Sports Betting Guide India: Complete Beginner’s Guide to Online Betting | Lotus365

Sports betting guide at lotus365 has become increasingly popular in India, offering enthusiasts an exciting way to engage with their favourite games while having the potential to earn profits. This comprehensive guide covers everything beginners need to know about sports betting guide, from understanding odds and bet types to developing winning strategies and managing funds responsibly.

A decorative logo for CRICKETS featuring various sports 

What is Sports Betting?

Sports betting guide is the practice of placing wagers on the outcomes of sporting events. Rather than simply watching the game passively, bettors predict specific outcomes and stake money on those predictions. If the prediction is correct, the bettor wins a payout based on the odds offered. If incorrect, the wagered amount is lost.​

Sports betting guide encompasses a wide variety of sports, including cricket, football, tennis, kabaddi, horse racing, and many others. Bets can be placed before the event starts (pre-match betting) or during the event as it unfolds (live or in-play betting).​

Popular sports betting guide markets available daily, including football, horse racing, tennis, cricket, and rugby 

Understanding Betting Odds

Odds represent the probability of an outcome occurring and determine how much you can win relative to your stake. Understanding odds is fundamental to successful betting, as they tell you both the likelihood of an event and your potential payout.​

How Odds are Determined:

Bookmakers set odds by analysing multiple factors, including team strength, recent form, player injuries, weather conditions, home field advantage, and historical head-to-head statistics. Power ratings are numerical values assigned to teams based on their relative strength compared to competitors. These ratings are continuously updated throughout the season and adjusted based on new information.​

Types of Odds Formats:

Different betting platforms use different odds formats. Understanding how to read each one is essential for calculating potential returns.​

Table of conversion formulas between fractional, decimal, and American betting odds 

• Decimal Odds – The most common format internationally, showing the total return including your stake. For example, odds of 2.50 mean that a ₹100 bet returns ₹250 total (₹150 profit plus your ₹100 stake).​
• Fractional Odds – Traditional format showing profit relative to stake. For instance, 3/2 odds mean you win ₹3 for every ₹2 wagered. A ₹100 bet at 3/2 returns ₹250 total (₹150 profit).​
• American Odds – Used primarily in the US, showing either positive or negative values. Negative odds (e.g., -165) indicate how much you must bet to win ₹100, while positive odds (e.g., +135) show how much you win on a ₹100 bet.​

Favourites vs. Underdogs:

The favourite is the team expected to win and carries lower odds, meaning smaller payouts but a higher probability of winning. The underdog is expected to lose and carries higher odds, offering bigger potential returns but lower probability.​

Essential Bet Types for Beginners

Understanding different bet types allows you to choose options that match your confidence level and risk tolerance.​

Moneyline Bets (Match Winner):

The simplest bet type, where you predict which team will win the match outright. There’s no handicap or additional conditions – simply pick the winner. Moneyline odds use either positive or negative formatting depending on the bookmaker. This is ideal for beginners as it’s straightforward and easy to understand.​

Over/Under (Totals) Bets:

You predict whether the total combined result will exceed or fall short of a specific number set by the bookmaker. In cricket, this typically refers to total runs scored by both teams. In football, it refers to total goals. In tennis, it refers to total games played. If the bookmaker sets the line at 294.5 runs in a cricket match and you bet “Over”, you win if the combined score exceeds 294.5.​

This bet type is excellent for those less confident about which team will win but having an opinion on match flow and scoring. Over/under bets often offer better value since they’re less predictable than simple win/loss predictions.​

Point Spread (Handicap) Bets:

Also called Asian Handicap betting, this bet type levels the playing field between favourites and underdogs by applying a virtual advantage or disadvantage to the score.

For example, if Manchester City plays against a weaker team with a -1.5 handicap, Manchester City must win by 2 or more goals for the bet to win. Conversely, betting on the underdog at +1.5 means they can lose by 1 goal, draw, or win, and you still win the bet.​

Asian Handicap Types:

Handicap	Meaning	Example
0.0 (Draw No Bet)	You win if your team wins; draw refunds the stake.	Chelsea 0.0 vs Manchester United
±0.5	The team must win (-0.5) or can draw (+0.5)	Liverpool -0.5 must win; Arsenal +0.5 can win or draw
±1.0	The team must win by 2+ (-1.0) or can lose by 1 (+1.0)	Manchester City -1.0 must win by 2+
±1.5	The team must win by 2+ (-1.5) or can lose by 1 (+1.5)	Real Madrid -1.5 must win by 2+

Asian Handicap betting reduces the draw possibility, offering only two outcomes with typically better odds than traditional 1X2 markets.​

Parlay/Accumulator Bets:

These combine multiple selections into a single wager, where all must win for a payout. For example, you might combine three football matches: Arsenal to win, Chelsea to win with a handicap, and Tottenham to win.

