How to Bet on Cricket in the USA: A Guide for Newbies

Cricket is a beloved game around the world. Indeed, a recent online article ranking the world's most-watched sports lists cricket second, only behind soccer! The game's popularity is growing in the United States, too. While there are only a handful of states that currently allow betting on cricket matches, many more will be joining them in the future as state authorities begin to loosen the restrictions on online betting to profit from the immense taxation benefits. 

For those new to betting on cricket in the USA, this guide is an excellent starting point to learn how and where to place your bets.

Understanding the Game

Cricket is a sport that originated in England, featuring two teams of eleven players each. The game's objective is for one team to score more runs than the other by hitting a ball and running between two sets of wickets. The game is played in various forms, including One Day Internationals (ODI), Twenty20 (T20) matches and Tests.

After years of organizing, several Coronavirus-induced delays, and large amounts of investment, the USA is showcasing cricket in a new light to an untapped audience with the Major League Cricket (MLC) tournament. 

The MLC will be played in a Twenty20 format, which sees each team play 20 overs (six deliveries per over) per side. There will be a power play, which is an extended period of fielding restrictions imposed by the batting team during a limited-overs match. The aim of the powerplay is to allow batsmen to score more quickly and build up their total score in a shorter time than usual. Only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle throughout the entire innings during this period. This restriction places pressure on bowlers as they have fewer options for bowling variations and increase opportunities for batsmen to hit boundaries with ease.

Types of Bets

Several different types of bets can be made on cricket matches, including predicting the winner or loser of a game, the total number of runs scored, individual player performances and many more. Each type has unique rules and regulations, so you must familiarize yourself with them before betting.

For example, the total runs market is where you bet on whether the total run tally for an individual team or both teams combined will be over or under a certain amount set by the bookmaker. These totals can move with the market pricing, depending on team news, favouritism, the toss winner, and other factors. 

Where to Bet

The legal situation surrounding online betting varies from state to state in the United States. Only a handful of states permit online betting on cricket matches, but this number is expected to grow in the future. 

States Where It Is Legal to Bet on Cricket

Currently, the following states allow for legal online betting on cricket: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, and Wyoming. Each state has specific regulations and laws regarding how to place bets and which types of bets are allowed.

Players must research before placing online sports bets in the USA to ensure they can verify identification and withdraw funds without disappointment. Failure to provide documentation may result in any withdrawal request being rejected.

States Where It Is Illegal to Bet on Cricket

Unfortunately, at this time, there are still many U.S. states where it is illegal to bet on cricket matches, including Alabama, Alaska, California, Delaware, Florida, and South Carolina. However, it's important to note that these laws are constantly being updated, so it's always a good idea to stay up to date with the latest news and regulations in those states.

Cricket Betting Regulations

In addition to state-by-state regulations regarding online betting on cricket matches, there are also numerous other rules and regulations governing cricket betting. Some of these include age restrictions, responsible gambling measures, terms of service and tax requirements. It's vital to ensure you understand all of these before placing any bets.

Finding a Reputable Bookmaker

Once you have become familiar with the different types of bets available and learned about the legalities surrounding cricket betting in your state, you must find a reputable bookmaker. Luckily, at CricketBetAmerica, we can find you the best US betting sites available. From welcome offers to sportsbook analytics, we holistically analyze everything you need to know to help find you the best online cricket betting experience. 

Some of the things we look for include:

  • Variety of betting options: An excellent online sportsbook will offer multiple types of bets on all major sporting events. We highlight sites with the best odds and most betting options.

  • Secure deposits: Any online sportsbook we recommend is safe and allows you to deposit funds into your account quickly.

  • Excellent customer service: A well-oiled customer service team, knowledgeable and helpful when answering questions or resolving issues, helps betting sites score highly in our ranking system. 

  • Bonuses/promotions: Many online bookies offer bonuses to attract new customers and reward existing players. We emphasize the sites with the best bonuses and promotions to ensure you get the most bang for your buck.

  • Mobile compatibility: We spotlight the best online sportsbooks in the USA with a mobile app or optimized for mobile devices so you can bet on the go.

  • Reliable payouts: Most importantly, ensure that any online sportsbook you use offers reliable payouts when making withdrawals.

  • Reputation: Finally, take some time to read reviews of the online sportsbooks you're considering joining to ensure they have a good track record.

How to Place Bets

Once you have chosen a bookmaker, the next step is to learn how to place bets. Depending on your platform, the process may vary slightly but typically involves selecting your desired bet type, entering your stake and clicking "Place Bet". You will then receive confirmation of your bet and wait until the results are announced.

Once your bet is on, you could utilize a cash-out function. This feature allows you to close out your bets before the event or game has ended and receive a payout or partial payout based on the current odds. Cashing out on your bet can be beneficial if you want to guarantee a return, take advantage of favourable circumstances to secure a profit, or wish to reduce potential losses.

Managing Your Bankroll

Managing your bankroll is one of the most important aspects of betting on cricket matches to ensure you remain profitable over time. It's essential to set a budget and stick to it, as well as keep track of your wins and losses so you can monitor your progress.

All of the sports betting websites we review here at CricketBetAmerica are fully equipped with safer gambling tools, which include deposit limits, loss limits, and time-out methods. 

Understanding the Odds

Comprehending how cricket betting odds work is another critical part of successful bet placement. Generally speaking, the higher the odds on a particular selection, the less likely it is to win but with greater rewards if it does come in. It's important to balance risk and reward when making your decisions.

Conclusion

Betting on cricket matches can be a compelling method to add excitement to watching the sport. However, as with any form of gambling, it's important to understand all the legal requirements and regulations before placing any bets. Following the steps outlined in this article should ensure your experience is safe and enjoyable. Good luck!