The Indian Super League (ISL) has revolutionised football in India since its launch, blending star players with local talent to boost the sport’s popularity. As we dive into ISL betting, enthusiasts can explore various strategies for indian football betting success. With the 2025-26 season about to begin amid challenges, football betting in India offers exciting opportunities.
This guide on 96.in covers history, updates, and tips to enhance your ISL betting experience while highlighting key data and verified insights.
Starting Era and Ongoing Era
The ISL kicked off in October 2014 with eight franchise teams, including Atlético de Kolkata, Chennaiyin FC, and Mumbai City FC, aiming to elevate football’s profile in a cricket-dominated nation. The league ran short seasons initially, lasting three months, without AFC recognition until 2017-18, when it expanded to ten teams, like Bengaluru FC and Jamshedpur FC.
By 2020-21, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal joined, pushing the total to 11, and by 2025-26, it features 14 teams, including newcomers like Delhi and Inter Kashi. The ongoing era sees a truncated 2025-26 season starting February 14, 2026, with a single-leg round-robin format yielding 91 matches, as AIFF takes over operations. This shift emphasises longer seasons and AFC integration, with clubs playing 13 matches each, half at home.
Rise and Fall of ISL
ISL rose rapidly post-2014, drawing 429 million TV viewers in its debut season and averaging 24,070 attendance per match. The 2015 season peaked at 27,210 average attendance, with the semifinals hitting 68,340 spectators. Viewership surged to 216 million in 2016 and reached 211 million by 2021, while the league became India’s top tier in 2022-23.
However, attendance fell to 11,084 per match in 2024-25, down 28% from prior years, with clubs like Hyderabad FC averaging just 380 fans. Viewership dropped to 130 million in 2024-25 from early highs, attributed to waning marketing and infrastructure issues. Despite this, the 2024-25 final drew 169 million viewers, showing pockets of resilience.
Controversies and Lacking in the System
ISL faced major controversies in 2025 when the season stalled due to an expired Master Rights Agreement with FSDL, leading to indefinite suspension in July. Players like Sunil Chhetri appealed to FIFA for intervention, citing “permanent paralysis” in governance.
AIFF’s tender for new rights received zero bids, exposing revenue disputes and legal hurdles. Systemic lacks include short seasons hindering player development, with only 16 matches in 2025-26 denying direct ACL2 slots. Earlier issues involved salary cuts during COVID, where clubs like Mumbai City FC resisted, highlighting contract vulnerabilities. Governance failures, such as AIFF’s mismanagement and lack of qualified coaches at the grassroots, perpetuate mediocrity.
Also Read: SAFF Women’s Club Championship 2025 Final: East Bengal Create History in Kathmandu
New Season Update
The 2025-26 ISL season commences February 14, 2026, with 14 teams in a single-leg format, totalling 91 matches after delays. AIFF oversees operations post-FSDL exit, with clubs confirming participation without fees. No standings yet as matches begin, but Mohun Bagan SG defends as the reigning champions. AFC approved the shortened season but converted direct ACL2 slots to indirect qualifiers due to insufficient matches. Prize money includes INR 6 crore for cup winners and INR 3.5 crore for league shield victors, amid efforts to stabilise amid investor pullbacks.
How to Do ISL Betting
- Start ISL betting by selecting a reputable site like 96in.com, which supports INR and offers secure registration.
- Create an account with basic details, verify via email, and deposit using UPI or cards, starting from 200 INR.
- Navigate to the football section, choose ISL matches, review odds, and place bets on outcomes like winners or totals.
- Use bonuses, like up to 30,000 INR welcome offers, to boost stakes.
- Withdraw winnings after meeting wagering requirements, ensuring responsible play with set budgets.
Top Betting Tips for ISL
Analyse the team form over the last five matches, focusing on home/away records, as Mohun Bagan won 12 straight home games. Consider player absences, like top scorers, and bet on under/over goals using stats like the average 2.97 goals per game. Favour clean sheet bets for strong defences, as Mohun Bagan kept seven home shutouts.
Use live betting for momentum shifts, and research head-to-heads for trends in indian football betting. Predict Mohun Bagan as champions and Alaeddine Ajaraie as top scorer for outright wagers.
When and Where to Watch ISL in India
ISL 2025-26 matches air live on Star Sports 3 in Hindi, English, Bangla, and Malayalam for all games. Select matches appear on Sports18 Khel in Hindi, while Asianet Plus covers all in Malayalam. Stream every match on JioHotstar in multiple languages. Kickoffs vary, but fixtures release post-consultations, with games from February 14 onward. Register96 provides global access, excluding India, for live betting tips on football.
Also Read: 16 Goals And Counting: Igor Thiago Scripts History In EPL
Multiple Kinds of ISL Betting
ISL betting includes match winner (1X2), where you pick home win, draw, or away. Over/under goals wager on total scores exceeding or falling below lines like 2.5. Both teams to score (BTTS) bets succeed if both sides score.
Correct score predicts exact results, offering high odds. Player props cover first/last goalscorer or cards. Outrights bet on champions or top scorer, like Chhetri. Half-time/full-time combines interval and outcomes.
Double chance covers two results, reducing risk. Draw no bet refunds on ties. Parlays combine multiple bets for bigger payouts in football betting in India.
Football Betting Options on 96.com
96.com provides diverse football betting options, including ISL matches with live odds. Users bet on outcomes like match winners or totals, starting from 200 INR deposits via UPI. For example, wager 500 INR on Mohun Bagan to win at 1.80 odds, yielding a 900 INR payout if successful.
Over/under bets, like over 2.5 goals at 2.00 odds for a 1000 INR stake, return 2000 INR. Player props include first goalscorer at 5.00 odds; a 2000 INR bet wins 10,000 INR. Bonuses like 501% up to 30,000 INR enhance stakes for indian football betting.
ISL betting thrives on informed choices, blending history with current dynamics for rewarding football betting in India.
Despite hurdles, the league’s evolution promises growth. Stay updated, bet responsibly, and leverage tips to maximise wins in this vibrant arena.
FAQs
1. Is ISL betting legal in India?
ISL betting operates through international sportsbooks that accept Indian users. While local gambling laws vary by state, online football betting via offshore platforms is commonly accessed by Indian bettors using INR deposits.
2. How does the shortened ISL 2025-26 season affect betting strategies?
With a single-leg round-robin format, every match carries higher importance. Bettors often prioritise safer markets like double chance, draw no bet, and under goals due to reduced recovery time for teams.
3. Which ISL teams are most reliable for betting in 2025-26?
Historically consistent teams like Mohun Bagan SG and Mumbai City FC attract betting confidence due to strong home records, defensive stability, and squad depth compared to newer or financially unstable clubs.
4. Are goals markets profitable in Indian Super League betting?
Yes. ISL matches average close to 3 goals per game, making over/under 2.5 and both teams to score popular markets. However, playoff and high-pressure matches often trend lower scoring.
5. Does home advantage matter in ISL betting?
Home advantage plays a significant role due to travel fatigue, climate conditions, and fan support. Teams like Mohun Bagan and Kerala Blasters traditionally perform better at home, influencing odds value.
