Cricket Betting for Beginners — Start Betting in India (2026 Guide)
Never placed a cricket bet before? This guide starts from zero. We walk you through everything — choosing an app, making your first deposit, understanding odds, placing your first bet, and building smart habits from day one.
The registration button is usually prominent on the home screen or in the top-right corner. Tap it to open the registration form.
You will need to provide: your email address, a password (make it strong and unique), your phone number (Indian +91 number), your date of birth (you must be 18+), and your preferred currency (select INR). Some apps also ask for your full name.
Most apps will send you an OTP (one-time password) via SMS or email. Enter the OTP to verify your account. This confirms you are a real person and that you own the phone number or email you provided.
Upload a photo of your Aadhaar card (front and back) or PAN card, plus a selfie. This is required by all licensed betting platforms for identity verification. Do this immediately — it usually takes 24-48 hours for verification, and you will need it before you can withdraw any winnings.
Before depositing anything, go to the account settings and set a daily or weekly deposit limit. As a beginner, we recommend a weekly limit of ₹2,000-₹5,000 maximum, depending on your financial situation. This prevents impulsive overdepositing.
Making Your First Deposit
UPI is the easiest and fastest way to deposit money into a betting app. If you have ever used Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm to make a payment, you can make a betting deposit. For a detailed deposit guide, see our UPI betting apps page.
Quick Deposit Steps
- Log in to your betting app and tap "Deposit."
- Select "UPI" as your payment method.
- Enter the deposit amount. Start small: ₹500 is enough for a beginner.
- Enter your UPI ID (e.g., yourname@okicici) or scan the QR code with your UPI app.
- Open your UPI app when you receive the payment request, verify the amount, and enter your UPI PIN.
- Your betting balance will be credited within seconds.
Your first deposit should be an amount you are 100% comfortable losing entirely. For most beginners, ₹500 is ideal. It gives you enough to place 5-10 small bets while you learn, without creating any financial pressure. You can always deposit more later once you are comfortable with the platform. For more about payment methods, see our dedicated guide.
Understanding Basic Markets
A "market" is a specific type of bet. Each match offers many different markets. As a beginner, you should focus on three simple markets before exploring anything more complex.
1. Match Winner
The simplest bet: which team wins the match? You pick one team, and if they win, you win the bet. This is where every beginner should start. You already have an opinion on this — cricket betting just lets you back that opinion with money.
Example: India vs Australia. India is at 1.75 odds, Australia is at 2.20 odds. You bet ₹200 on India. India wins: you receive ₹350 (₹150 profit). India loses: you lose your ₹200.
2. Toss Winner
Who wins the coin toss before the match? This is a pure 50/50 bet. Odds are typically around 1.90-1.95 for each team (the slight reduction from 2.00 is the bookmaker's margin). While it requires no skill, it is a good market for your first ever bet because the outcome is quick and easy to understand.
3. Top Batsman (Match)
Which player will score the most runs in the match? This market requires more cricket knowledge — you need to know which batsmen are in form, which ones suit the conditions, and who bats in positions where they are likely to face the most balls. Odds vary widely: a consistent opening batsman might be at 4.00, while a lower-order hitter might be at 25.00.
Other Markets to Explore Later
Once you are comfortable with these three, gradually explore:
- Over/Under Total Runs: Will the combined score be above or below a set number?
- Most Match Sixes: Which team will hit more sixes?
- First Wicket Method: How will the first wicket fall (caught, bowled, LBW, etc.)?
- Highest Opening Partnership: Which team's openers will score more?
For a complete breakdown of all markets, see our cricket betting guide.
Understanding Odds Simply
Odds tell you two things: how likely the bookmaker thinks an outcome is, and how much money you will win if your bet is correct. Most Indian betting apps use decimal odds, which are the easiest format to understand.
How Decimal Odds Work
The formula is simple:
Potential Return = Stake x Odds
Your profit is: Potential Return - Stake
Examples
- Odds of 1.50: Bet ₹100, return ₹150 (₹50 profit). This is a strong favourite — the bookmaker thinks this outcome is very likely.
- Odds of 2.00: Bet ₹100, return ₹200 (₹100 profit). This is essentially a coin-flip outcome.
- Odds of 3.00: Bet ₹100, return ₹300 (₹200 profit). This is a moderate underdog — less likely to happen, but pays well if it does.
- Odds of 5.00: Bet ₹100, return ₹500 (₹400 profit). This is a significant underdog — not expected to happen, but very rewarding if it does.
