IPL and Casino Partnerships: Impact of Gambling Brands in Cricket’s Biggest League

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has become a global sporting phenomenon. It attracts millions of fans, sponsors and investors. It is popular not only in India, but also in Pakistan, the UK and other countries. The league features a mix of high-energy matches, celebrities and huge audiences. So it has become a lucrative platform for different brands. They aim to be advertised within the framework of this league, as they know that their products or services will be seen by millions. Gambling and online betting companies, including Pin Up Pakistan, are also keen to partner with IPL. Their potential partnerships with IPL franchises have sparked both financial growth and ethical debate.

The Role of Gaming Brands in IPL Sponsorships

Gaming companies have become prominent sponsors in the IPL. For example, Dream11, a fantasy sports platform that shares similarities with gambling, partnered with the league. With a 3-year deal worth Rs 120 crore, Dream11 allows users to earn money by predicting players’ performances. While technically legal, the platform operates in a controversial area. That’s because sports betting faces some legal barriers in India. However, despite existing limitations, international gambling brands like Pin-Up casino, can operate in this country, as well as in Pakistan. This is confirmed by the official statistical data available online. For example, the total revenue of the casino games market in Pakistan was estimated at US$3.01 million (which is equivalent to 836635500 PKR) in 2022. This is a large amount, which actually shows that many people from this country are users of online casinos and bookmakers.

Dream11’s collaboration with the Indian Premier League highlights the evolving sponsorship dynamics in the organisation. Seven franchises (teams) have partnered with Dream11, showcasing its deep integration into the league. The association of such platforms with the IPL is a testament to the league’s global appeal and ability to attract high-stakes sponsors. However, this partnership also raises questions about promoting gambling in a country where such activities are not duly regulated. Actually gambling-related laws in India are obsolete and must be replaced (read below).

The Financial Power of the Indian Premier League

The IPL is the richest cricket league globally, generating massive revenues from sponsorships and broadcasting rights. It was founded in 2007 by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). In a relatively short period of time, the IPL has turned cricket into a high-stakes business. Franchise teams, such as Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, are valued at hundreds of millions of dollars.

Gambling companies, seeing the IPL’s potential, have tapped into its vast audience. International operators have entered the Indian market, launching Hindi-language platforms and live dealer games to Indian gamblers. These efforts reflect the growing intersection of gambling and cricket in India.

Ethical and Legal Considerations Around Gambling Sponsorships

The involvement of gaming brands in the IPL has caused ethical debates. Critics argue that promoting such companies can encourage gambling addiction and exploit vulnerable populations. Some states in India, like Tamil Nadu, have banned online gambling, highlighting the legal and moral complexities of the industry. However, user demand for betting and gambling is such that it cannot be simply prohibited. This seems to be impossible in current realities. While some states in India restrict betting and gambling according to the Public Gambling Act, 1867, this law is naturally not able to cover the quickly growing digital gaming industry. Legislators of the XIX century were not able to forecast the invention of the Internet and online gambling platforms. As stated in a KPMG report, the digital gaming industry in India can grow to $8.6 billion by 2027, and each year it increases by 20%. Hence, there are many proposals to regulate it, for example, Gujarat National Law University organised the 3d legislative drafting competition in 2025 in order to create the Online Gaming And Gambling Regulation Act.

Preity Zinta, co-owner of Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), has advocated for clear legalizing betting in India. She argues that regulation could curb corruption and generate significant revenue for the government. Other benefits of legalisation include employment opportunities and better detection of illicit betting activities. Without clear laws, however, gambling remains a contentious issue, with concerns about its influence on young fans.

IPL as a Cultural and Financial Phenomenon

The Indian Premier League is more than a cricket league; it’s a cultural and social movement. It showcases India’s dominance in global cricket, not just as a player but as a financier and broadcaster. This “Indianization” of cricket reflects the country’s growing influence in shaping the sport’s future. This sports game was initially spread with the British empire. It was a preserve of the English elite classes, however, nowadays it is run by Indian finances and political clout. Yes, cricket is popular in other countries like Pakistan and Australia. However, it is the IPL that is the richest and most popular cricket league in the world.

For several seasons, the Indian Premier League has demonstrated how cricket can be commercialized to attract new audiences and generate profits. While traditionalists criticize the league for prioritizing entertainment over the sport’s purity, IPL continues to develop. It embodies new trends and applies new technologies to promote the popularity of cricket. In particular, it is poised to integrate the following technologies:

• ticketing systems based on blockchain for better safety of transactions;
• AI-powered analytic tools for better insights into athletes’ performance;
• virtual reality (VR) possibilities for people who are not able to attend stadiums. 

If this league keeps up with the times and beyond, it will be of great economic benefit to the country.

