Cricket betting has grown massively in the UK, driven by the fast-paced action of T20 and The Hundred alongside the traditional appeal of Test matches. The best cricket bookmakers offer deep markets across all formats, competitive odds on international fixtures, and strong in-play coverage for the live action.
Cricket Betting at a Glance
Best Cricket Betting Sites
These bookmakers have been assessed on their cricket-specific coverage: market range across formats, odds competitiveness on international matches, and in-play betting quality during live cricket.
Casino list updated: October 2026
Cricket Betting Markets Explained
Match Markets
The core cricket bet is match winner. In Tests, there are three outcomes (home, away, draw). In limited-overs formats, it's a two-way market. Beyond that, top batsman and top bowler markets let you pick the highest individual scorer or wicket-taker. Some bookmakers also offer player performance markets combining runs, wickets, and catches.
In-Play Cricket Betting
Cricket's stop-start nature makes it ideal for in-play betting. Between overs, at the fall of wickets, and during drinks breaks, there's time to assess the situation and place bets. Markets include next wicket method, runs in the over, player to score a boundary, and session runs. T20 matches are particularly popular for live betting due to the fast pace.
Betting by Format
Test cricket offers the most complex betting - five days of play, with draw as a realistic outcome. Session betting (runs scored in a session) and first innings lead are popular markets unique to Tests.
T20 is the fastest format and the most popular for betting. Matches last around three hours with constant action. Top batsman, top bowler, and highest individual score markets attract heavy interest.
The Hundred has its own following in the UK. The simplified 100-ball format is easy to follow and generates good betting interest during the summer.
Major Cricket Betting Events
The Ashes
The Ashes is the biggest cricket betting event for UK punters. Five Tests between England and Australia, with series winner, individual match, and player markets. Ante-post markets open months before the series starts.
T20 World Cup
The T20 World Cup brings together the best short-format players in a knockout tournament. Outright winner, group stage, and individual match markets all attract strong interest from UK bettors.
Indian Premier League
The IPL runs from March to May and features the world's best T20 players. Time zone differences mean some matches start in the afternoon UK time, making live betting convenient for UK punters. Most UK bookmakers cover the IPL extensively.
Weather plays a bigger role in cricket than almost any other sport. Rain can wash out entire days of Test cricket or reduce limited-overs matches via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method. Always check the forecast before placing pre-match bets, especially on draw markets in Tests.
For betting during matches, see our live betting guide. For the best mobile experience, check betting apps.
What is the best betting site for cricket?
The best cricket betting sites offer deep markets across all formats (Test, ODI, T20), competitive odds on international matches, and good in-play coverage. Look for operators that cover county cricket, the IPL, and international tours, not just major tournaments.
Can I bet on cricket in-play?
Yes. All major UK bookmakers offer in-play cricket betting. Markets include next wicket method, runs in the over, player boundaries, and session totals. T20 matches are particularly popular for live betting.
What are the main cricket betting markets?
The main markets are match winner, top batsman, top bowler, total runs, and series winner. In Tests, you can also bet on first innings lead, draw, and session runs. Bet builders are increasingly available for cricket too.