- Odds of 10.00: Bet ₹100, return ₹1,000 (₹900 profit). A long shot — unlikely but not impossible.
What Odds Tell You About Probability
You can calculate the implied probability of any odds by dividing 1 by the odds:
- Odds of 1.50 = 1/1.50 = 66.7% implied probability
- Odds of 2.00 = 1/2.00 = 50% implied probability
- Odds of 3.00 = 1/3.00 = 33.3% implied probability
- Odds of 5.00 = 1/5.00 = 20% implied probability
If you believe India has a 60% chance of winning a match but the bookmaker is offering odds of 2.00 (implying only 50% chance), that is a "value bet" — the odds are higher than they should be based on your assessment. Finding value is how skilled bettors make money over time.
Key Takeaway for Beginners
Lower odds = more likely to win, lower payout. Higher odds = less likely to win, higher payout. Always multiply your stake by the odds to know exactly how much you could win before placing any bet.
Placing Your First Bet — Step by Step
You have an account, you have deposited funds, and you understand the basics. Here is how to place your very first cricket bet.
Open your betting app and look for "Cricket" in the sports menu. It is usually one of the most prominent options on any Indian betting app. Tap it to see all available cricket matches.
Choose an upcoming match you are interested in. For your first bet, pick a match where you have a genuine opinion about the outcome. An IPL match or an India international is a good starting point.
Tap on the match to see all available markets. For your first bet, select "Match Winner." You will see two (or three, if a draw is possible) options with odds next to each team's name.
Tap the odds next to the team you want to bet on. The selection will be highlighted, and a "bet slip" will appear at the bottom of the screen (or slide up). The bet slip shows your selection and the odds.
In the bet slip, type the amount you want to bet. For your first bet, keep it very small — ₹50 to ₹100. The bet slip will automatically calculate and display your potential return.
Before tapping "Place Bet," double-check three things: (1) the correct team is selected, (2) the odds match what you expected, and (3) the stake amount is what you intended. Tap "Place Bet" or "Confirm" to submit.
Your bet is now active. You can track it in the "My Bets" or "Open Bets" section of the app. Once the match concludes, the bet will be settled automatically. If you won, the returns will be added to your balance. If you lost, the stake is deducted.
You have just placed your first cricket bet. Whether you win or lose, the experience of going through the process is valuable. Take note of how the app works, how the odds feel compared to your expectations, and how the bet settles after the match.
Bankroll Basics: Start Small
Your "bankroll" is the total amount of money you have set aside specifically for betting. Managing your bankroll properly is the single most important skill in betting — more important than picking winners.
The Golden Rules of Bankroll Management
- Only bet money you can afford to lose. Your betting bankroll should come from entertainment spending, not from rent, bills, savings, or emergency funds. Treat it as the same category as a movie ticket or a dinner out.
- Set a monthly budget and stick to it. Decide on a fixed monthly amount before you start. For beginners, ₹2,000-₹5,000 per month is a reasonable range depending on your income. Once you have deposited your monthly budget, do not deposit more — regardless of results.
- Never bet more than 5% of your bankroll on a single bet. If your bankroll is ₹2,000, no single bet should exceed ₹100. This ensures that a losing streak does not wipe out your entire bankroll in one bad day.
- Never chase losses. If you lose three bets in a row, the temptation is to place a large bet to "win it back." This is the fastest way to lose your entire bankroll. Accept losses as part of the process and stick to your staking plan.
- Keep records. Write down every bet you place: the match, the market, the odds, the stake, and the result. After 50-100 bets, you will have valuable data about your strengths and weaknesses as a bettor.
Beginner Staking Plan
Here is a simple staking plan for your first month of betting:
- Starting bankroll: ₹2,000
- Bet size: ₹50-₹100 per bet (2.5-5% of bankroll)
- Number of bets per week: 3-5 (do not bet on every match)
- Total bets in first month: 15-20
- Goal: Learn the process, not to make money. If you break even, that is a great first month.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Every experienced bettor made these mistakes when starting. Learning to avoid them early will save you money and frustration.
1. Betting on Every Match
There is no rule that says you must bet on every IPL match or every India game. Selective betting — only betting when you have a strong opinion and good odds — is far more profitable than betting constantly. Quality over quantity, always.
2. Ignoring Odds and Only Picking Winners
Betting is not just about predicting who wins. It is about finding situations where the odds offered are better than the actual probability. Betting on a heavy favourite at 1.10 odds is almost never profitable in the long run, even though that team wins most of the time. The profit per bet is too small to cover the occasional loss.
