How to Bet on Cricket: From Odds to Placing Your First Bet

Cricket is more than just a sport for millions around the world. With growing popularity, it has emerged as an exciting betting space for enthusiasts in many countries – especially those with an analytical mind. Whether you are just beginning your cricket betting career or have some experience, understanding how it works is crucial. 

This comprehensive guide will tell you how to bet on cricket by exploring the common betting markets and key strategies to improve your betting experience. From reading odds to understanding different match formats, we’ll cover everything you need to bet on your favourite cricket clashes. 

Understanding Cricket Betting Odds

Betting odds show the chances of an event occurring and determine the payout for a winning bet. They’re usually represented in the American, Fractional, or Decimal formats. Let’s explain them in detail below. 

Odds Explained

The concept of favourites (-) and underdogs (+) is pretty popular in cricket betting. As you can see, the favourite team has a plus sign while the underdogs a negative. For example, if India (-150) is to win against Australia (+200), you must bet $150 on India to win $100. On the other hand, a $100 bet on Australia will give you $200 if they win. 

To calculate potential payouts for American odds, here is the formula:

• Positive Odds: Profit = (Stake × Odds) / 100
• Negative Odds: Profit = (100 × Stake) / Odds 

Decimal and Fractional Odds

Decimal odds are, you guessed it right, based on decimals that you studied in maths classes. The odds are expressed as decimals, such as 1.5 or 1.50 – the number that decides how much you’ll earn after betting a certain amount. So, if you bet $100 with the odds at 1.50, the following formula will decide your winning amount:

Payout = Stake × Decimal Odds 

For our example:

Payout = 100 × 1.50 = $150

This includes the original amount of $100 and $50 of winnings. 

Fractional odds use the concept of fractions  that you might be familiar with from your school years. They are also known as British Odds or UK Odds. An example of fractional odds is: 4/1. When you see a bet like this, it means the numerator (the upper number) is the total amount you will win for the amount in the denominator (the lower number) you bet. 

For instance, if you bet $1 in our example, you will win a total of $4, which includes the original betting amounts of $1. 

How Odds Reflect Probability

Betting odds are directly linked to probability. The implied probability of an event occurring can be calculated using the following formula:

Implied Probability of an Outcome = Stake / Total Payout 

By dividing the two numbers, you can easily calculate the probability of any outcome. 

For instance, the fractional odds of Pakistan defeating India in a World Cup match are 6/11. You simply need to divide both numbers to get to calculate implied probability, with the higher number indicating better probability. In our example:

• 6/11 = 54.5%

It also tells you the amount you’ll win by making an accurate bet. In this case, you’ll receive $54.50 as well as the original betting amount of $100. 

Basic Cricket Betting Rules

Before we dive into complex wagers, it is crucial to understand the fundamental betting rules. These will give you a good idea about betting strategies and help you start with confidence. 

Match Winner (Moneyline) Betting 

One of the simplest and most popular cricket bets is the match winner bet or the moneyline bet. It involves picking the team that will win the match outright. 

How it Works 

• If you get on Team A to win and they win, you get paid based on the odds. 
• If they lose, you lose your stake. 
• Some cricket formats allow for a draw, which can mean a void bet or an option to continue betting. 

Draw Bets in Cricket 

Unlike many other sports, cricket matches, especially test matches, can end in a draw. The ODIs and T20s can also be drawn if they are washed out by rain or tragic events. In these cases, some Sportsbooks offer a three-way moneyline where you can bet on:

1. Team A to win
2. Team B to win
3. Match to end in a draw 

Over/Under Bets (Runs, Wickets) 

An over/under bet, also known as total bet, lets you bet on whether a certain number will be higher or lower than the sportsbook’s predetermined line. This bet is widely used in cricket for runs, wickets, and even boundaries. 

How Total Bet Works 

The bookmaker sets a number (such as total runs in an innings) and you bet on whether the actual number will be over or under that line. 

Examples of Total Bet in Cricket 

Let’s look at a few examples of total bet in cricket and how they work:

1. Total Runs in an Innings 

• The bookmaker sets the line at 280 runs in an ODI match. 
• You bet over 280 if you believe the team will score 281 or more. 
• You bet below 280 if you think the team will fail to reach the specified number. 

2. Player Runs 

• A sportsbook says Virat Kohli will score 67 runs. 
• If you bet over 67, Kohli must score 68 or more for you to win. 
• If you get under 67, Kohli must score 66 or less for you to win. 

3. Total Wickets in a Match 

• The sportsbook sets a line at 7 wickets on the first day of a test match. 
• You bet over that if you expect more than 7 wickets to fall. 
• You bet under that if you expect less than 7 wickets to fall.  

