Indian Super League Betting Guide & Tips

ISL vs I-League

The I-League was introduced in 1996 as the premier division for Indian football. It follows a traditional format with 11 teams facing off home and away over the season. The ISL was first created in 2013 and fully launched in 2014. It was originally recognised by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) as a cup tournament, but in 2019 this was changed to that of a league.

There are similarities between the ISL vs I-League and domestic leagues vs the European Super League first proposed in April 2021. However, there are also some stark differences. For instance, the ISL had approval from its governing body from the beginning. And players can play in both the I-League and the ISL.

Indian Super League Format

If you look at Indian Super League betting sites over the years, you’ll have noticed markets have changed and adapted to suit the evolving format of the ISL. In its current state, the ISL comprises 11 teams, six of whom were there for the first ever season. Many of the clubs involved were created specifically to compete in the ISL, such as Kerala Blasters and Mumbai City. Others, like Sporting Club East Bengal, have migrated from the I-League.

The 11 teams play each other home and away, meaning a minimum of 20 matches per team per season, which gives you plenty of chances for some Indian Super League betting. The highest-ranked team at the end of the league receives the ISL League Winners’ Shield, but there’s another stage afterwards.

The four highest-placed teams enter the semi-finals, with the winners advancing to the final. The winners of the final are awarded the ISL Trophy. Winners of both trophies also qualify for the AFC Champions League and AFC Cup.

AIFF Plans for One League

In 2010, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) put pen to paper on a 15-year contract for television rights. When the contract ends, there are plans for a massive overhaul which could see the I-League and ISL join into one combined league. This controversial plan was mooted for the 2024/25 season and has already been agreed upon by the AFC.

While this idea will no doubt upset long-standing fans of the I-League who may now have to switch allegiances, it also presents a wonderful opportunity in terms of Indian Super League betting odds. A new league means new matches and a chance to spot great odds before the bookies get a full understanding of the market.

League Winners’ Shield

One of the most fiercely fought battles in the ISL is for the League Winners’ Shield, awarded to the team that finishes top of the ISL league towards the end of the season – much like the Meisterschale in the Bundesliga. Goa were the first to capture the League Winner’s Shield in 2019/20, followed by Mumbai City the following year.

If you’re new to Indian Super League betting, this is a straightforward bet to get started.

Match Winner

If you don’t want to bet on a season-long outcome, there are plenty of Indian Super League betting options that are settled much faster. One example is the match winner.

Simply bet on what you think the outcome will be – home win, away win, or draw. If you back an underdog, you’ll receive longer odds – which means more winnings. For example, if you bet on Odisha to beat Mumbai City and they do, you could expect a handsome pay-out.

ISL Trophy Outright

The ISL Trophy is awarded to the winner of a four-team mini cup competition which takes place after the League Winners’ Shield has been won. The four highest-ranked teams in the league enter a knockout competition, e.g., Mumbai City, ATK Mohun Bagan, Northeast United and Goa.

It’s an exciting option for Indian Super League betting, as matches are always competitive.

Hero of the League

Bet on the Indian Super League: Hero of the League award if you spot a player who you think is destined for the top. The award doesn’t necessarily go to the player who has the best stats, but the one who has been the best player across the board. Iain Hume won the first-ever Hero of the League award back in 2014.

Head-to-Head Record

Whenever you see an upcoming match, check the team’s previous history. You might find one team consistently beats another.

This often comes down to contrasting styles – a team like Mumbai City might be top of the league, but struggle against a very physical team.

AIFF Plans

The ISL is always in the spotlight, and the AIFF has some drastic changes lined up.

As deadlines approach for league-altering updates, monitor the top teams’ form – and those who could be excluded from the league. Uncertainty could lead to unusual results.

Travel Time

Don’t underestimate geography and the impact travel time can have on players. Kerala Blasters are the southernmost team in the ISL. An away fixture for a team like NorthEast United is a massive trip – the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium is around 65 hours away by car.

Even flying by plane takes over five and a half hours. Factor in potential fatigue when betting on the Indian Super League.

Injuries

When a key player suffers an injury, it can drastically alter the outcome of a match or even a season. For example, Kerala Blasters were without Sandesh Jhingan for the entire 2019-20 season after he was injured playing for the India national team. They even claimed compensation!

Use social media and follow respected journalists to get live updates on injuries and use these to make informed bets on the Indian Super League.

Bogey Teams

When betting on football leagues around the world, there are certain clubs that always seem to beat higher-ranked teams. These are called bogey teams.

The ISL is still relatively young, but if you review the history of the competition, you may spot a bogey team with good odds to upset a strong favourite.