Cricket enjoys massive popularity across the globe. However, betting on this sport remains a controversial topic. Some countries allow cricket betting under strict rules. Others have completely banned it.
Cricket Betting is primarily banned in Cricket-Playing Countries Such as India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, etc. Also, it is banned in some non-cricketing nations like North Korea, Vatican City, Cuba, Qatar, Maldives, etc.
This article covers the countries that do not allow cricket betting in 2026. We will look at cricket-loving nations and those with a smaller cricket fanbase. We will also discuss why these bans exist and how they impact the sport.
Cricket Betting Banned Countries
Many countries around the world have banned cricket betting. Some of these nations love cricket. Others have very little connection to the sport.
Here is a list of 20 countries that do not allow cricket betting in 2026:
| Cricketing Nations | Non-Cricketing Nations |
|---|---|
| India | North Korea |
| Afghanistan | Vatican City |
| Pakistan | Cuba |
| Bangladesh | Qatar |
| Nepal | Maldives |
| United Arab Emirates | Eritrea |
| Saudi Arabia | Myanmar |
| Iraq | China |
| Kuwait | Algeria |
| Oman | Libya |
Note: India joined this list in 2025 after passing the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025.
India: The Biggest Change In 2025
India made the most significant change to its cricket betting laws in 2025. The Indian Parliament passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, in August 2025. President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent on August 22, 2025. The law came into force in October 2025.
This law bans all online money games in India. It covers games of skill, games of chance, and mixed games. Cricket betting, fantasy cricket apps like Dream11, and real-money poker all fall under this ban.
The government cited several reasons for this ban. Officials claimed online money gaming harmed 450 million Indians. Users reportedly lost over ₹20,000 crores. The government also linked these platforms to addiction, depression, and suicide.
Under this law, offering online money games can result in a three-year prison sentence. Fines can reach up to ₹1 crore. Banks cannot process payments for these services. The government has already blocked over 7,800 betting websites since the law came into effect.
The law does allow e-sports and skill-based social games that do not involve real money. A National Online Gaming Commission will regulate these permitted activities.
Cricketing Nations That Banned Cricket Betting
Several cricket-loving countries have banned betting on the sport. Religious beliefs, cultural values, and legal concerns drive these decisions. Here are the details for each country:
1. India
India now has a complete ban on cricket betting. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, prohibits all forms of online money gaming. Before this law, the Public Gambling Act of 1867 banned physical gambling. Different states had different rules for online betting. The 2025 law creates a uniform national ban.
The law has faced legal challenges. Critics argue that it violates the state’s powers over gambling regulation. Several gaming companies have filed cases in the Supreme Court. Despite this, the government continues to enforce the ban strictly.
2. Afghanistan
Islamic law governs Afghanistan. This law treats all forms of gambling as sinful. The country follows Sharia law strictly. Under this system, cricket betting can lead to social and economic problems. Authorities do not allow any form of gambling in the country.
3. Pakistan
Pakistan loves cricket. Yet, the country does not allow betting on the sport. The Prevention of Gambling Act of 1977 bans all forms of gambling. This includes sports betting. The government wants to protect the integrity of cricket.
Operating a gaming establishment can lead to fines of up to 1,000 Rupees and up to 1 year in prison. Participating in gambling activities carries a fine of up to 5,000 Rupees. Despite these laws, illegal cricket betting remains widespread in Pakistan. A 2025 court petition seeks stronger action against gambling apps such as Betway, 1xBet, and Bet365.
4. Bangladesh
The Public Gambling Act of 1867 makes gambling illegal in Bangladesh. British colonial rulers introduced this law. It covers all types of sports betting. The government enforces this law to prevent match-fixing in cricket.
Online gambling exists in a legal grey area. No specific laws address digital gambling. However, authorities can apply old laws to online activities. Banks are not required to handle gambling transactions.
5. Nepal
Nepal bans most forms of gambling. Only a few casino operations have permission to run. The Gambling Act of 1963 prohibits all public gambling. This includes cricket betting. The government wants to protect citizens from gambling-related harm.
6. United Arab Emirates
The UAE follows both Islamic principles and federal laws. Both systems ban gambling completely. The UAE Penal Code treats gambling as a punishable offense. This includes betting on cricket and all other sports.
The UAE has maintained this strict stance even as it has relaxed other regulations to attract foreign investment. Dubai and Abu Dhabi do not allow gambling despite their luxury tourism sectors.
7. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia follows Sharia law strictly. Gambling in any form is a serious offense here. The country does not allow betting on cricket or any other activity. Violators can face severe penalties.
