Virat -led Bangalore bookies’ favourite

MUMBAI: Bookies have taken to apps to hoodwink cops during the IPL beginning Wednesday, with Royal Challengers Bangalore the odds-on favourites to win the tournament.

What’s more, demonetisation has led to a cash crunch and so gold and property could be used as stakes, say police sources and insiders in the business.

The bets are expected to gross more than ~2000 crore for the tournament with the Virat Kohli-led RCB, followed by Rising Pune Supergiants, Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Lions as favourites. Sources said around 35 apps could be used to place bets and view matches live.

Many of the apps such as betfair and bet365 are easily available as betting/gambling is legal in several countries.

Bookies, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that once the tournament progresses there would be changes in the odds depending on the form of players, injuries and performances.

Currently, RCB has a rate of 3.75 for ~100 (for every 100 rupees a person bets on RCB he or she will get ~375 if it wins), while Rising Pune Supergiants have a rate of 6.10, Mumbai Indians 6.30, and Gujarat Lions of 6.40. Bringing up the rear are Sunrisers Hyderabad at 7.20, Delhi Daredevils at 7.60, Kolkata Knight Riders at 8 and Kings XI Punjab at 11.

STRICTER LAWS

Apart from results, bets would also be placed on the number of fifties, sixes hit, runs scored, wickets and runs per over.

Police officials said there was a need to bring in stricter laws as getting bail under the present laws covering gambling was easy. Bookies have been avoiding operating from Mumbai because of raids but police added this year they could be back in the city as they are using apps to place bets and can easily operate even from public places without attracting attention.