If you bet ₹100 on three selections with odds of 1.794, 1.877, and 2.050, the total odds multiply: 1.794 × 1.877 × 2.050 = 6.903. Your ₹100 stake returns ₹690.30 (including your original stake).​

Advantages: Parlays offer significantly higher payouts than individual bets on the same selections. Disadvantages: If even one selection loses, the entire bet loses. They require accurate predictions on multiple events, increasing difficulty.​

Parlays range from 2 selections up to 8, with some bookmakers offering same-game parlays where all selections come from a single event. These are exciting for experienced bettors but risky for beginners.​

Proposition Bets (Prop Bets):

These wagers focus on specific in-game occurrences rather than the overall match outcome. Examples include predicting the top batsman in cricket, the first player to score in football, or the set winner in tennis. Props offer diverse betting options and can provide value if you have specific match insights.​

Cricket-Specific Bet Types:

Cricket offers unique betting markets suited to the sport’s structure.​

• Top Batsman/Bowler – Wager on which player will score the most runs or take the most wickets.​
• Innings Runs – Predict the total runs scored in a specific innings rather than the entire match.​
• Next Over to Have a Wicket – Fast-paced betting on whether a wicket will fall in the next over.​
• Man of the Match – Predict which player will earn the Man of the Match award.​

Cricket Betting Markets and Strategies

Cricket betting in India is enormously popular, with numerous markets available for different match formats and events.​

Cricket Betting Fundamentals:

Understanding team composition, recent form, and head-to-head history is essential before placing cricket bets. T20 cricket is shorter and higher-scoring than Test cricket, affecting appropriate betting strategies. Analyse recent performances, weather forecasts, pitch conditions (dry pitches favour batsmen, grass-heavy pitches favour bowlers), and key player availability.​

Strategies for Cricket Betting Success:

1. Research Form and Matchups – Don’t rely solely on current standings; recent performances matter more. Teams at the bottom of the standings can perform unexpectedly well against certain opponents if their playing style creates matchup advantages.​
2. Monitor Weather and Pitch Conditions – Good weather without wind helps batsmen score easily, while cloudy, humid conditions favour bowlers as the ball swings more.​
3. Consider Tournament Format – Different formats (Test, ODI, T20) produce different scoring patterns. T20 matches produce higher scores than Test cricket.​
4. Watch Live Betting Opportunities – Live betting during cricket matches offers dynamic odds that shift based on real-time match developments. If one team gains momentum, you can immediately capitalise on changing odds. You can place bets on next run outcomes, specific batter performances, or wicket predictions.​

Football and Tennis Betting Markets

Football Betting Strategies:

Football matches typically offer moneyline, spread, and Asian handicap markets. The -1.5 or -2.0 handicap is common for favourites, while underdogs receive +1.5 or +2.0. Analyse team form over their last 5-10 matches, not just season records. Consider injuries to key players, especially goalkeepers and top strikers. Home advantage is significant in football, so factor this into your analysis.​

Tennis Betting Considerations:

Tennis differs from team sports in that matches feature individual players rather than teams. Moneyline bets are most popular, with odds reflecting each player’s probability of winning. Point spread betting uses game counts rather than points – the favourite must win by a certain number of games. Total games over/under markets predict whether the match will have more or fewer than a set number of games.​

Consider surface type (clay, grass, hard court), as players have different success rates on various surfaces. Recent form on the specific surface matters more than overall season form. Rankings and head-to-head records provide valuable insights.​

Kabaddi Betting Markets

Kabaddi is an emerging betting market in India with unique markets suited to the sport.​

Popular Kabaddi Markets:

Match Winner – Predict which team wins. Total Points Over/Under – Wager on whether combined points exceed or fall short of a bookmaker’s line. Top Raider/Defender – Bet on which player scores the most raid or tackle points. Handicap Betting – For matches with clear favourites, handicaps level the field. Parlay Bets – Combine multiple bets for higher payouts.​

Kabaddi Betting Strategies:

Analyse Team and Head-to-Head Stats – Check past performance and how teams match up. Focus on Star Players – Key raiders and defenders significantly impact outcomes. Understand Home Advantage – Teams often perform better in familiar playing conditions. Watch for Injuries and Team Changes – Absences of crucial players shift match dynamics. Utilise Live Betting – In-play betting provides better odds and allows reaction to match developments.​

Bankroll Management: The Key to Long-Term Success

Successful sports betting guide isn’t about winning every bet – it’s about managing your money wisely over time. Even with a high win rate, poor bankroll management can lead to losses.​

Setting Your Initial Bankroll:

Determine an amount you can comfortably afford to lose without impacting your financial obligations. This should cover a specific period (month, season, year) and never come from essential living expenses. Your bankroll determines your unit size – the standard bet amount from which you adjust based on confidence and odds.​

Percentage-Based Betting (Most Popular):

Stake a fixed percentage of your bankroll (typically 1-5%) on each individual bet. This approach scales with your bankroll – as you win, your stakes increase proportionally, and as you lose, they decrease to protect your remaining capital.​

Example:

• Initial bankroll: ₹10,000
• Betting unit (2% of bankroll): ₹200 per bet
• After winning ₹1,500: New bankroll = ₹11,500; New unit = ₹230
• After losing ₹500: New bankroll = ₹11,000; New unit = ₹220

This percentage-based approach provides flexibility while protecting your bankroll during losing streaks.​

Unit Staking Based on Confidence:

Adjust your unit size based on your confidence in specific bets:​

• Low Confidence: 1 unit (minimum stake)
• Moderate Confidence: 2 units
• High Confidence: 3 units (maximum recommended)

This flexible approach lets you capitalise on high-confidence bets while maintaining discipline on uncertain picks.