8. Iraq
Iraq’s laws do not permit gambling. The Iraqi Penal Code treats gambling as a punishable offense. This ban covers all sports betting. Cricket betting falls under this restriction.
9. Kuwait
Kuwait follows Islamic law, as do other Gulf countries. The government bans all forms of gambling. This includes cricket betting. Authorities enforce these laws strictly to uphold religious values.
10. Oman
Oman’s legal system draws from Islamic principles. Gambling of any kind is not allowed. This includes betting on cricket and other sports. The country maintains these rules to preserve social and religious norms.
Non-Cricketing Nations That Banned Cricket Betting
Several countries where cricket has little popularity have also banned betting on the sport. These bans usually form part of wider gambling restrictions. Here are the details:
1. North Korea
North Korea’s government controls every aspect of citizens’ lives. The regime prohibits all forms of gambling. This includes sports betting on any sport. Cricket betting naturally falls under this ban. Only tourists may access limited gambling in designated areas.
2. Vatican City
Vatican City serves as the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. The church teaches against the dangers of gambling. All forms of betting are prohibited here. This includes any form of sports betting.
3. Cuba
Cuba’s socialist system bans most forms of gambling. The government runs some lotteries. However, betting on sports remains illegal. This includes cricket betting.
4. Qatar
Qatar follows Islamic law, as do many Middle Eastern countries. The government bans all forms of gambling. This covers betting on every sport. Cricket betting is not allowed. Residents and tourists cannot find any legal betting options in Qatar.
5. Maldives
The Maldives is an Islamic nation. Gambling is completely prohibited here. This ban extends to all sports betting. Cricket betting is not allowed under any circumstances.
6. Eritrea
Eritrea’s government maintains a strict ban on gambling. All forms of betting are illegal. This includes sports betting. Cricket has little presence in Eritrea. Yet, betting on it remains banned.
7. Myanmar
Myanmar’s laws make gambling largely illegal. The government allows some state-run lotteries. However, sports betting is not permitted. This includes betting on cricket.
8. China
China prohibits all forms of gambling except state-run lotteries and betting in Macau. Sports betting on cricket is illegal throughout mainland China. The government actively blocks online betting websites. Chinese citizens who gamble through foreign platforms can face penalties.
9. Algeria
Algeria bans all forms of gambling under its strict adherence to Islamic law. Sports betting, including cricket, is not permitted. The country does not issue gambling licenses.
10. Libya
Libya prohibits gambling based on Islamic principles. All forms of sports betting are illegal. The country has no legal framework for any betting activities.
Countries That Changed Their Laws Recently
Brazil: No Longer Banned
Brazil legalized online sports betting on January 1, 2025. Law No. 14,790/2023 created a regulated market for fixed-odds betting. The Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA) now issues licenses to operators. Over 80 operators now hold federal authorization to offer betting services in Brazil.
This marks a major shift from Brazil’s 1946 gambling ban. Cricket betting is now legal in Brazil through licensed operators. The government expects to collect over R$10 billion in tax revenue annually.
Sri Lanka: Moving Toward Regulation
Sri Lanka passed the Gambling Regulatory Authority Act, No. 17 of 2025. This law creates a new authority to oversee all gambling activities. The Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) is expected to launch by June 2026.
Currently, 60-70% of gambling in Sri Lanka happens through unregulated online platforms. The new framework aims to bring this activity under legal oversight. Six licensed casinos already operate in the country. Online gambling remains in a grey area, but it will soon have clear regulations.
United States: State-by-State Legalization
The United States does not have a blanket ban on cricket betting. Since the Supreme Court struck down the federal ban in 2018, 38 states and Washington, D.C., have legalized some form of sports betting.
States like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Arizona allow online cricket betting through licensed sportsbooks. However, states like California, Texas, Georgia, Hawaii, and Utah still do not allow sports betting. The legal status varies significantly across the country.
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Conclusion: Cricket Betting Banned In India After Online Gaming Act 2025
Countries ban cricket betting for various reasons. Cultural values, religious beliefs, and legal concerns all play a role. India’s 2025 ban represents the most significant recent change. The world’s largest cricket market now prohibits all online money gaming.
Meanwhile, countries like Brazil have moved in the opposite direction by legalizing betting. Sri Lanka is creating new regulations to oversee gambling activities. The United States continues its state-by-state approach.
Online betting platforms create new challenges for these bans. People can access betting sites from anywhere using VPNs. Enforcement remains difficult for many governments.
Understanding these different rules matters for fans and players. Cricket continues to grow worldwide. The debate around cricket betting will remain important in the coming years. Countries will need to balance economic benefits, social concerns, and the integrity of the sport.