Prop Bets (Coin Toss, Top Batsman/Bowler)

Prop bets (short for proposition bets) are wagers on specific events within a match instead of betting on the overall outcome. These bets can be skill-based (such as top batsman) or luck-based (like coin toss).

Common Prop Bets in Cricket 

Here is an overview of the popular prop bets in cricket.

1. Coin Toss Bets 

• One of the simplest bets in which you predict which team will win the coin toss. 
• Since it’s a 50/50 chance, the odds are usually 1.90-2.00 for both teams. 

2. Top Batsman Bet 

• You bet on which player will score the most runs for a team or in a match. 
• Examples: if you bet on Rohit Sharma at 5.00 odds, and score the most runs, you win.
• Some sportsbooks allow bets on the top batsman in a specific innings. 

3. Top Bowler Bet 

• Similar to the top batsman bet, but for bowlers. You wager on the bowler who takes the most wickets in a match. 
• Examples: Betting on Mitchell Starc at 4.50 odds to be the top wicket-taker in the match. 

4. Total Sixes/Fours Bet 

• You can bet on how many sixes or fours will be hit in a match. 
• Examples: Over/Under 15 sixes in a T20 match. 

5. First Ball Outcomes 

• Bet on whether the first ball of the match will be a dot ball, single, boundary, wicket, or wide/no ball. 

Common Cricket Betting Markets 

When learning how to bet on cricket, it is essential you understand some of the most popular betting markets. 

Innings Runs

One of the most popular cricket betting markets is innings runs, where you predict the total number of runs a team will score in an innings. This market is commonly available in all formats including Tests, ODIs, and T20s. 

How Innings Runs Bet Works 

Bookmakers first set a predicted total for the innings. Bettors place an Over/Under bet on whether the team will score more or fewer runs than the given line. 

Example 

• The sportsbook sets India’s first-inning total at 290 runs in an ODI. 
• Betting over 290 means India must cross the 290 line for you to win. 
• On the other hand, betting below 290 means India must score lower than this total. 

Exact Runs Betting 

Some bookmakers let you bet on the exact number of runs a team will score. Since predicting the exact score is extremely tricky, these bets usually have high odds and high risk. 

Alternative Markets for Innings Runs 

• Runs at the end of powerplay (T20 and ODI)
• Runs at the fall of a specific wicket (such as, total runs when the 3rd wicket falls)
• Total runs by a team in the first session (test cricket)

Here, is it crucial to note the difference between over/under and exact runs: In the former, you bet over or under a predetermined total. In the latter, you determine the total yourself and see if the team actually scores that total. 

First Ball/First Over Bets

First ball and first over bets focus on the initial stages of the match. These are extremely popular among bettors who prefer quick outcomes with a dash of excitement. They don’t have to wait for the whole match to conclude before knowing if they have earned anything. 

First Ball Bets 

You can bet on the outcome of the very first ball of the match, such as:

• Dot ball (no runs scored)
• Single 
• Four or six 
• Wide or no-ball
• Wicket (bowled, caught, or LBW)

Each option carries different odds based on the match conditions and the bowlers/batsmen involved. 

First Over Betting 

First over bets are similar but apply to the full first over instead of a single delivery. Some example are:

• Over/Under total runs in the first over (such as 5 or 10 runs)
• Whether a boundary (4 or 6) will be hit 
• Whether a wicket will fall in the first over 

Player and Team Totals

This betting market is all about individual player performances or total team statistics, rather than the overall match result. 

Player Total: Runs or Wickets 

Bookmakers determine an over/under line for a specific player’s total runs or wickets. What you need to determine is whether the player will fall short of that specific number or cross it.  

The first example here is of a batsman:

• Babar Azam’s total runs have been set at 55. 
• Betting over it means you expect him to score more than 55. You will win only if he scores more than 55. 
• Betting under 55 means you will win only if he scores less than 55. 

Using the same example for the bowler:

• The over/under bet for Jasprit Bumrah has been set at 3 wickets in an ODI. 
• If you get over, it means you expect Bumrah to take more than 3 wickets. If he does that, you win. 
• If you bet under 3 wickets, you expect him to get less than 3 wickets. If he doesn’t reach the predicted number, you win. 

Century/Half-Century Bets 

This market allows you to wager on whether a player will score a fifty or a century in a match. 

For instance, a sportsbook sets 5.00 odds for Babar Azam to score a century. If you bet on it and Babar scores a hundred, you win 5 times your stake. 