Flat Betting (Beginner-Friendly):

Wager the same amount on every bet regardless of odds or confidence. Flat betting reduces variance, extends bankroll longevity, and helps beginners maintain discipline. While returns grow slowly, the strategy builds consistency and good habits.​

Critical Bankroll Management Rules:

• Never Chase Losses – Resist the urge to place larger bets to recover losses quickly. This emotional betting typically leads to larger losses.​
• Avoid the All-In Mentality – Never bet your entire bankroll on a single event. Even with high confidence, unexpected outcomes happen.​
• Take Breaks After Winning Streaks – After extended winning periods, step back and reassess your strategy. Overconfidence often precedes losses.​
• Regularly Review Your Strategy – Monthly or quarterly reviews of your bankroll, wins, losses, and overall performance help identify what’s working and what needs adjustment.​
• Reinvest Profits Strategically – As your bankroll grows, gradually increase unit sizes rather than aggressively betting larger amounts immediately. Conservative reinvestment sustains long-term growth.​

Live Betting (In-Play Betting) Strategy

Live betting allows you to place wagers while matches unfold, taking advantage of real-time developments.​

Live Betting Advantages:

More Betting Options – Bookmakers continuously update markets during matches, offering new opportunities. Better Information – You can assess team performance, injuries, and momentum before betting. Odds Adjustment – Live odds change constantly, sometimes offering better value than pre-match odds. Hedge Opportunities – Place offsetting bets to lock in profits or minimise losses before match conclusion.​

Live Betting Tips:

Prepare Before the Match – Conduct pre-match research even if planning live betting, establishing a baseline strategy. Watch the Match Closely – Monitor real-time statistics, including run rates, wicket timings, strike rates, and momentum. React Quickly – Live odds move fast; decisions must be quick to capitalise on opportunities. Use Cash-Out Features – Most platforms offer cash-out options allowing you to secure profit or minimise loss before match conclusion. Avoid Emotional Betting – Live betting’s fast pace can trigger emotional decisions; maintain discipline.​

Common Mistakes Beginner Bettors Make

Avoiding these common pitfalls significantly improves long-term betting success.​

• Betting Without Research – Never place bets based on hunches or emotions. Always analyse statistics, recent form, injuries, and conditions.​
• Chasing Losses – After losing bets, the temptation to quickly recover losses with larger bets is strong but dangerous. This almost always results in even larger losses.
• Ignoring Bankroll Management – Betting without a structured bankroll plan is the primary reason bettors lose money.​
• Playing Favorites Exclusively – While favourites have higher win rates, odds are often insufficient for long-term profit. Underdogs sometimes offer better value.​
• Overcomplicating Bets – Beginners often place complex bets (multiple parlays, numerous legs) before understanding basics. Start simple with moneyline and over/under bets.
• Ignoring Line Movements – Odds change as new information emerges and betting patterns develop. Betting early sometimes provides better odds than betting close to match time.​
• Not Tracking Bets – Record all bets, results, and reasoning to identify what works and what doesn’t.​

Responsible Gaming and Player Protection

Responsible betting ensures gaming remains enjoyable entertainment rather than a source of financial stress.​

Responsible Betting Practices:

Set Limits – Establish daily, weekly, and monthly deposit limits that you strictly follow. Take Regular Breaks – Periodically step away from betting to assess your habits. Never Bet with Borrowed Money – Only bet with funds you own. Recognise Warning Signs – If you’re chasing losses, betting more than planned, or experiencing stress, seek help. Use Self-Exclusion Tools – Most platforms offer deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion features for additional protection. Seek Support if Needed – Organisations like the National Council on Problem Gambling provide resources and support.​

Remember that no betting strategy guarantees profits, and losses are always possible. Treat betting as entertainment with an associated cost, like any other hobby.​

Key Takeaways for Successful Sports Betting Guide

Research Thoroughly – Statistics, form, injuries, and conditions matter. Understand Your Bets – Know exactly what you’re wagering on and the odds structure. Manage Your Bankroll – Never risk more than you can afford to lose. Start Simple – Begin with moneyline and over/under bets before exploring complex options. Bet Responsibly – Set limits and monitor your habits. Track Your Performance – Record all bets to identify patterns and improve. Stay Disciplined – Avoid emotional decisions and stick to your strategy.​

Types of sports bets explained with concise definitions, including moneyline, point spread, over/under, prop bets, parlays, teasers, and futures 

FAQs – Sports Betting Guide India