Indian Super League Betting – Exciting Gambling Opportunities
Football is the top sport to gamble on in the world, and Indian Super League betting is one of the options available in India. Although cricket is India’s favourite sport, football still has a decent following. Football is one of the must-haves at online sports betting websites with the ISL as a common offering. Punters who wish to learn more about ISL betting will appreciate this guide.
Indian Super League
ISL is the country’s highest level of football. Even though the league is not as large or well-known as others in Europe and Asia, it still has loyal fans. Another difference with the ISL is that it doesn’t have a relegation and promotion system. Instead, it functions similarly to Major League Soccer where the tournament expands. Clubs in the Super League qualify for the Asian continental competitions. The league has 10 teams. Besides the small size of the tournament, punters can expect more than enough opportunities for Indian Super League Betting. A majority of top football betting sites in India offer the ISL as a gambling market.
History
Originally, football was a way for British soldiers to connect with locals during colonisation. Later, local communities adapted the game, and it became a common social activity. The first football team was established in Calcutta in 1872. Since then, the country’s passion for football grew steadily, and in 1950, the national team was invited to the FIFA World Cup but declined. After a few attempts to set up a national league, the Indian Super League launched on 21 October 2013. However, its first season didn’t start until October 2014.
The inaugural game was between Atlético de Kolkata and Mumbai City at the Salt Lake Stadium. Its final match was in December 2014 where Atlético de Kolkata beat Kerala Blasters 1-0 to take the championship. Initially, the league had franchises in 8 cities. It also ran for the first three years without recognition by FIFA or the Asia Football Confederation. Consequently, ISL teams could not take part in Asian club competitions. The ISL accepted two new franchises for the 2017/18 season.
Format
Each of the 10 teams plays 18 games during the season. Every club plays one home and one away game against the rest of the teams. After the league ends, the top four teams advance to the playoffs, which take place in March. Clubs get three points for a win, one for a draw and zero for a loss. The club that ranked first on the league table faces the fourth one, while the second team faces the third. Each team plays a home and away game. Then the aggregate scores from the semi-finals of the playoffs are used to determine the finalists. The final game is held on neutral ground. The Indian Super League runs from October to March.
Top Teams
Before you begin looking for a sportsbook to wager on the Indian Super League, know some of the top clubs in the competition. Chennaiyin is among the top clubs, having won the league two times, in 2017-18 and 2015. Atlético de Kolkata was the first league winner in 2014 and also won in 2016 and 2020. Bengaluru won the 2018-19 season and was the first team to participate in Asian competition in the 2018 AFC Cup.
Top Indian Super League Betting Sites
India punters have a decent selection of online sportsbooks that provide ISL betting. As football gains more prominence in India, more betting sites are offering the option to wager on local competitions. Expect to find trustworthy bookmakers that cater to different types of bettors. Below are three top alternatives:
Dafabet
The gambling platform is one of Asia’s premier sportsbooks. If you want a bookmaker that supports online sports betting in Rupees, then Dafabet is a good choice. Customers get best odds guaranteed offers for the ISL and other Asian leagues. Indian punters also receive a variety of promotions.
Bet365
This bookmaker is a leading choice in football betting due to its extensive market coverage. Punters can expect competitive odds for Indian Super League betting and several other Asian football markets. Bet365 offers attractive promotions too and is perfect for seasoned bettors. Live streaming, in-play betting and cash out are among the features present on the website.
Betway
Another offshore sportsbook that is ideal for online football betting is Betway. Its seamless and user-friendly site is ideal for beginners. The high-quality live streaming is one of Betway’s selling points. Indian customers also get useful information, including football betting tips. Betway is available on an iOS and Android app.
Types of Bets Available
Before you indulge in ISL betting, learn the kinds of wagers that you can make. The availability usually depends on the chosen sportsbook. Below are popular ones:
Over/Under
The wager is widely popular in online sports betting because it is uncomplicated. A bookmaker sets a selection, for example, the number of goals at match end. Then the punter wagers if the outcome will be more (over) or less (under) than the proposed line.
Handicap Betting
In this type, the sportsbook gives a disadvantage to the stronger (favourite) side in a match to level the playing field. In football betting, a bookmaker adds or removes goals. You can expect to find European and Asian handicap bets in ISL betting. Know the difference between the two handicap types then pick the most suitable one.
In-play Betting
Online football betting allows punters to wager on on-going matches through in-play gambling. A huge upside of this wagering system is that you can alter bets as the game progresses. Bookmakers provide data that punters can use when forming a football betting strategy. For example, a site can include team statistics and commentary, which you can use to make smart bets.
Live Streaming Of ISL Matches
Streaming of events is one of the features that some online bookmakers provide. Due to the expensive nature of the service, not a lot of operators offer, especially not for a small league like the ISL. Nonetheless, Indian punters will find premium quality football live stream services at top sites. With live streaming, you can watch ISL matches and wager without having to switch devices. Depending on the bookmaker, you can stream events on a smartphone or tablet.
FAQ
Can I bet at online football betting sites in Indian rupees?
A good number of online betting platforms accept Rupees. However, confirm with the sportsbook first prior to opening an account.
Is sports betting online legal in India?
Yes. Online sports betting is legal as long as bettors use regulated websites. Therefore, ensure that a bookmaker holds a valid licence beforehand.
Can I place an ISL bet on my mobile?
Yes. Almost all bookmakers have mobile betting either in the form of football betting apps or mobile sites. Indian punters can place bets, stream ISL matches and bet live.