Best Cricket Betting Sites

Us New Zealanders have a bizarre love-hate relationship with cricket. We have gone through the heart-breaks of three World Cup finals, but still we cannot abandon our love for the 22-yard spectacle. Kiwis continue to flock in large numbers to support the Black Caps, White Ferns, or their favourite Super Smash teams.

Betting sites NZ are well aware of our cricket craze. They have extensive cricket betting offerings for Kiwi punters. That said, finding the best cricket betting sites can be a challenge since there are so many factors to consider. To save you the trouble, I will recommend you the best cricket bookies in New Zealand based on my experience. 

So, if you don’t mind a long read, stay with us to find out all you need to know about cricket betting sites in New Zealand. 

Cricket is the perfect sport for betting. It’s a unique blend of individual skills, team strategies, and unexpected twists. Here’s why the game is so popular across legal betting sites and betting apps:

• Variety of Formats: From the thrilling T20 matches to the very strategic five-day Test matches, cricket has a variety of formats that adds to its betting appeal. Every style has different rhythms and dynamics, which generates special betting chances. Test matches reward patience and deeper study whereas the shorter forms offer fast-paced action.
• Plenty of Betting Markets: Cricket betting sites provide a lot more options to punters than mere match result predictions. Among the many betting markets the sport offers are wagers on individual player performance, the total run count in a single over, wickets taken, and much more. This diversity in markets gives punters more flexibility to tailor their bets. 
• Live Betting: With cricket's erratic nature and regular momentum swings, I believe it’s an ideal choice for live betting. As the game progresses, odds vary regularly and punters can respond immediately to changes on the field. Betting sites for cricket often allow punters enough time to react before changing the odds. So, if you are a dynamic punter, you would love betting on the sport. 
• Availability of Stats: It’s easy to find cricket stats and study them to make informed betting moves. From player form to historical performance, head-to-head records, and even weather conditions, there is plenty of data available to guide your wagers. Punters with this breadth of knowledge can make more deliberate, strategic decisions.
• Busy Calendar: Even though cricket is mostly followed by a handful of nations, it’s quite a hectic sport. All cricket betting sites will have some betting options for you almost everyday. From domestic leagues like the IPL and The Hundred to international events, there is always a game to wager on that gives punters regular chances to remain involved.

Cricket holds a special place in the hearts of New Zealanders. Critics may highlight the lack of trophy, but the truth is the Kiwis have been among the most consistent sides in international cricket for many years. Six times they have made it to the ODI World Cup semifinal; in 2015 and 2019 they made it to the final but unfortunately lost both. New Zealand also played in the T20I World Cup final in 2021. 

There have been some successes recently. New Zealand won the first-ever ICC Test Championship in 2021, defying the underdog label best betting sites for cricket had slapped on them. In 2024, Tom Latham and company achieved the unimaginable; they came home with a 3-0 whitewash series victory against India, in India–something never achieved before by any team. The New Zealand women's cricket team also made the nation proud by winning the 2024 T20I Women's World Cup.

I greatly enjoy cricket during the summer months like most of my fellow New Zealanders. It is a common sight to see matches playing on television during family gatherings and beach outings. Heading to the stadium with a picnic is a cherished summer tradition. We lounge in the sun, grab a bite to eat, and cheer for our teams alongside our friends and family. 

It’s not only the New Zealand international matches that grab the attention of the local cricket lovers here in the Land of the Long White Cloud. New Zealanders avidly follow high-profile cricket events around the globe. The Ashes, Asia Cup, IPL, and Big Bash – all major domestic and international cricket tournaments – are widely followed in New Zealand. Super Smash, the local T20 league, also enjoys strong attendance and TV viewership. 

So, I think it makes sense to say that the reason cricket betting is popular in New Zealand is because the game is so strongly rooted in our society. Since it's one of the most beloved sports in the nation, Kiwis want to interact with cricket in many ways. Cricket betting sites capitalised on this and transformed New Zealand into one of their biggest markets in the world.

In a cricket match or any other event, odds are a numerical form indicating the probability of a particular result. They define both the possible winnings and the implied likelihood of an outcome, hence they are fundamental in betting. Online cricket betting platforms establish these odds depending on team performance, player stats, pitch conditions, weather, and other elements.

Odds are usually expressed in one of the following three ways:

• Decimal: Cricket betting sites mostly use this format. As the name implies, the odds are expressed in decimals in this system. It shows the total return per unit staked. A $10 bet at 2.50 pays $25 ($15 profit plus your $10 stake). Decimal odds are the norm for football betting sites and other bookies in New Zealand. 
• Fractional: Many British bookmakers use the fractional format. It shows the profit in relation to the stake. A $10 bet at 3/1, for example, pays $40 ($30 profit plus your $10 stake).
• American: The American format is rarely used for cricket betting but may appear on cricket betting sites catering to the US market. It displays the amount required to risk for a $100 profit (negative odds) or the profit on a $100 bet (positive odds). You might see this type of odds in some new betting sites. 