Gambling’s Growing Influence in Pakistan and India

India’s online gambling industry has become a multibillion-dollar market. The influx of international operators has introduced new platforms and features tailored to Indian users. These include a possibility to gamble/bet from a phone seamlessly using Pin-Up app. Users can also enjoy live games on different gambling platforms with Hindi- and Urdu-speaking dealers. However, the lack of regulation poses risks for players, who must rely on trusted and licensed sites. If you choose Pin-Up Pakistan, which also operates in India, you can be sure about the reliability of this website. It is managed by officially registered company Carletta N.V., which operates in the Country of Curaçao (island under government of the Netherlands. 

Casinos and online betting platforms have used the popularity of the Indian Premier League as a springboard to expand their business capabilities. One well-known company, for instance, has invested heavily in the Indian market. It enabled rupee deposits and launched marketing campaigns around the IPL. The result was immense: $100 million wagered on the 2024 season. The situation with betting market access is not simple in Pakistan. Recently, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been banned by a court ruling from concluding sponsorship deals with bookmakers. However, this decision is widely criticized, and there are voices in the media, which call for a rollback and the granting of appropriate permits.

What Betting Possibilities Are Offered by Pin-Up Pakistan?

First of all, it should be noted that the site of this platform is technically flawless. It looks beautiful and is easy to use. Users can choose suitable entertainment among hundreds of slots, crash games, live dealers, lotteries, different types of poker and other card games.  

When it comes to cricket, you will see possibilities to place bets on matches within:

• the Indian Premier League;
• Women’s Premier League (India);
• T20 Series (worldwide);
• ICC Champions Trophy;
• T20 World Cup (Women) etc.

The choice of betting on IPL events depends on the time of year. In winter, for example, you can already place some types of bets, such as on which team will be the winner. But more specific bets are available just before and during the tournament. The same applies to live betting. Please note that the dynamic and statistical data provided regarding the events on the betting platform’s website are for informational purposes only and are not the basis for placing or calculating bets.

Special offers are available for both newcomers and regular players. If you sign up on the platform, you can choose a suitable Pin-Up bonus. This is either an offer for betting (up to 125% of your deposit) or gambling (bonus 120% and 250 free spins). These bonuses allow you to learn the mechanics of slots and try your hand at betting without risking your own money. The platform also features a system of privileges based on pincoins (PNC). These coins can be earned for fulfilling different actions like betting real money, verification of user account, etc. They can then be exchanged for various bonuses.

The IPL’s Franchise Model and Sponsorship Ecosystem

The IPL’s franchise-based structure has been a game changer for cricket. Ten teams represent cities and states. The league follows a round-robin format with the top four progressing to the playoffs. Each season lasts about two months. This period (although not long) creates a unique window for brands to maximise their visibility.

Sponsors, including gaming companies, benefit from the league’s massive audience. The IPL is India’s most watched sports competition. It surpasses the Pro Kabaddi League and the Indian Super League. This popularity ensures a high return on investment for sponsors, making the league a prime target for corporate partnerships.

The Future of Gambling in IPL

Gaming brands continue to collaborate with IPL franchises. So the need for regulation becomes more urgent. Proper regulation of betting activities could address concerns about corruption and addiction. It can also provide a new revenue stream for the government. Countries like the United Kingdom and the European Union member states have successfully implemented gambling regulations. They demonstrate how such measures can balance industry growth with consumer protection.

The league’s success lies in its ability to adapt and innovate. By embracing sponsorships from diverse industries, including gaming, the league has set a precedent for other sports competitions. However, it is important to balance commercial interests with ethical considerations. This seems to be crucial for its long-term sustainability.

What are the lessons that can be drawn from this and applied in Pakistan? First, as seen from IPL experience, partnerships between sports franchises and betting companies can bring financial stability to leagues. If Pakistan’s cricketing ecosystem were open to such collaborations, it would need to establish clear ethical guidelines. Second, the country can enjoy the following benefits from proper regulation of gambling:

• Revenue generation. A regulated betting industry could create a new revenue stream for the government through taxes and licensing fees. This income could fund sports development programs, infrastructure, and welfare initiatives.
• Job creation. The betting and gaming industry can create jobs in customer support, technology, and marketing. For a country with a growing population, this could be a welcome boost to the economy.
• Curbing illegal activities. Unregulated betting often leads to underground markets, which are harder to control. Regulation brings these activities into the legal fold, making them easier to monitor and manage.

Key Takeaways

The IPL’s partnership with gaming brands reflects the league’s evolution as a global sporting and commercial powerhouse. While these collaborations have fueled financial growth, they also highlight the need for clear regulations and ethical practices. As IPL continues to shape cricket’s future, its relationship with the gambling/betting industry will remain a topic of debate and scrutiny.

For fans, franchises, and sponsors alike, IPL represents an unparalleled opportunity to engage with cricket. However, the league must navigate the challenges of promoting responsible gaming while preserving its integrity and cultural significance. The intersection of IPL and gambling is a microcosm of broader trends in sports, offering lessons for sports organisations and casinos around the world. Experience of this organisation would be pretty beneficial for Pakistani leagues, as cricket also enjoys a massive popularity in this country.