Cricket is full of unpredictability. A single over can shift the balance, a sudden rain shower can shorten the match, and one batter’s innings might decide everything. For some fans, betting on cricket adds another way of following the action.
This page explains how cricket betting works, how odds are shown, and the types of bets you may come across on a licensed site like Mr Luck. It takes a closer look at live betting, popular markets, and how major tournaments fit in.
If you are curious about cricket betting and want a straightforward explanation, this guide is written with beginners in mind. Everything is explained step by step, with clear examples, so you can understand how it works before making any decisions of your own.
Getting started with cricket betting on a licensed site, such as Mr Luck, is a structured process designed to meet UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) requirements. It is not just a case of choosing a username and password. Operators are legally obliged to verify who you are before allowing you to gamble.
This involves providing personal details such as your full name, date of birth, and address. In some cases, proof such as a driving licence, passport, or recent utility bill may be requested. These checks ensure you are over 18 and help protect against fraud.
Once your account is confirmed, you can add funds. Licensed operators usually accept debit cards and sometimes bank transfers or e-wallets. Credit cards cannot be used for gambling in the UK.
Minimum deposits can vary, often starting around £10, but exact figures depend on the method chosen. Checking the payment section of the site should give the most accurate information.
From there, you can browse the cricket section. Fixtures are displayed with a range of markets alongside them. Each market represents a possible outcome, such as which team you think will win. The bookmaker provides odds that indicate both the likelihood of the outcome and the potential return on your stake. When you select a market, it is added to your bet slip. This is where you enter your chosen stake, and the system will automatically calculate a potential return before you confirm.
Here is a simple outline of the steps:
It is worth noting that different markets have their own settlement rules. For example, if you back a batter to be top scorer, but they are not in the starting eleven, the bet is usually void. In limited-overs matches, “Total Runs” markets may depend on a minimum number of overs being bowled. These rules should be detailed in the site’s terms, and reading them can help prevent any unexpected outcomes.
Cricket betting covers a wide range of possibilities, each focusing on different parts of the game. Here are some of the most common ones explained:
Other options you may come across can include “Most Sixes,” “Method of Next Dismissal,” or “Series Winner.” Each has its own settlement rules, which should be explained on site.
No matter the market, it is important to remember that all outcomes involve an element of chance. Even the strongest batter can be dismissed on a difficult pitch.
Many people follow cricket on the go, and betting platforms have adapted to that. Mr Luck offers both a mobile-optimised website and a dedicated app.
On mobile, you can log in, check markets, place bets, and manage your account in the same way as on desktop. The layout is designed to make navigation simple, so you can switch between different matches and betting options.
In-play betting is also available on mobile. For example, if a bowler takes two quick wickets, the odds on the batting side might lengthen in real time, and you can view those changes on your device.
Some mobile platforms may also include live score updates, ball-by-ball stats, and visualisations that track the match. These features can vary between operators, so it may be worth looking at what each provider offers if live data matters to you.
Odds are the numbers that show how much you can potentially win in proportion to your stake. In the UK, fractional odds are common. For example, 5/1 means that for every £1 staked, you would win £5 if your prediction is correct, plus your original £1 stake back.
Decimal odds present the same information in a different way. The decimal number represents the total potential return including your stake. So, 6.00 would mean a £10 bet could pay out £60 in total.
Bookmakers adjust odds constantly. Team news such as a player injury, pitch conditions like a green surface favouring bowlers, or a rain forecast can all cause changes before the first ball. Once the game begins, live play also drives movement.
It is also normal for different sites to post slightly different prices on the same outcome. One operator might offer England at 2/1, while another may list them at 9/4. This happens because each bookmaker sets odds using their own models and trading decisions.
Cricket’s calendar is filled with tournaments that capture attention worldwide, and many of these can be followed through the cricket section at Mr Luck. Each competition has its own structure and style, which means the markets connected to them can differ.
International tournaments are often the headline events. The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup showcases leading nations in both one-day and T20 formats. The Ashes, contested by England and Australia, is a long-running rivalry built around multi-week Test series. By contrast, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is short, fast, and often shaped by momentum swings over just a few overs.
Domestic competitions are also significant, and Mr Luck includes markets on several of these. The Vitality Blast brings together county teams in England and Wales, while The Hundred introduces a shorter format with its own rules and new franchise sides. Globally, the Indian Premier League (IPL) draws international players every season and remains one of the most-followed cricket events.
At Mr Luck, markets for these competitions may include:
Because each tournament follows different rules and formats, the terms for each market on Mr Luck explain how bets are settled. Reading these can help you understand what happens if, for example, a match is shortened or abandoned.
In-play betting allows you to place bets after the match has started. Prices move with every key moment. For example, if a batter reaches fifty runs without losing their wicket, the odds on them being the top scorer may shorten. Alternatively, if a team loses several wickets quickly, the live match winner market may swing heavily towards the opponent.
Some common in-play markets may include:
Because betting in-play is fast moving, operators typically build in a short delay before accepting a bet. This helps to prevent any unfair advantages if something happens on the pitch a moment before you place it.
Markets may also close temporarily during key events such as wickets or boundaries. Features like cash-out, which allow you to settle a bet before the result is decided, may sometimes be available, but usually only on selected markets, depending on the site.
Mr Luck is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, meaning it meets strict standards for fairness, safety, and player protection. This applies across our sportsbook and casino services.
On the cricket section, you can log in to view markets, place bets, and check odds, whether on desktop or through the mobile app. Account tools allow you to set personal deposit limits, take a break if you want, or exclude yourself for a longer period if needed.
Sports betting is a form of gambling, and like all gambling it involves an element of chance. There is no strategy that can guarantee a win, because results in cricket can swing unexpectedly. A strong favourite may be bowled out cheaply, or rain might shorten a match and change how it is settled. That is why it is important to only gamble with money you are comfortable losing and to view it as entertainment, rather than a way to make profit.
If you decide to explore cricket betting at Mr Luck, take time to understand how the odds work, check the terms for each market, and make use of the responsible gambling tools provided. Support is available if you ever feel gambling is becoming less enjoyable or difficult to manage.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.