Similarly, you can bet on the following:

• Any player to score 50+ runs 
• Which player will score the most runs?

Team Totals 

This bet lets you determine the total runs a team will score in an innings. Some markets also offer team-based bets like:

• Most sixes in a match 
• Most fours in a match
• Total extras conceded (wide balls, no-balls, and more)

Live (In-Play) Betting Basics

Live or in-play betting allows you to place bets while the game is in progress. The market is dynamic and the odds are constantly updated based on the game’s situation.

If a team starts the game well, their odds to win usually decrease. Similarly, if a key batsman gets out early, the opponent’s odds may decrease. Bettors can monitor these situations in real-time and modify their bets accordingly. 

One thing to remember when understanding how to bet on cricket is that live betting odds change every ball, or at least every few balls. Because of rapidly changing situations, bettors need to make quick decisions. Keeping an eye on key moments like wickets, partnerships, and power plays is crucial for success.

Cricket Match Formats and How They Affect Betting 

All major cricket formats – Tests, ODIs, and T20s – have distinct characteristics. Understanding how each format works is crucial to make smart betting decisions. Let’s discuss how to bet on cricket when you have three distinct things formats to deal with. 

T20 (Indian Premier League, Big Bash League)

T20 (named so because it has 20 overs of 6 balls each) is the shortest and fastest mainstream cricketing format. Tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL), Big Bash League (BBL), and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) have made this format immensely popular among both fans and gambling enthusiasts. 

The fast-paced nature of this game means that odds keep changing rapidly, especially if you’re involved in live betting. A few big overs or quick wickets can significantly change the game’s momentum. Similarly, every upcoming ball becomes more important than the previous one due to the short nature of the game. 

One important factor in T20s is the frequency with which teams post high totals. Unlike ODIs and Tests, T20s are significantly faster and teams intend to score high and put pressure on the opponent, by hitting as many fours and sixes as possible. Betting markets like most sixes, total team score, top batsman, and total runs are very active in this format. Similarly, player prop bets are also very popular because these matches are highly likely to be decided through individual performances. 

One Day Internationals (ODIs)

ODIs have 50 overs per side and sit between T20s and ODIs in terms of excitement and game length. There are considerable strategic differences between ODIs and T20s:

• Controlled pace and batting partnerships become much more important to post a competitive total. 
• Teams often start conservatively and try to build a decent opening partnership, especially in the first 10-15 overs. They usually explode in the final 10-15 overs. 
• There’s more room for strategic bowling and field changes. In ODIs, each bowler is allowed a maximum of 10 overs, while in T20 it is 4.

ODI betting also differs from T20 betting because of the nature of both games:

• Because the matches are longer by 60 overs, bettors have more data and longer trends to consider. 
• Player milestones like centuries and 5-wicket hauls are more likely, which means the availability of longer-term prop bets. 
• Less volatile than T20 because of a longer, more stable game. 

Test Matches

Test cricket is the longest and the oldest format that began in 1877 in Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). It is played over five days with both teams getting two innings each. Since the game expands over several sessions, bettors need to strategize accordingly and come up with a plan that works for the whole test. 

Some Unique Aspects of Test Betting 

• The extended format allows for tactical play, including batting out time (a strategy used by many teams to draw the game), spin bowling sessions, pitch aging, and more. 
• Momentum shifts do happen in tests but they are rarely dramatic like T20s. They are rather gradual and have long-term impact. 
• The test outcomes aren’t just wins and losses – many tests are drawn too, when both teams cannot reach a decisive result in the five allotted days. It adds a third possible outcome in the betting market.

Draw Bets and Long-Term Wagers in Test Cricket 

Draw bets are an indispensable part of test betting because of the game’s format. Whether it is rain delays, batters staying on the pitch for longer sessions, or teams strategizing to avoid defeat, draws are often the result bettors face. Because of that, bookmakers offer bets like:

• First innings lead
• Total runs for players in both innings 
• Whether the match would go to day 5
• Players to score 100+ in both innings 

How to Win: Foundational Tips

Winning in cricket betting isn’t based on luck alone. Sure, unpredictability is part of this game, but seasoned bettors use data and discipline to increase their winning chances. Following are some of the best strategies if you’re wondering how to bet on cricket.

Research and Basic Analysis

Research is the most powerful tool in your kit before you place any bets. Blindly following a team just because you are loyal or like a few players isn’t a great strategy – it can lead to crippling losses. Instead, it is far better to genuinely analyze what’s going on and understand the factors that impact outcomes. 

