For many experienced iGaming operators, cricket often remains a largely untapped opportunity — not due to a lack of potential but because the sport operates in a league of its own. Unlike football or basketball, cricket’s structure, pacing, and betting patterns are uniquely complex, making it a challenge for those unfamiliar with its nuances. However, with around 2.5 billion cricket enthusiasts worldwide and the IPL standing as its wealthiest and most-watched league, the opportunity is too significant to ignore.
While India naturally tops viewership charts, substantial audiences from Pakistan, Bangladesh, the UK, and South Africa significantly contribute to the sport’s global betting market. The IPL season, running from March through May, is cricket’s peak betting period, drawing massive engagement and wagering volumes.
With this year’s IPL matches kicking off this weekend, operators who have previously stayed on the sidelines must decide whether to finally tap into this high-growth market or let another season pass them by.
Let’s explore the landscape and opportunities for iGaming operators with insights from industry experts at GR8 Tech, who have seen IPL consistently dominate betting activity year after year.
Seizing the moment with quick sportsbook integration
With IPL just days away, timing becomes critical. Rapid integration is key to fully capitalizing on the event’s peak betting activity. Solutions like GR8 Tech’s Sportsbook iFrame enable operators to go live within just one week, perfectly timed to catch the IPL wave.
The no-hassle launch doesn’t hinder the functionality of the iFrame solution, which includes an AI recommendation engine that delivers highly personalized content to bettors and a comprehensive suite of advanced features, including Bet Builder, Multi-bets, and Cashout engine — everything the operator needs to boost revenue while increasing engagement and retention.
Multi-bets may seem unconventional in cricket, as the sport traditionally favors in-play betting. However, this does not present a barrier — provided the right approach is in place.
“Through features like precomposed multi-bets and recommendations, we help players compose multi-bets faster and more easily while they bet in-play,” says Vlad Andrusenko, Head of Product at Sportsbook
“Simplified multi-bet creation and social-proof elements make the experience both seamless and engaging.”
The iFrame is also designed for a mobile-first experience, crucial for today’s sports engagement — especially in India, where mobile usage dominates, with over 75% of traffic coming from mobile devices.
Beyond IPL: Building year-round cricket value
The opportunities presented by cricket betting do not end when the IPL season concludes. Experienced operators know sustained success in cricket betting relies heavily on long-term engagement strategies. Leveraging deep cricket content and targeted segmentation can retain cricket enthusiasts throughout the entire calendar year, transforming IPL-driven traffic into a loyal betting community.
Robust coverage is crucial, and GR8 Tech delivers one of the most comprehensive cricket offerings in the industry. With in-house developed coverage spanning over 1,000 tournaments and 40,000 events annually, operators gain access to an unmatched level of detail and reliability. Continuous, round-the-clock cricket action, including e-cricket events that compensate for pauses in real-life match schedules, ensures that cricket fans always have compelling content to engage with.
“Retention strategy is key when talking about how to convert new players into loyal users,” reminds Kateryna Shevchenko, CRM Product Manager at GR8 Tech. “Without a flexible bonus engine or tailored communication strategies, operators risk losing players right after major tournaments like the IPL or World Cup.”
Beyond IPL, sustained engagement relies on data-driven personalization, targeted promotions, and seamless communication. GR8 Tech’s CRM empowers operators to create dynamic bonus campaigns, segment players based on betting behaviors, and optimize engagement timing using AI-driven insights. Gamification elements like tournaments and quests add an extra layer of interaction, while omnichannel communication ensures players receive timely, relevant updates. By leveraging these tools, operators can turn IPL-driven traffic into a committed player base that stays active year-round.
In summary, the IPL is not just another betting event — it is a unique gateway into the massive, yet often underutilized, cricket market. For operators willing to move past the complexities and embrace the sport’s distinct betting dynamics, the potential extends far beyond a single tournament. By integrating quickly, leveraging high-quality cricket coverage, and using advanced personalization and engagement tools, operators can establish themselves as key players in the world of cricket betting — during IPL and beyond.
