Starting Bonuses

Starting bonuses are the unsung heroes of online bets: they allow you to become acquainted, try various options, and even make a couple of daring bets without feeling each spent rupee. For the players from India, they are curry in culinary–they will never be the main ingredient but surely increase the enjoyment during a meal.

Be it Cricket Season, jumping into Kabaddi, or even casino games, a good starting bonus can mean the difference between wetting one’s feet and a proper dive into the deep end. Not all bonuses are created equal, however, some feel like a straight drive back down the ground, with others feeling like that inside edge that almost hits the stumps. With that said, let’s break down the best-starting bonuses on offer, how they compare, and what you should know before taking the plunge.

Top Starting Offers by Bookmaker

Here’s our shortlist of platforms with starting bonuses tailored for Indian players:

Site Name Rating Bonus Highlights
1xBet 9.0/10 Up to ₹33,000 for sports and ₹140,000 for casino.
22Bet 8.5/10 Up to ₹10,300 for sports and ₹25,500 for casino.
MelBet 8.0/10 Up to ₹40,000 for sports and ₹315,000 for casino.
Paripesa 8.0/10 Up to ₹30,000 for sports and ₹130,000 for casino.
Megapari 8.0/10  Up to ₹40,000 for sports and ₹135,953 for casino.

Bonus Breakdown by Platform

1xBet logo
1xBet: A Big, Bold Start
The starting bonus with 1xBet is the jackpot of every first bet placed with them-bright, appealing, and packed with potential. Their 100% deposit match makes sure you have double the amount at the start, while cashback promotions during IPL seasons add value.

We have tried it out ourselves, having gambled with accumulator bets on two consecutive games in an IPL playoff. Their first match went South, but that cashback really helped recoup some losses by the next game. While this bonus is nice for high-frequency bettors, casual players can get it a bit too difficult when it comes to wagering.

22Bet logo
22Bet: Dependable Option
If you’re looking for a starting bonus that doesn’t feel like a gamble in itself, 22Bet has got your back. Their deposit match bonus is pretty straightforward: double your deposit up to a given limit. What we really like however is how friendly the terms were to beginners–things like no hidden fine print to trip you up.

Furthermore, the flexibility of the bonus allows you to try out different markets without thinking too much about the initial deposit. It’s that kind of bonus that keeps things simple and still manages to provide enough value to make it worth your time.

MelBet logo
MelBet: Sports Enthusiast’s Delight
The MelBet starting bonus feels like the perfect partnership in cricket: solid, and built for the long haul. Their deposit match caters precisely to sports bettors, and that makes them an excellent choice for a punter who enjoys betting on cricket, football, or kabaddi.

We gave their bonus a test during the Asia Cup, placing team totals and player runs bets. The free bets that came with this were a great touch, allowing you to dabble in high-risk markets without actually risking the main deposit. If you are a sports-first bettor, then MelBet offers a well-rounded starting bonus to get you into the game ASAP.

Paripesa logo
PariPesa: The No-Nonsense Performer
The starting bonus at PariPesa is like a steady all-rounder in a cricket match-reliable, clear, and effective. The 100% deposit match gives you extra funds to explore their sportsbook, and the terms are refreshingly straightforward.

The bonus applies to accumulator wagers as well and in case don’t work out, the cashback will feel like a small victory on an otherwise tough day. Not spectacular, but it is functional–just what players like who appreciate simplicity and transparency.

Megapari logo
Megapari: Easy Entry for Beginners
If you’re new to online betting, Megapari’s starting bonus offers a stress-free way to get started. Their 100% deposit match is competitive, and the simple terms make it easy to understand how to use it effectively.

We tried it out on a cricket-filled weekend and appreciated how beginner-friendly the entire process felt. It’s ideal for players who want to ease into online betting without feeling overwhelmed by complex requirements.

Why Starting Bonuses Matter

Imagine you put in ₹2,000 to bet on an IPL doubleheader, and the bookmaker matches it with another ₹2,000. In return, you suddenly have ₹4,000 to play with. That’s enough to spread across match-winner bets, individual performances, and maybe even a cheeky accumulator.

A starting bonus gives room to experiment without going all in upfront. To new players, they’re great as an avenue of discovery of a platform. To the seasoned bettors, on the other hand, it presents an opportunity to maximize returns when an event carries high stakes.

How to Get the Most out of Your Starting Bonus

  1. Read the Terms:
    Read between the lines. Sometimes, wagering requirements and expiration dates are everything that will determine the actual usage of your bonus.
  2. Deposit Strategically:
    Most of the match bonuses have a cap, so you need to deposit as much as possible to get full value.
  3. Free Bets on High-Reward Markets:
    Place high-risk bets without the risk of your money with free bets.
  4. Tracking Your Progress:
    Most platforms will let you track your wagering requirements. Use this to not lose your bonus.

Responsible Use of Bonuses

Starting bonuses are great tools but need to be used with care. Here’s how to keep on track:

  • Set Limits: Keep within your budget, even if the bonus makes you want to deposit more.
  • Avoid Crazy Bets: Refrain from placing high-risk bets just to clear the wagering requirements.
  • Take a Break: If betting isn’t fun anymore, then take a break and rethink.

Wrapping It Up

Starting bonuses are the perfect launchpad for your betting journey. From 1xBet to 22Bet and PariPesa, a wide variety of options exist that will suit each style of play, from sports enthusiasts to casual bettors. Be it eyeing the next cricket tournament or testing your luck in kabaddi, these bonuses offer extra value and a chance to explore without over-committing.

The key will be selecting a bonus that will keep you in the right direction, understanding its terms, and making good use of it. Who knows? Your next big win might just start with a well-placed bonus bet.

FAQ

Do starting bonuses expire?

Yes, most starting bonuses have a validity period ranging from one week to a month.

Can I withdraw the bonus immediately?

No, you need to meet the wagering requirements before withdrawing any bonus funds.

Are cricket-specific starting bonuses available?

Yes, there are cricket-dedicated promotional offers for most online gambling platforms, mainly with the big cricket events like IPL or World Cup.

Can I receive more than one bonus?

Usually not, but websites will constantly change their offer list.

Can a starting bonus be good for beginners?

Of course! Starting bonuses offer fresh players a low-risk kick start.