Player and Team Form 

Here’s what you should analyze when understanding how to bet on cricket:

• Look into recent match performances. Has the team been winning or losing lately? 
• Is the star batsman in good touch or struggling to score runs? 
• Are key bowlers fit and taking wickets consistently?

It helps you understand the current form of teams and players – one of the most significant factors in cricket outcomes. 

Cricket Statistics 

There is no shortage of cricket databases to do a comprehensive analysis. You have several free websites to do that:

• ESPNcricinfo
• Cricbuzz
• HowSTAT

Some of the key statistics to follow are:

• Batting and bowling averages 
• Strike rates 
• Recent scores or wicket hauls 
• Pitch and weather conditions 
• Head-to-head team performances 

Bankroll Management

Even if you are a math wizard and have done extensive research, it still doesn’t guarantee success. That is why managing your bankroll becomes essential. It is the practice of controlling how much money to bet to avoid losing everything in a few bad bets. 

Here are the tips you should follow for successful bankroll management when exploring how to bet on cricket:

Set a Betting Budget 

Start by deciding on a total amount of money you are willing to bet, which is also called bankroll, and don’t exceed it. This should be an amount you can afford to lose without affecting your daily life. For example, if your bankroll is $100, don’t risk it all on one match.

Use a Staking Plan 

A staking plan determines how much you bet per wager. The two most common staking methods are:

• Flat Betting: You wager the same amount each time (such as, 2-5% of your bankroll) 
• Proportional Betting: Adjust your stake based on your confidence level or bankroll size. For instance, you could put 3% on safer bets and 1% on riskier ones. 

Understanding Value Bets

Value betting is one of the most unique aspects of sports betting. A value bet occurs when you are smart enough to realize that the probability of an event happening is higher than what the odds suggest. 

Here’s how a value bet works:

Let’s say a sportsbook offers odds of 3.00 (or 2/1) on a team winning, which implies a 33.3% chance (1 divided by 3.00). But based on your research, you believe the team has a 50% chance to win. This discrepancy is where the value bet shows up. 

If you consistently place bets where your estimated probability is higher than the implied odds, you can generate profits overtime. You can win even if you lose some bets in the short run. 

How Can I Bet on Cricket Online? 

Online cricket betting has exploded in recent years thanks to the arrival of various cricketing leagues worldwide. From IPL to PSL, players have numerous high-quality betting opportunities provided by online casinos. But, this explosion has a downside too: picking a starting point becomes hard. 

Let’s clear the confusion by telling you how to bet on cricket as a beginner with limited knowledge. 

Choosing a Reputable Online Bookmaker

Before doing anything else, you need to register with a reliable and reputable sportsbook. Betting with an unlicensed platform can put your money, personal data, and winnings at risk. Licensing is the most important indicator of a casino’s trustworthiness. The most popular licensing organizations in the casino world include the following:

• The UK Gambling Commission 
• Malta Gaming Authority 
• Gibraltar Regulatory Authority 

Licensing ensures that the sportsbook adheres to fair gameplay rules, maintains user protection standards, and offers transparency in betting processes. 

Similarly, robust security measures like SSL encryption keep your data safe. It’s not only personal data that is secured but also the transactions worth millions happening each year on betting platforms. 

How to Pick a Reliable Platform 

By following these tips, you can pick a reliable online betting platform:

• Check the footer of the website for any licensing information. On reliable casinos, you’ll find logos and names of the licensing organizations.
• SSL encryption for secure transactions (represented by a padlock in the URL bar).
• Positive online reviews and ratings. 
• Responsive customer support via chat, email, and call. 
• Clear terms and conditions, especially related to bonuses and withdrawals. 

Account Setup and Deposits

Once you’ve selected a bookmaker, the next step is to create your account and deposit funds to start betting.

Creating an Account 

Here’s the step-by-step registration process when learning how to bet on cricket:

1. Click the sign up or join button. 
2. Enter your personal information, such as name, date of birth, address, phone/email, and the like. 
3. Pick a secure password and username. 
4. Accept the terms and conditions and confirm you are of legal age. 

Some sites also ask for identity verification (uploading an ID or utility bill) before withdrawals.

Making Your First Deposit 

After creating your account:

1. Head to the ‘deposit’ or ‘banking’ section. 
2. Select your preferred payment method (credit/debit card, bank transfer, e-wallets like Skrill or Neteller, or local UPI options).
3. Enter the deposit amount and confirm the transaction. 

Many platforms offer bonuses for new players, such as the welcome bonus, which usually pays 100% on your first deposit. 