A deeper understanding of odds helps bettors find value situations when the bookmaker's odds understate the actual likelihood of a result. Your bets will be more strategic and profitable if you can identify these scenarios and act accordingly. 

Let’s say, the odds of Glenn Maxwell hitting the highest number of sixes is set at 6.00. The odds suggest this is a high-risk prediction, but your assessment indicates that the risk factor is overestimated.

Imagine the match is played at Eden Park, which has one of the smallest boundaries in the world. Additionally, there are no other hard-hitters in the match who can outdo a proven pinch hitter like Maxwell. These two factors lead you to believe that cricket betting websites have exaggerated the risk, and you can stand to gain more by taking on less risk.

To take advantage of such situations, you must have correct awareness of the odds. Cricket betting websites take a lot of factors into consideration when assigning their odds, but seasoned punters might find value bets by identifying inflated odds.

Now let’s find out how betting apps assign the cricket betting odds across several markets. As I already mentioned, cricket is a complex game with many variables. So, there are a lot of markets to explore here. Let’s go through the most frequent ones you will see on cricket betting sites:

• Match Winner: Make a wager on the team likely to win the game. It’s ideal to place this bet when you have perfect knowledge of team form, conditions, or availability of key players.
• Top Batsman/Bowler: Predict which player would score the most runs or take the most wickets. Best applied on players who have been in great form recently, playing in favourable conditions, and has a strong track record against the opposition.
• Total Runs/Wickets (Over/Under): Predict if a match's overall runs or wickets will be over or under a designated figure. Perfect when circumstances (such as pitch or weather) strongly support either bowling or batting.
  
• Man of the Match: Bet on which player will receive the man of the match award. This is a long-odds market since identifying the potential man of the match is extremely difficult. The odds will be quite enticing when there are multiple contenders for the honour. 
  
• Live/In-Play Betting: Put in bets during the game with the odds continuously changing. Calls for swift decision making and a strong awareness of momentum variations in the match. This can be a rare market to find but the best betting sites for cricket should offer it. 
  
• Team to Hit the Most Sixes: Predict which team will hit the ball out of the park more often. This is a popular betting market for T20 matches. Consider the size of the pitch and compare the batting and bowling departments of both teams before making the call. 
• Method of Dismissal: Predict the exact method of dismissal for a player. This requires great knowledge of player trends. For instance, you should take advantage of the lengthy odds usually presented in this market and place the wager if you know that a particular player has lately been getting bowled relatively frequently.
• Series Winner: Make a multi-match series winning prediction for any team. Make the betting decision based on form and historical performance. You can bet after the series has started, but you'll get better odds if you bet before the first ball.
• Special Bets/Prop Bets: Features unusual wagers like whether a century will be scored or a hat-trick is likely. These types of bets are quite risky, but they can make your betting endeavours livelier. 

Betting bonuses are a great way for anyone to get more out of their cricket bets. Many cricket betting sites provide a variety of bonuses to entice customers to register, make deposits, or place particular kinds of bets. 

Here is a list of typical bonuses offered in cricket betting platforms:  

Welcome Bonus/Sign-Up Bonus

The welcome bonus is a common promotion. It’s usually presented as a fixed betting credit or as a percentage of your first deposit. Make sure you claim your welcome bonus when registering for cricket betting websites. Some of them may match your initial deposit by 100% or more. Should you make a $50 deposit, you might get extra $50 in bonus money to stake on cricket events.

Check the wagering requirements before accepting the offer. Before withdrawing any wins, most welcome bonuses call for you to place bets equivalent to a multiple of the bonus value. I would highly recommend going through the terms and conditions before taking on any bonus bets in general. 

Cashback Bonuses

Usually as a percentage of net losses or a defined amount, cashback bonuses repay some of your losses over a designated period. This somewhat softens the blow of a losing run. 

If you have had some bad luck with your cricket bets, a cashback bonus can help you get some of your money back. Just keep an eye on when the bonus is valid and bet smart, sticking to the bets you know best. Avoid trickier markets like Runs in First Over or Method of Dismissal.

Cashback bonuses sometimes only apply to particular kinds of bets (such as match betting or particular events). Reading the terms will help you to precisely understand how to qualify.

Free Bets

Free bet promotions give you a specific amount of free bet credit for you to gamble without drawing from your own pocket. A cricket betting website might, for instance, give a $10 free bet to apply on any match or event. 

