Sports betting has seen a surge in recent years in India, though it remains unregulated and even illegal in many parts of the country. Many Indian bettors have therefore taken their betting online, which is also not regulated in India, but much more convenient and, for the most part, reasonably safe. Since it is not strictly speaking illegal, online betting is a viable alternative for everyone who wants to place profitable bets on the IPL or the Cricket World Cup.

Online betting sites have popped up all over the place in response to this increased interest, with many specifically catering to customers from India.

Consequently, Indian customers are able to make deposits, place bets and request withdrawals in Indian rupees, use convenient banking methods such as PhonePe or payTM, and get plenty of cricket betting options delivered to their mobile devices. It is hardly surprising that online betting has become so popular now.

Additionally, online bookmakers seek to entice customers from India with betting offers, where bettors can get free bets or deposit bonuses or accumulator boosts that result in higher payouts.

With so many options available, there is one important question: are betting offers truly worthwhile?

Whether a betting offer is truly worthwhile depends on the investment you are supposed to make and the potential returns. Every single betting site out there has at least a welcome offer, though many also have regular bonuses and promotions available to keep customers engaged.

Almost always, you will need to make a deposit or place a bet in order to claim such an offer. In return you will receive a free bet or bonus money, which you can use to place further bets. So far, so good. But there are conditions attached. These so-called bonus conditions have wagering requirements, and these are the main item to consider when figuring out whether your return is worth the investment.

For instance, you may get a free bet worth INR 1,000. You will usually have to make a deposit of INR 1,000 or more and place a bet of at least INR 1,000 as well. You may even have to place a bet on odds that are unfavourable. Sometimes you only receive the free bet if your own bet fails, meaning you lost your bet. And in the end you may not be able to use the free bet for just any wager but are bound to specific odds as well.

Also, the free bet can usually not be cashed out and is never part of your winnings. In the end, you may not have won anything and lost INR 1,000. That does not seem worthwhile.

Betting offers are only really useful to bettors when they have fair bonus conditions. Your own investment should not be higher than any possible returns or wins. It is therefore important to thoroughly research the bonus conditions of any betting offer you may consider claiming. If the wagering requirements seem to be unreasonable, you’re likely better off not using that bonus.

Instead, it may very well be better to simply bet using your own money and not worrying about adhering to some bonus conditions that take the fun out of betting on cricket or any other sport.

Another downside is the fact that even when you accidentally break the bonus rules, you will forfeit the bonus and any winnings from it. That leaves a sour taste behind and is likely going to deter you from wanting to use a particular betting site in the future.

Of course, there are betting offers that are excellent as they have indeed fair conditions that are easy to understand and adhere to and will allow you to profit from a bonus. It’s always worthwhile to check out an offer and if things look good, there is no reason to say no.

Ultimately, experienced bettors tend to stay away from betting offers that look too good or require too much effort. When you simply place sports bets with your own money, you will know at least that there are no conditions attached when you claim your wins.