Placing Your First Bet

Once you have created your account and deposited the required amount, follow these steps to place your first cricket bet:

1. Log in to your account. 
2. Navigate to the Sports section in the casino and click on Cricket. 
3. Browse upcoming matches or tournaments.
4. Click on a match to see available markets, such as match winner, over/under, top batsman, and more. 
5. Choose a bet by clicking on the odds. 
6. Your bet will appear in the bet slip, usually on the right or bottom of the screen. 
7. Enter the amount you want to wager and review the potential payout. 
8. Place the bet and you are good to go. 

Cricket Betting Rules: Essential Information 

While cricket betting is undoubtedly exciting, is it critical to understand the betting rules that apply to the game, more so during unusual circumstances. Match interruptions, tied matches, or abandoned games can all impact the outcome of your wager. 

Let’s discuss the key rules every cricket bettor should know. 

Understanding Match Abandonment Rules

Cricket matches can sometimes be abandoned due to weather conditions like rain, crowd trouble, power failure, and more. In such cases, betting platforms follow specific rules to determine whether a bet stands or is violated. 

In case a match is abandoned:

• If no play happens at all, most sportsbooks will void all bets. Your stake is refunded. 
• If there is some play but it ends before the match reaches a conclusion, especially in limited over formats, bets on outcomes like Match Winner or Top Batsman may still be voided. 
• For live or in-play bets, sportsbooks usually settle the bet based on the last known result before the interruption. 

Dead Heat Rules

Dead Heat in cricket betting means two or more participants tying for a winning position in a market that doesn’t allow for a draw or tie outcome. 

Let’s suppose you bet on a player to become the top scoring batsman, and two players end the innings with the same highest score. This result is a dead heat, and the payout is then divided by the number of tied winners. 

Here’s how it works:

• You bet $10 on Player A at 5.00 odds to be the top batsman. 
• Player A ties with Player B as the top scorer. 
• Your $10 stake is divided by 2 = $5. 
• You receive $5 × 5.0 = $25

Instead of winning the full $50, you win $25 because of dead heat. 

Understanding Forfeits and Other Rule-Based Game Stoppings

Sometimes a match isn’t completed in the traditional sense – not due to weather, but due to forfeit, a serious breach of conduct, or unexpected stoppage. These events are rare but can still impact the betting outcomes. 

A team may forfeit an innings for tactical reasons (especially in test matches). Bets placed on inning runs or totals will still be settled based on the actual number of runs scored up to that point. 

In rare cases, matches could be suspended or awarded due to:

• Rule violations 
• Crowd violence 
• Pitch tampering 
• Team walkouts or disputes 

Most bookmakers will have clauses that define how bets are settled in such scenarios. 

Conclusion 

Cricket betting is a great way of making the game even more exciting. It is important to remember that success requires much more than luck. You need to understand different betting types, match formats, and strategic betting approaches to make smarter decisions. 

Whether you are placing your very first bet or trying to get better, always do your due diligence. Manage your bankroll wisely and only register with licensed and reputable bookmakers. Additionally, stay informed about team form, pitch conditions, and weather forecast to make accurate bets. 

With the right knowledge and disciplined approach, cricket betting offers exciting earning prospects. 

How To Bet On Cricket FAQs

1. What are the most basic cricket bets for beginners? 

If you’re new to cricket betting, it’s best to start with the following:

• Moneyline bet 
• Over/Under bet 
• Player prop bets 
• Coin toss bet

2. How do I read cricket betting odds? 

Cricket betting odds can be displayed in three main formats: decimal, fractional, and American:

• Decimal odds are expressed as decimals where the stake is multiplied by the decimal odds. 
• In fractional odds, the denominator is the amount you bet that wins you the amount in the numerator. 
• American odds tell you the winning amount for every $100 you bet. 

3. What are the differences between T20, ODI, and Test match betting?

T20 betting focuses on short-term markets like first ball bets and top batsman bets. The ODI bets are more balanced and include markets like match winner, top batsman, and innings runs. When it comes to test match cricket, common markets are session runs, wickets, player milestones, and the like. 

4. How can I find a reliable online cricket betting site?

Follow these guidelines to find a betting site that you can trust:

• Check if the casino is licensed by reputable organizations. 
• Look for secure payment methods.
• The site should offer competitive betting markets with quality odds. 
• Cricket betting should always include in-play and live betting.
• There should be bonuses for both new and old players. 

5. What are the most common mistakes beginners make when betting on cricket?

Here are the most common mistakes committed by beginners in cricket betting:

• Not doing proper research
• Ignoring bankroll management 
• Misunderstanding odds and probability 
• Betting on too many markets 
• Ignoring weather, pitch conditions, and team form.