The Art of Betting on Sports in India: A Beginner's Guide

22/4/2025

The Art of Betting on Sports in India: A Beginner's Guide

What is Sport Betting in India - Cricket, Football and More

Sports betting has been around for centuries, with its roots dating back to Ancient Greece. In India, it is a popular form of entertainment and has gained even more popularity in recent years with the rise of online betting websites. So, what exactly is sports betting?
In simple terms, sports betting involves placing a wager on the outcome of a sporting event. This can be done either through legal bookmakers or online betting platforms. The amount you win or lose depends on the accuracy of your prediction.

Is Sports Betting Legal in India?

Sports betting in India is growing in popularity, but it operates within a complex legal framework. While the Public Gambling Act of 1867 prohibits most forms of gambling, betting on licensed platforms like 12bet is allowed. Individual states have the power to regulate gambling within their borders, leading to varied rules.

Can I Really Win Money by Betting on Sports?

Yes, it is possible to win money through sports betting in India. However, it’s essential to understand that betting is not a guaranteed way to earn income. It carries inherent risks and demands a combination of skill, strategy, and knowledge. Even a deep understanding of sports doesn’t ensure consistent success—nothing does. That said, with the right approach and by meeting a few key conditions, you can increase your chances of achieving positive outcomes.

Condition #1 - Bet with Fun & Enjoy the Game

Betting should always be about fun and enjoyment, not about making money. For beginners, it’s important to internalize this idea: you can lose, so being prepared for that is key.
Viewing betting as a hobby or a game comes with several major benefits:

It keeps you grounded, helping you avoid risking large sums and making irrational decisions (staying reasonable is essential in this activity).
It encourages the development of forecasting skills rather than focusing on exploiting bookmaker errors or obsessing over money.
Most importantly, it delivers what betting is meant to provide: more excitement, healthy adrenaline, and a greater emotional connection when watching a match.

Condition #2 - Bankroll Management

For beginners, the golden rule is simple: only bet what you can afford to lose. Doubling your wager after a win might seem tempting, but it’s a risky start, and chasing losses is an even worse approach. Seasoned bettors understand the psychology of betting—how one big win can emotionally outweigh countless losses, even if the math tells a different story.
If you’re serious about mastering the art (or science) of sports betting, your first step should be keeping a detailed record. Document every bet you place, along with your wins and losses. This habit not only keeps you organized, but also provides valuable insights into your betting trends and overall performance.
A fundamental element of successful sports betting is bankroll management. This means setting aside a dedicated amount of money for betting and dividing it into smaller units—typically 1-5% of your total bankroll. This disciplined approach minimizes the risk of losing everything in a single go.
Good bankroll management also enforces limits, ensuring you never wager more than 5% of your total budget on a single bet. By sticking to these principles, you’ll build a stronger foundation for long-term success in sports betting.

Condition #3 - Learn About the Sport & Teams You’re Betting On

Success in sports betting depends heavily on knowledge and preparation. Before placing any bets, it's crucial to do thorough research about the teams or players involved. Look into their recent performances, head-to-head records, and playing conditions, as these factors can significantly influence the outcome. Keeping track of team news, injuries, suspensions, and even coaching changes can give you an edge by helping you predict how these variables might affect the game.
Additionally, understanding the different types of bets is essential. Whether it's moneyline, point spread, or over/under bets, knowing how they work allows you to choose the option that aligns with your strategy. Familiarize yourself with odds systems—like decimal, fractional, or American odds—and how they reflect the likelihood of an outcome and potential payouts.

Condition #4 - Practice Patience & Discipline

Sports betting requires patience and discipline. Don’t get carried away by your emotions or make hasty decisions. Instead, take the time to assess different factors and weigh your options before placing a bet. If you’re on a losing streak, don’t try to chase your losses by making impulsive bets. Stick to your strategy and bankroll management plan.
Remember that there will always be ups and downs in sports betting, even for the most experienced bettors. The key is to stay patient, disciplined, and focused on the long-term goal rather than getting caught up in short-term results.

