With the IPL having been moved to the United Arab Emirates in 2020 due to the implications of the coronavirus pandemic, it is fair to say that Indian cricket fans have missed out. While the thrills and spills are still taking place on the pitch, the atmosphere created by thousands of supporters has undoubtedly been missed over the past six weeks. In most countries, followers of the event have still been able to place bets as and when they want to, but that has not necessarily been the case for punters in India.
This Casino & Betting guide highlights that online betting is allowed in the country, something which is regarded as a necessity given that gambling houses are illegal. Given the size of India, it would be unrealistic to expect sport followers to not become interested in placing the odd bet on their passion, especially a sport as popular as cricket. Although field hockey is recognised as the national sport, there is inevitably more interest in cricket due to its worldwide appeal, and that same worldwide appeal leads to betting companies holding a desire to become associated with the biggest events on the planet.
Indian law makes judgments between what are deemed to be games of skill and games of chance, while some rules differ from state to state. Such issues mean that it is important for punters to familiarise themselves with the local regulations before pressing ahead with any bets, and it is such rules and confusion which naturally result in punters taking a frequent interest in the use of online betting, with outlets and casinos being able to operate offshore.
By taking advantage of the Casino & Betting guide, Indian nationals can distinguish between the services where they are going to benefit most. While profit will be at the forefront of any punter's mind, they also need to be aware that they should not jump into using any website that they come across. Like with India, different companies and countries come with different regulations, and you leave open the possibility of a breach if you do not take the time to do your research beforehand. It is also advisable to identify any limitations with regards to deposits and withdrawals, as well as taking into consideration being penalised for currency exchange.
If punters are eager to place some bets on the ongoing IPL tournament, they will have to act quickly with the league stage being close to completion. With none of the teams having more than two matches remaining, only six points separate top to bottom, with Mumbai Indians having already guaranteed their place in the playoffs. However, such is the unpredictability of the tournament that the league leaders found themselves on the receiving end of a defeat to fifth-placed Rajasthan Royals last week courtesy of an outstanding century from England star Ben Stokes. The all-rounder has not always produced his best form since his arrival at the tournament, but his recent knock has given his side a chance of claiming a top-four spot providing that they can overcome Kolkata Knight Riders in their final fixture.
Staying on the subject of Rajasthan Royals and the form of Stokes has resulted in other worldwide stars being kept on the sidelines. That includes South Africa's David Miller, who had been hoping to showcase his talents ahead of his nation's upcoming series against England. The fact that the series begins just 17 days after the end of the IPL highlights how certain players are having to cope with an increased workload due to the change in circumstances around the world. Regardless of whether crowds are being allowed to congregate in stadiums, the ICC is making every effort to keep progressing the game, even if it means more supporters are having to view the action on television and social media than in person.
On the same day that South Africa and England are due to renew acquaintances, four other nations are beginning a limited-over series. West Indies are due in New Zealand to take on the Black Caps, while India will have travelled to Australia for the start of their T20 fixtures. It was recently announced that there is the intention of having 25,000 supporters attend the Boxing Day Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on each day. While there is plenty of time for those plans to be altered depending on how the global pandemic develops over the next couple of months, it is a welcome sign that some authorities want to accommodate people in a safe environment.
