize your winnings. Let’s get started!

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Learn how cricket betting works in the US.
• Master the basic rules, formats, and gameplay of cricket.
• Register at one of our recommended cricket betting sites.
• Discover strategies to win consistently with cricket betting.

Best Cricket Betting Sites 2024

History of Online Cricket Betting

Cricket originated in 16th-century England, where wealthy patrons bet on local teams. By the 18th century, it became England’s national sport and spread across colonial territories like India, Australia, and the West Indies, bringing betting along with it.

The rise of TV coverage, the internet, and mobile technology revolutionized cricket betting, introducing online platforms, real-time updates, and live-streaming. With over 400 leagues and 200,000 players, cricket’s popularity is growing in the US, allowing fans to watch and bet on global leagues via streaming and online sportsbooks.

Can You Bet on Cricket in the US?

Yes, cricket betting is legal and available in the US, including AZ, AR, CO, CT, DE, FL, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, NV. NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, RI, TN, VT, VA, WA, DC, WV, WI, WY.

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.

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 played in three main formats at the international level, each with unique characteristics and appeal: Test Match, T20, and ODI.

Test Match

The oldest format, introduced in 1877, spans up to five days with two innings per team. Test cricket is considered the pinnacle of the sport, demanding endurance, skill, and strategy across varying conditions.

Notable series:

• The Wisden Trophy (England vs. West Indies)
• The Freedom Trophy (India vs. South Africa)

T20 (Twenty20)

Introduced in 2005, T20 cricket is the shortest and fastest format, with each team playing 20 overs. Known for power-hitting, creative batting, and an energetic atmosphere, it appeals to younger fans.

Top tournaments:

• Indian Premier League (IPL)
• T20 World Cup

ODI

ODIs, introduced in the 1970s, feature 50 overs per team and are completed in a single day. This format balances technical skill, strategy, and speed, making it highly popular.

Major tournaments:

• ICC Cricket World Cup
• ICC Champions Trophy
• Under-19 Cricket World Cup

How Can I Bet on Cricket Matches?

Years ago, I asked the same question before winning my first cricket bet on an exciting India-Pakistan match. Cricket betting involves wagering on match outcomes, but before diving in, it’s crucial to consider a few key factors.

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. The 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. The 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

Step 3: Place Your Bets

Now that you’ve registered with your preferred sportsbook, follow these steps to place your bet.

1. Go to the cashier or deposit section and fund your account. Using supported banking methods like PayPal, Skrill, or debit cards.
2. Select cricket from the list of sports. Then, click on your desired event or market.
3. Choose your cricket bet type.
4. Enter your stake and review your bet details.
5. Confirm or submit your cricket bet.

Understanding Different Types of Cricket Bets

There are various 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.
• 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:

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

Major Cricket Events to Bet On

Cricket’s calendar is packed with exciting tournaments. Here are the top events for betting:

• ICC ODI World Cup: Held every four years since 1975, this is cricket’s most prestigious event. Popular markets include match winners, top run-scorers, and wicket-takers. Australia holds the record with five titles.
• ICC T20 World Cup: A fast-paced global tournament introduced in 2007. Held every four years, it features 16 teams and thrilling betting options like run scores and most sixes.
• The Ashes: The oldest cricket rivalry between England and Australia, dating back to 1882. Held every two years, it’s a punter’s paradise, with markets on match results and wickets.
• IPL (Indian Premier League): The world’s most popular T20 league, boasting 10 star-studded teams and over 400 million annual viewers. Betting highlights include team performance and player stats.

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: Evaluate recent match results, batting and bowling records, injuries, and head-to-head stats. Identify 2–3 game-changers per team and compare their strengths against the opposition.
• Consider pitch and weather conditions: Match conditions can heavily influence outcomes:
  • Spin-friendly pitches: Favor slow bowlers.
  • Bouncy tracks: Benefit fast bowlers (e.g., in Australia).
  • Sunny skies: Favor batsmen.
  • Cloudy or wet conditions: Aid fast bowlers.
• Managing your bankroll: Set a budget and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses or overbetting. Spread your wagers across multiple markets to manage risk.
• Find the best value: Compare odds across sportsbooks to spot overpriced or undervalued bets. Look for competitive odds and sign up with multiple sportsbooks to maximize bonuses and opportunities.

Ready for Cricket Betting Action?

With the tips and strategies in this guide, you’re ready to bet confidently on cricket. Sign up with a trusted sportsbook we recommend here, and bookmark TrustnBet for the latest updates.

Frequently Asked Questions