As online sports betting becomes increasingly popular in India, many users are turning to sportsbooks to wager on their favorite events — from IPL cricket to football, tennis, and more. But not all sportsbooks are created equal.
If you’re new to online betting or looking to switch platforms, understanding the features and benefits of a good sportsbook is essential for safe, smart, and enjoyable betting.
In this guide, we break down the key sportsbook features and explain how they benefit Indian users.
What Is a Sportsbook?
A sportsbook is an online platform or app that allows users to place bets on sports events. You can bet on outcomes such as:
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Match winner (e.g., India vs Pakistan)
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Total runs, wickets, or goals
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Player performance
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Live in-play outcomes
Popular sportsbook apps in India include Parimatch, 10Cric, Betway, and 1xBet.
✅ Key Sportsbook Features (and Why They Matter for Indian Bettors)
1. Wide Sports Coverage
What it is: A good sportsbook covers a variety of sports — not just cricket. Look for platforms offering:
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Cricket (IPL, Test, ODI, T20)
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Football (Premier League, ISL, UEFA)
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Tennis, Kabaddi, Horse Racing, and Esports
Why it matters: More sports = more betting opportunities. This is especially useful for year-round players.
2. Live Betting (In-Play Betting)
What it is: Bet on a match while it’s happening. Odds change in real time.
Benefits for Indian users:
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Great for cricket matches that shift momentum quickly
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Allows strategic mid-game bets
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More engaging than pre-match betting
3. User-Friendly Interface
What it is: Clean, fast-loading apps and websites with simple navigation.
Benefits:
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Easy to place bets in seconds
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Quick access to stats, odds, and cash-out options
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Better mobile experience for users in India where 90% of betting is mobile-based
4. Support for Indian Payment Methods
What it is: The ability to deposit and withdraw using:
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UPI
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Paytm
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PhonePe
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NetBanking
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Google Pay
Why it matters: Avoids card issues, currency conversion, and delays. Instant deposits and fast withdrawals are a big win.
5. Welcome Bonuses & Promotions
What it is: Special rewards for signing up and playing.
Examples:
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100% deposit bonus up to ₹20,000
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Free bets or cashback offers
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Risk-free first bet
Tip: Always read the wagering requirements before claiming any bonus.
6. Odds Comparison & Boosted Odds
What it is: Competitive odds give you better payouts.
Benefits:
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More profit for the same bet
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Boosted odds promos during big matches like India vs Australia or Champions League
7. Cash-Out Option
What it is: End your bet early — before the match ends — to secure partial winnings or limit losses.
Example: You bet ₹1,000 on India to win. India is leading halfway, and you get an early cash-out offer of ₹1,300. Take the win before the match turns!
8. Responsible Gambling Tools
What it is: Features that help you manage your time and money:
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Deposit limits
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Self-exclusion
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Reality checks and reminders
Why it matters: Keeps your gaming fun and under control — especially important for new users.
9. Live Streaming & Match Tracker
What it is: Some sportsbooks offer live match streaming or real-time stats/visuals.
Benefits:
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Follow the game directly inside the app
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Make informed in-play bets
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Avoid switching between apps
Comparing Top Sportsbooks for Indian Users (2025)
| Sportsbook | Key Feature | UPI Support | Bonus Offer | Live Betting | Cash-Out |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parimatch | Balanced features, great app | ✅ | ₹20,000 + Free Bets | ✅ | ✅ |
| 10Cric | Cricket-focused betting | ✅ | ₹30,000 bonus | ✅ | ✅ |
| Betway | Trusted global brand | ✅ | ₹2,500 Free Bet | ✅ | ✅ |
| 1xBet | Huge sports variety | ✅ | ₹26,000 bonus | ✅ | ✅ |
Final Thoughts: What Indian Bettors Should Look For
When choosing a sportsbook in India, always ask:
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Is the platform licensed and legal to use?
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Does it support local payment methods like UPI?
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Are the odds competitive?
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Does it offer helpful features like live betting, cash-out, and streaming?
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Are bonuses worth it, or just marketing gimmicks?