The UK cricket betting market generates about £52 million each year, making up 2.2% of the £2.37 billion online sports betting sector. While smaller than a football, cricket still attracts a steady number of bettors.
Approximately 7% of UK sports bettors place wagers on cricket, indicating a loyal and engaged audience. This makes cricket a notable part of the overall betting landscape, even if it is not the largest.
Read on to know about the UK cricket betting market, what drives its growth, and future opportunities for bettors.
Cricket Betting Market Size in the UK: Overview
The UK cricket betting market is a small but steady segment, generating £52 million annually and attracting loyal bettors.
Here is a quick Overview of the cricket betting market size in the UK:
| Metric | Latest UK Figure |
|---|---|
| Total UK Gambling GGY | £16.8 billion |
| Online Sports Betting GGY | £2.37 billion |
| Cricket Share of Online Betting | 2.2% |
| Estimated Cricket Betting GGY | ~£52 million |
| Share of UK Bettors (Cricket) | 7% |
Source: Gambling Commission Report, London Business News, YourGov
Note: The UK Gambling Commission does not publish a standalone revenue figure for cricket betting. Therefore, Cricket betting GGY is estimated by applying a 2.2% share to £2.37 billion online sports betting revenue. It may change as the cricket betting market evolves.
UK Cricket Betting Revenue
Back in 2021, the UK Parliament published a report stating the revenue generated from all types of sports, including cricket. The table below shows the online turnover for cricket betting from 2016/17 to 2018/19:
| Year | Online Turnover (£bn) |
|---|---|
| 2016/17 | 0.515 billion |
| 2017/18 | 0.761 |
| 2018/19 | 0.717 |
Source: UK Parliament
Key Drivers Influencing The Cricket Betting Market Size In the UK
The UK cricket betting market is growing rapidly due to mobile apps and digital platforms. People can place bets anytime, easily and quickly, especially on smartphones.
Live or in-play betting during matches is very popular, particularly for fast formats like T20 cricket, keeping users engaged throughout the game.
Live betting is estimated to account for roughly 55% to 60% of all cricket wagers placed in the UK, showing how much players prefer real-time betting.
Technology and innovation also drive growth. AI helps provide personalized betting experiences, while secure digital payments make transactions safe and fast.
The rise of virtual cricket and fantasy leagues gives bettors more ways to play, even when no live matches are on.
Marketing and regulation further support the market. Bookmakers run promotions and sponsorships linked to major tournaments like the IPL and The Hundred, attracting more users.
These campaigns are shared through TV, social media, and apps, creating awareness, encouraging engagement, and helping new bettors join while keeping existing players active and interested in the game.
Cricket Betting In The UK: Gender Demographics
According to the latest available data, 89% of bettors in the U.K are women, whereas just 11% are men.
| Gender | Percentage of Bettors in the UK |
|---|---|
| Women | 89% |
| Men | 11% |
Income of Online Cricket Bettors
Online cricket bettors come from diverse income backgrounds, with a majority in middle- and higher-income groups, reflecting affordability.
Here is a further breakdown based on income:
| Income Group | Percentage of Bettors |
|---|---|
| Lower income | 19% |
| Middle income | 42% |
| Higher income | 30% |
| Prefer not to say/Don’t know | 9% |
Source: YourGov
Challenges Affecting Cricket Betting in the UK
Betting on cricket is tricky because it depends heavily on conditions. The toss can instantly change which team is favored, and live bettors often wait until the toss is done, creating sudden spikes in betting activity.
The pitch and weather add complexity. A pitch can change dramatically over a match, and short periods of overcast weather can make the ball swing, affecting live odds. Courtsiders can also exploit small TV delays to place bets faster than others.
Cricket’s micro-markets and rain rules make betting harder. In-play bets like “next ball runs” are unpredictable, and rain-shortened matches using the DLS method can change targets, confusing many bettors.
Top 5 Leading Cricket Betting Platforms In The U.K
Check out some top cricket betting platforms in the UK.
1. Betfred
Betfred is a well-established betting platform known for its reliable service and variety of betting options.
If you bet £10, you get £50 in bonus funds, usually requiring playthrough or wagering conditions before you can withdraw.
The platform also offers custom bet features and a detailed blog on upcoming events, helping users make informed decisions. Its user-friendly interface and prompt customer support add to its appeal.
2. Parimatch
Parimatch is a global betting site offering a wide range of markets, including live and boosted odds, and operates legally in many regions with proper licensing.
From the platform, if you bet £10, you get £20 in free bets to use, usually with terms before you can withdraw winnings.
It provides excellent staff support and livestreaming options for key sports events, allowing punters to follow matches in real-time. The platform is ideal for users who enjoy dynamic betting experiences with strong guidance.
3. LiveScore Bet
LiveScore Bet specializes in sports betting with numerous markets and a focus on new members.
If you bet £10, you get £30 in bonus funds, meaning Liv Score gives you extra money to place more bets, increasing your chances of winning without using additional cash.
The platform emphasizes promotions for all users and supports easy betting across multiple sports. Its straightforward interface and quick settlement of bets make it a practical choice for both casual and experienced bettors.
4. William Hill
William Hill is one of the most recognized betting brands, offering extensive market depth and customer support.
Similar to Liv Score, here, if you bet £10, you get £30, meaning your initial stake is boosted with extra bonus funds to place more bets.
It features a toll-free support line and a robust platform that caters to serious bettors. With decades of experience, William Hill combines trustworthiness with a wide variety of betting options, including pre-match and live markets.
5. Coral
Coral is a leading bookmaker providing competitive odds and multiple betting opportunities. Their promotion
Here, if you bet £10, you get a £50 free bet, giving you extra betting credit to use without spending more of your own money.
The platform offers comprehensive pre-match coverage and an accumulator plus feature, allowing users to maximize potential returns. Coral’s intuitive interface and strong reputation make it a reliable option for both casual and experienced punters.
Source: Bet Select
Future Growth For Cricket Betting In the UK
Cricket betting in the UK is set to grow strongly from 2025 to 2030. Shorter formats like T20 and The Hundred are attracting more attention, increasing fan engagement.
Mobile platforms and in-play wagering are becoming increasingly popular, making it easier for users to place bets anytime and anywhere. This digital shift is driving new opportunities for the sector.
Although football and horse racing currently lead, cricket is emerging as a fast-growing market. Analysts project the overall UK sports betting industry will reach USD 21.3 billion by 2030, growing at 11.4% annually.
Source: Grand View Research
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Conclusion: UK Cricket Betting Shows Steady Growth And Rising Popularity
The UK cricket betting market generates about £52 million annually, attracting a loyal 7% of sports bettors despite being smaller than football or horse racing.
Mobile apps, live betting, and digital platforms make wagering easier, while T20, The Hundred, and fantasy leagues keep users engaged. Promotions and sponsorships further drive interest.
Cricket betting is expected to grow strongly between 2025 and 2030. Shorter formats and in-play betting position it as a rising segment within the UK sports betting industry.