3. Chasing Losses
You lose ₹200 on the afternoon match, so you bet ₹500 on the evening match to "make it back." This is the most destructive pattern in betting. Losses are normal. Accept them, stick to your staking plan, and move on. The next bet should be the same size as the one before, regardless of whether you won or lost.
4. Betting Under the Influence
Never place bets when you are emotionally charged (angry, excited, or disappointed from a previous bet), tired, or under the influence of alcohol. Impaired judgment leads to impulsive, poorly reasoned bets. If you have just watched your team lose a heartbreaking match, close the app and revisit tomorrow.
5. Ignoring Research
Betting based on "gut feeling" or team loyalty rarely works long-term. Before placing any bet, spend 10-15 minutes researching: recent form, head-to-head record, pitch conditions, team news, and weather. Even basic research dramatically improves your decision-making.
6. Not Understanding the Bet
Never place a bet on a market you do not fully understand. If you are unsure what "1st innings over/under 165.5" means, do not bet on it. Stick to markets you understand completely. There will always be time to learn more complex markets later.
7. Depositing More Than Planned
You deposited ₹2,000 for the month and lost it by week two. The temptation to deposit another ₹2,000 is strong. Resist it. Your monthly budget exists for a reason. Wait until next month. This discipline is what separates recreational bettors who enjoy the experience from those who develop problems.
8. Expecting to Win Consistently
Even the best professional bettors win only 52-58% of their bets on average odds. You will lose bets regularly. A 50-50 record over your first 50 bets is perfectly normal and nothing to be discouraged by. Focus on the process (research, discipline, staking) rather than short-term results.
When to Use Live Betting
Live betting (also called "in-play" betting) allows you to place bets after the match has started. Odds update in real time based on what is happening on the field. It is exciting, fast-paced, and offers opportunities that pre-match betting does not — but it also carries extra risk for beginners.
When Live Betting Makes Sense for Beginners
- After the toss: The toss significantly affects match dynamics, especially in T20 cricket. Waiting until after the toss to place your match winner bet gives you additional information that pre-match bettors did not have.
- When you see something the odds have not adjusted to: If you are watching the match and notice that the pitch is playing slower than expected (which the algorithm may not fully price in immediately), that can be a live betting opportunity.
- During rain delays: DLS-adjusted targets sometimes create value in the "match winner" market if you understand how DLS works and the market overreacts to the interruption.
When to Avoid Live Betting as a Beginner
- During the excitement of a close finish: The last 5 overs of a tight chase are the worst time for rational decision-making. Odds move rapidly, emotions run high, and impulsive bets are most likely. Watch and enjoy — do not bet.
- If you are chasing a pre-match loss: Using live betting to recover from a lost pre-match bet is a recipe for compounding losses.
- On markets you do not understand: Live betting offers exotic micro-markets ("runs in next over," "next ball outcome") that are difficult to analyse. Stick to simple match winner live bets until you are experienced.
Our recommendation: for your first 10-20 bets, stick entirely to pre-match betting. Once you are comfortable with the basics, try one or two live bets per week on the match winner market. For a detailed guide, see our live betting guide.
Glossary of Essential Betting Terms
Cricket betting has its own vocabulary. Here are 20 essential terms every beginner needs to know:
- Accumulator (Acca): A single bet that combines multiple selections. All selections must win for the bet to pay out. Higher potential return, but higher risk.
- Bankroll: The total amount of money you have set aside for betting. Never mix your bankroll with money needed for bills or savings.
- Bet Slip: The on-screen panel where you enter your stake and confirm bets. It shows your selections, odds, and potential return.
- Bookmaker (Bookie): The company that sets the odds and accepts bets. In the online context, this is the betting app or website you use.
- Cash Out: A feature that lets you settle a bet before the event finishes. You receive a guaranteed return (often less than your full potential winnings) rather than waiting for the final result.
- Decimal Odds: The most common odds format in India. Shows your total return per unit staked. Odds of 2.50 mean ₹100 returns ₹250.
- Favourite: The team or outcome the bookmaker considers most likely to win. Indicated by the lowest odds in the market.
- In-Play (Live Betting): Betting that takes place after the match has started. Odds update in real time based on match events.
- KYC (Know Your Customer): Identity verification required by all licensed betting apps. Usually involves uploading Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport.
- Margin: The bookmaker's built-in profit on odds. If fair odds for a 50/50 event are 2.00 each, the bookmaker might offer 1.90 each (the 0.10 difference is their margin).