Although you can make your free bet on any cricket market, I would advise you to spend it on a lower-risk bet or one in which you are sure of the outcome—that of a match winner or top batsman. Your original stake won't be repaid even while you retain the profit.

Use free bets carefully, particularly for big cricket games like World Cup or IPL where you can look into form and player data to make more accurate predictions.

Odds Boost

An odds boost promo lets you raise the odds on a given bet or market, increasing your possible profits. The best cricket betting sites might raise the odds of a particular cricket match, say the Black Cap winning beating Australia in an ODI series, by doing this. 

Analyse the market to determine whether an odds increase for a cricket match or event reflects excellent value. If the odds are raised for a player to strike a century, for instance, examine the player's form and other relevant factors to determine whether you should put your money.

Pay attention to which bets the bookmaker has changed since these increases usually apply to particular markets or games. In my opinion, it's usually best to use odds boosts on bets you were already going to make.

Cricket Specific Promos 

Some bookies run specials especially for cricket betting. These promos might focus on particular events or player performances. Here are some examples: 

• Special odds increases or free bet promotions throughout the IPL or Big Bash, such as enhanced odds on a particular player striking the most sixes in a match.
• Wager on the match's overall four-count and earn a free wager for every six hit. 
• If a batsman hits a six off the last ball of the over, get your in-play bet on that over matched as a free bet.
• Predict how the next wicket will fall (caught, bowled, LBW, etc.) and get an odds boost if it's a run-out.
• If a player scores a century and their team loses, get your losing bet back as a free bet.
• Wager on the 'Man of the Match' award, and get a free bet if your selection is also the top scorer in the match.

Betting sites for cricket usually roll out these promotions during major tournaments. So, keep an eye out for these offers when a big event is taking place. Use these bonuses to put down bets on high-profile events with higher possibilities of getting returns. 

Many of these bonuses will have particular criteria (for example, only valid for betting on the IPL or a set quantity of bets to qualify). Look out for promotional periods and seize these deals when they match your betting preferences.

Reload Bonuses

Repeat customers who top up their accounts following the initial deposit are rewarded with Reload bonuses. Though usually less lucrative than the welcome bonus, this bonus is still a fantastic method to free up some extra funds for your wagers. 

Use your reload bonus wisely. If you're betting smaller amounts, focus on upcoming cricket events you know well to maximise returns. Review the terms to learn how much you should bet before withdrawing any gains, just like with other bonuses. Track how often reload bonuses are offered to make the most out of those. 

There is always something going on in the cricket world since cricket has a crowded calendar of international tours, domestic leagues, and worldwide competitions. To enhance your betting possibilities, though, you need to aim for particular times of year. 

Here are some of the best times of the year to gamble on cricket:

During Major International Tournaments

Cricket betting sites put out a wealth of promotions during major international events. So, keep an eye out for tournaments like ICC Cricket World Cup (ODI),  ICC T20 World Cup, Asia Cup and Champions Trophy. 

During Major T20 Leagues

Best cricket betting sites also offer special promotional offers for international T20 franchise leagues like the IPL and Big Bash. So, mark your calendar for the following events:

• Indian Premier League/IPL (usually takes place on March-May)
• Big Bash League/BBL (usually takes place on December-February)
• Pakistan Super League/PSL (usually takes place on February-March)
• Caribbean Premier League/CPL (usually takes place on August-September)

Monsoon Seasons

Weather is a big factor in cricket, especially in ODIs and T20s with the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method. These situations present special betting possibilities, particularly for live betting. Unlike in South Asia, rain disruptions are not as common in other regions of the globe. Thus, pay special attention to games taking place in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka between the rainy months of June and September.

Holiday Seasons 

Holiday periods often feature marquee games with packed stadiums, strong team line-ups, and memorable performances. I am talking about the Boxing Day Tests, held around December 26th in Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand, as well as New Year’s Matches, which typically take place during the first week of January and often deliver iconic moments.

The ideal time to bet on cricket largely depends on your personal preference. But global events such as the ICC World Cup and IPL can produce unparalleled betting opportunities. It makes no sense to ignore the special promos that all cricket betting sites offer throughout these competitions.

Live betting, sometimes referred to as in-play betting, presents a dynamic and interesting approach to gambling on cricket as the action is running on. Unlike pre-match bets, in-play markets let you modify your plans depending on real-time changes, therefore giving a major advantage to bettors with in-depth cricket knowledge. 

Here are some ideal moments for in-play betting on cricket:

• Changing Pitch Conditions: A worn-out pitch can produce unequal bounce and turn on the fifth day of a Test match, therefore favoring spinners. This is a great opportunity to gamble on a spinner to pick many wickets or on reduced team totals.
  
• New Ball Impact: Quick bowlers benefit from the extra swing and bounce when the new ball is given to them. One clever live betting option is betting on a wicket to fall shortly after the new ball is taken.
  