Condition #5 - Keep Learning & Adapting

The world of sports betting is constantly evolving, and it’s crucial to stay updated with the latest trends, strategies, and insights. Stay curious, read expert opinions, follow industry news, and analyze your own performance regularly.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to adapt your strategy when necessary. If you find that a specific type of bet or sport isn’t working for you, try something new. The more you learn and evolve as a bettor, the better your chances of success.

How to Start Betting on Sports in India?

Now that you understand the key conditions for successful sports betting, let's discuss how to get started. In India, online betting is the most convenient and popular option due to its accessibility and variety of options. However, make sure you choose a licensed platform like 12bet, which ensures a safe and secure betting experience.
Follow these simple steps to start your sports betting journey in India:

Research & Choose a Platform: Take the time to research different licensed platform like 12bet and compare their features, odds, and reputation before making a decision.
Create an Account: Once you’ve decided on a platform, create an account by providing basic personal details.
Verify Your Identity: Before placing bets or withdrawing winnings, you’ll need to verify your identity by providing a valid ID and proof of address.
Familiarize Yourself with the Platform: Take the time to familiarize yourself with the platform's features, navigation, and betting options before placing any bets.
Set Your Budget & Stick to It: As mentioned earlier, bankroll management is crucial in sports betting. Set a budget for your bets and stick to it, no matter what.
Start Betting! Once you feel comfortable with the platform and have done your research on the teams or players involved, start placing your bets!

Remember that sports betting is all about having fun and enjoying the game while keeping a disciplined approach towards managing your bets. With the right knowledge, strategy, and platform, you can enhance your sports-watching experience while also having a chance to win some extra money. So go ahead and start your sports betting journey in India today!

Why Choose 12bet as Your Go-To Platform?

With so many online betting platforms available, you may be wondering why 12bet is the best choice for your sports betting needs. Here are just a few reasons to consider:

Licensed & Secure: 12bet is licensed by the Government of Curacao and utilizes industry-standard security measures, including SSL encryption, to ensure a safe and fair betting experience. It is trusted by thousands of users worldwide.
Variety of Sports & Betting Options: From cricket and football to basketball, tennis, and eSports, 12bet offers a wide range of sports to bet on, along with various types of bets like money line, point spread, over/under, parlays, and live in-play betting for real-time excitement.
Competitive Odds: With competitive odds across all sports and events, 12bet offers attractive potential payouts for successful bets. It also provides regular promotions and bonuses to enhance the betting experience.
User-Friendly Platform: 12bet’s platform is user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced bettors. It also offers a mobile app for convenient betting on the go.
Customer Support: 12bet provides 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, or phone to assist users with any queries or concerns they may have.

So why wait? Sign up with 12bet today and take your sports betting experience in India to the next level! Remember to always bet responsibly and have fun while doing so.

12Bet App - A Convenient Way to Bet on the Go

In addition to its user-friendly website, 12bet also offers a convenient mobile app for iOS and Android users. This allows you to bet on your favorite sports from anywhere, at any time.
The app features all the platform's key functions, including live in-play betting, quick deposits and withdrawals, and access to promotions and bonuses. It also provides real-time updates on matches and events, making it easier for you to track your bets and make informed decisions while on the go.
Plus, with the same level of security as the desktop version, you can rest assured that your personal and financial information is safe when using the 12bet app.

12Bet Welcome Bonus - An Incentive for New Users

As a new user on 12bet, you can take advantage of their generous welcome bonus: a 150% bonus on your first deposit, up to 20,000 INR! This is the perfect way to boost your betting journey and explore everything the platform has to offer.
To claim this bonus, simply make your first deposit after signing up. However, be sure to review the wagering requirements to fully enjoy the offer. The 150% bonus comes with a 10x wagering requirement, meaning you need to bet the bonus amount 10 times before you can withdraw any winnings. Bets must be placed on odds of 1.50 or higher to count toward meeting the requirement. Additionally, the bonus must be used within 30 days of activation, or it will expire.