Cricket is a popular sport loved by many, and fans now have more ways than ever to bet on games. Two top picks are fantasy cricket and real-money betting. Both allow you to utilise your skill and game sense, but they work in very different ways.
Learn how both types work, what they offer, and factors to consider before you choose which one to bet on in this guide:
What is fantasy cricket?
Fantasy cricket is an online game wherein you act like a team coach. You pick real cricket players to form your team and play in real matches. When they do well in real-life cricket games, your team gets points. The goal is to get more points than other teams in your league.
Here’s how the fantasy cricket game works:
- Pick a match → Choose a cricket game, like the Indian Premier League (IPL), T20, or the World Cup.
- Build your team → Select 11 players for your team.
- Choose the leader → Choose a captain and a vice-captain. The captain gets 2x points, while the vice captain gets 1.5x.
- Score points → If your players hit runs, take wickets, or make catches, you earn points. At the end of the match, if your players score the highest points, you win.
Key differences between fantasy and real-money cricket betting
Fantasy cricket and real-money betting may seem similar, but they are not the same. Here are their key differences:
Game structure
- Fantasy cricket → You build a team of real cricket players. These players earn points based on what they do in a real match — runs, wickets, catches, and so on. Your team competes with other teams. It is not about who wins the match, but how your players play.
- Real-money cricket betting → This focuses on placing bets on match outcomes, such as who will win or the total runs scored. The format is simpler and revolves around the actual game results.
Skill vs luck
- Fantasy cricket → Fantasy cricket requires a good mix of skill and knowledge. To build a strong team, you must understand player statistics, form, and conditions. The more you know, the better your chances of winning
- Real-money cricket betting → When you make online bet with Puntit, it involves a higher element of luck. While research helps, unexpected events like injuries or weather changes alter the game’s outcome, making it less predictable.
Payouts
- Fantasy cricket → In fantasy cricket, payouts depend on the league structure and the number of players. If you win, you might get a cash prize or entry into a bigger league. The payouts vary widely based on the league’s rules and the number of entries.
- Real-money cricket betting → With real-money betting, payouts are immediate and based on the odds set by the bookmaker. If your bet wins, you receive your stake plus the winnings, which can be significant depending on the odds.
Fantasy vs real-money cricket betting: Factors to consider
When betting on fantasy cricket, consider the following factors:
- Team selection → Pick players wisely. Choose those who are in good form and can perform well. Balance your team with stars and underdogs.
- Player roles → Know the roles of your players. Batsmen, bowlers, and all-rounders each bring unique skills. Make sure your team has a mix to cover all bases.
- Historical data → Look at past games to make informed decisions. Player stats, match outcomes, and records help you predict performance.
Since you’re betting on real matches, you have to consider more factors in real-money cricket betting. These include:
- Team form → Check how well teams are playing lately. A team on a winning streak is often a better bet than one that’s struggling.
- Weather conditions → Rain or wind affects how players perform, so look at the forecast before placing bets.
- Pitch conditions → Some pitches favour batsmen, while others help bowlers. Knowing this gives you an edge.
- Match format → Different formats (T20, ODI, Test) change the game’s pace and strategy. Understand how the format affects team strengths.
- Betting odds → Odds show the likelihood of an outcome. Lower odds mean a safer bet, but higher odds can lead to bigger wins.
Both fantasy and real-money betting have their charm. Fantasy cricket is more about strategy and player choices, while real-money betting requires a broader analysis of various factors. Consider your preferences when choosing between the two, but you can also combine them to elevate your cricket betting experience.