• Momentum Shifts: T20 games have great volatility. If an over goes for 20 or more, for example, it can massively swing the momentum, So, it's a great opportunity to bet on the batting side exceeding their projected score.
  
• React to Changing Weather Conditions: Cricket is heavily influenced by weather conditions. While brilliant sunshine helps batsmen, a cloudy environment benefits swing bowlers. If weather changes make the conditions more batting or bowling friendly, you can use live betting to take advantage of the situation accordingly. 
• React to Live Performance: On the day, players' performance can stray from expectations. Should a usually aggressive batter start gently, you may gamble on their overall runs staying under a specific limit.
• Take Advantage of Fielding Changes: Field settings provide a useful clue for your in-play wager. During powerplay overs, for example, you can bet on how many runs will be scored in the next five overs by checking the field and how the batsmen are doing. 

Cricket is a lengthy commitment. Test matches can go on for five days and even a quickfire T20 takes several hours to finish up. Sitting before a screen for the whole match is a big ask, even for the most committed cricket fans. 

Thankfully, most cricket betting websites have their dedicated mobile apps. So, we can use them to place our cricket bets whenever we want, even if we’re on the go while a match is happening.

I've lost count of how many times I've been out and about, at a barbecue, or just relaxing in the garden while watching the score. Access to live betting markets on my phone has been a gamechanger. All it takes is a few taps to place a bet on the next wicket, total runs, or even the match winner.

I don’t use betting apps for live cricket betting only. They have also made it easier to place pre-match bets. The deadlines are no longer cause for concern for me. I grab a minute to get the phone out wherever I am, whatever I am doing. 

I put my bets in and go back to my previous work. For punters like me, mobile cricket betting has made it simpler to follow the events without sacrificing our daily plans. 

It's more about flexibility than just convenience. Mobile apps let me track live odds updates, get alerts about significant events, and even broadcast some games. Whether I'm driving, catching up with friends, or just not in the mood to sit in front of the TV, my phone guarantees I never miss a chance to lay a well-timed bet.

Best Mobile Betting Apps 

Here are three cricket betting apps I use and recommend:

Bet365

• Excellent odds 
• Live streaming feature 
• Loads instantly

Bet365 is a top-notch sports betting app. I use it for betting on other sports as well, and it did not disappoint me with its cricket offerings as well. You can follow the match with its live streams while you bet in-play. And the number of markets and specials is absolutely brilliant. If I am to choose, I would say Bet365 is my go-to app for cricket betting. 

PlayUp

• Lightweight app 
• Excellent UI
• Provides detailed stats 

I am a big fan of the PlayUp app because of its clutterless design. It’s more than just the looks though. PlayUp has an excellent selection of cricket markets. You might be frustrated to see that there is no live betting section, but I believe it is still a solid pick if you want to bet on other cricket markets. Pre-match stats are a massive help when finalising your bet.

Betway

• Odds come out early
• Live streaming
• Easy navigation 

Betway is the other cricket betting app I would highly recommend to my readers. It’s a trusted brand around the world, like Bet365. I find their cricket section quite fascinating. The odds often appear earlier than other platforms. Betway is a great pick for cricket live betting. The odds refresh fast and the returns are quite generous. I also particularly love the vast range of markets they have to offer, which allows for some creativity in betting.

New Zealanders have access to many cricket betting sites, but I promised to show you the best of the best.  Here are five bookmakers I encourage my fellow Kiwi punters to explore for the ultimate cricket betting experience: 

We have covered many different aspects of cricket betting so far. We should talk about the process itself now since we have addressed all the basics. Here’s what you need to do:

Choose a Bookie

You could use any of the bookmakers we have covered here. All of them are first-rate choices for cricket betting in New Zealand. 

Create an Account 

You'll have to register an account after selecting a bookmaker. Usually, this entails offering certain personal details such your name, address, and birthdate. You might also have to show evidence of address and identification.

Deposit Funds 

You will have to put money into your account after it is all set up. Most cricket betting sites provide credit cards, debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers among their several deposit options. Choose any of the available methods to top-up your account. 

Find Cricket Matches 

You can begin looking through the cricket events open for betting after money is in your account. Most bookies will provide a section dedicated for cricket where you may find odds and forthcoming events.

Explore the Markets 

Look at the markets and weigh the odds. Choose the level of risk you are ready to take. Go for lengthy odd bets if your research provides justification for them. Make sure your wagers are based more on reason than on impulse.

Place the Bet 

You can place the bet when you make up your mind. Choose the bet you wish to place, then enter the desired wager amount and confirm your bet.

At this point, all you have to do is to wait for the outcome of the match. Should your wager pay off, your winnings will be credited to your account.