- Market: A specific type of bet within a match (e.g., "Match Winner," "Top Batsman," "Total Runs Over/Under").
- Odds: Numbers that represent both the probability of an outcome and the amount you can win. Higher odds = less likely but more rewarding.
- Over/Under: A market where you bet on whether a specific number (like total runs) will be above (over) or below (under) a set line.
- Payout / Return: The total amount you receive if your bet wins, including your original stake. Calculated as Stake x Odds.
- Prop Bet (Proposition Bet): A bet on a specific event within a match that may not directly affect the outcome (e.g., "Will there be a century scored?").
- Stake: The amount of money you bet. If you bet ₹200 on India, ₹200 is your stake.
- Treble: An accumulator with three selections. All three must win for you to receive a payout.
- Underdog: The team or outcome the bookmaker considers less likely to win. Indicated by higher odds.
- Value Bet: A bet where the odds offered are higher than the actual probability of the outcome. Finding value consistently is the key to long-term profitability.
- Wagering Requirement: A condition on bonuses that requires you to bet a certain multiple of the bonus amount before you can withdraw it. For example, a "5x wagering requirement" on a ₹1,000 bonus means you must place ₹5,000 in bets before withdrawing.
Responsible Gambling From Day One
This is not a section we included reluctantly at the end. Responsible gambling is the foundation of sustainable, enjoyable cricket betting. Building good habits from your very first bet is infinitely easier than trying to fix bad habits later.
Set Your Limits Before You Start
- Deposit limit: Use the app's built-in tool to set a weekly or monthly deposit limit. This is a hard cap that the app enforces.
- Time limit: Decide in advance how much time you will spend on the betting app per day. 30 minutes is plenty for research, bet placement, and checking results.
- Loss limit: Decide the maximum amount you are willing to lose in a week or month. When you hit this limit, stop for the rest of that period.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Be honest with yourself. If any of the following apply, it is time to take a break or seek help:
- You are spending more on betting than you originally planned
- You are depositing money meant for bills, rent, or necessities
- You feel anxious, irritable, or restless when you are not betting
- You are hiding your betting activity from family or friends
- You are chasing losses with larger and larger bets
- You are borrowing money or taking loans to fund betting
- Betting is affecting your sleep, work, or relationships
Resources
If you need help, these resources are available:
- Self-exclusion: All reputable betting apps offer a self-exclusion feature that blocks your account for a period you choose (typically 1 week to 6 months)
- Gamblers Anonymous India: Free, anonymous support for people affected by gambling
- NIMHANS (Bengaluru): The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences offers counselling for behavioural addictions
For more, visit our responsible gambling page.
Never bet money you cannot afford to lose. Cricket betting should be entertainment, not a source of income or financial stress. If it stops being fun, stop doing it. No bet is worth your financial security, your relationships, or your mental health.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can start with as little as ₹100 (the minimum deposit on 22Bet). We recommend starting with ₹500-₹1,000. This gives you enough to place 5-10 small bets while learning. Never deposit more than you can comfortably afford to lose, and set a monthly budget before you begin.
Cricket betting through offshore platforms exists in a legal grey area. No Indian law explicitly bans individual users from using offshore betting apps. Millions of Indians use these platforms. You must be 18+ to participate. Laws vary by state, with some states having stricter positions. Read our legal guide for a detailed analysis.
Casibee is our top recommendation for beginners. It has the cleanest interface, guided onboarding, Hindi support, and beginner-friendly customer service. Parimatch is also excellent if you want more features. Both hold valid licences, use encryption, and offer responsible gambling tools. See our full rankings for detailed comparisons.
Decimal odds show your total return per rupee staked. Odds of 2.50 mean a ₹100 bet returns ₹250 if you win (₹150 profit + ₹100 stake). Lower odds (e.g., 1.30) mean a higher chance of winning but a smaller payout. Higher odds (e.g., 5.00) mean a lower chance but a larger payout. Always multiply your stake by the odds to see your potential return.
The "Match Winner" market is the simplest. Pick which team wins. If they win, you win. If they lose, you lose your stake. Start here and gradually explore other markets as you gain confidence. Toss winner is even simpler (pure 50/50) but does not teach you much about analytical betting.
Go to the Cashier/Withdraw section, select UPI, enter your UPI ID and withdrawal amount, and submit. You need to complete KYC verification first (upload Aadhaar or PAN card). Processing takes 1-6 hours via UPI depending on the app. We recommend completing KYC immediately after registering so your first withdrawal is not delayed.
