List of the Best Chess Betting Sites for 2024

Bookmaker
Bonus
Rating
  1. Parimatch icon

    Parimatch

    Bonus 450% Up to ₹50,000

  2. 4rabet icon

    4raBet

    Bonus 200% Up to ₹20,000

  3. Melbet icon

    Melbet

    Bonus 100% Up to ₹20,000

  4. 1win icon logo

    1win

    Bonus 500% Up to ₹75,000

  5. 22bet icon

    22Bet

    Deposit Bonus 100% Up To ₹10,000

  6. betwinner small logo.

    Betwinner

    100% Up To ₹8,000

  7. Mostbet icon

    Mostbet

    Bonus 100% up to ₹25,000

  8. bet365 icon

    Bet365

  9. small version of the megapari logo.

    Megapari

    Bonus up to ₹39,000

  10. Indibet

    200% BONUS ON FIRST DEPOSIT

View All Sports Betting Sites

These chess betting websites all provide different features and bonuses. When selecting the website that most closely matches your preferences and needs, take into account elements like bonus offers, payment choices, user experience, and betting diversity.

Best Chess Betting Sites by Category

⚖️ Best legal chess betting siteMelbet
🔍 Most trusted chess betting siteParimatch
🎾 Live chess betting websiteBet365
📱 Great chess betting app4raBet
💶 Online chess betting site in rupees1Win

The Rules & History of Chess

Everything you need to know about chess rules

The game of chess is not only an intellectual and strategic competition between two players, but it also has a rich and intriguing past. It’s important to have a firm grasp of the guidelines and the fascinating background of chess before stepping into the world of chess betting.

It is thought that chess first appeared in northern India in the sixth century. It was referred to as “chaturanga“, which in Sanskrit means “four divisions of the military“. The infantry, cavalry, elephants, and chariot divisions of the Indian army were all represented by Chaturanga. Eventually, the game reached Persia, where it changed into “shatranj.” It continued its journey from Persia through the Arab world before making its way to Europe during the Islamic Golden Age.

The 15th century saw the emergence of the modern chess rules, and by the 19th century, these standardised rules as we know them today had been created. On a square board with 64 alternately bright and dark squares, the game is played. Starting with a king, queen, two rooks, two knights, two bishops, and eight pawns, each player is given a total of 16 pieces.

Chess players try to checkmate their opponent’s king by placing it in a position where it is under attack and unable to flee capture. In order to control the board, attack the opponent’s pieces, and pose a threat to their king, players alternately move their pieces intelligently. The game incorporates tactics, strategy, deliberation, and foresight.

The Legality of Chess Betting

It all depends on the state in India and the bookmaker you choose. For example, some state jurisdictions have a ban on such activities, so it is better to find out in advance before you start betting on chess. Some bookmakers, usually little-known ones, may not have the necessary licences, which can also jeopardise the legality of your chess bets. Therefore, before you place your bets, check whether chess betting is legal in your state and whether your chosen bookmaker has all the necessary licences.

Overview of popular chess events for betting

After learning all the strategies and tips for betting on chess, you could start directly with the betting process itself. But there is one more thing that you need to understand – these are the most popular chess tournaments and championships. Some of them are held on a regular basis once a year, but there are also those that can be carried out suddenly. Below are the most popular and well-known tournaments.

Chess World Championship

The World Chess Championship is, of course, the largest event in chess activity. It takes place regularly 2 times a year: in September and October. There are 2 versions of it: Women’s World Chess Championship and World Junior Chess Championship events. Many people strive to get a prize in this particular championship because here it is the largest in the world, the amount that the winner receives is approximately £895,000. But to get such a high win, you have to try your luck in the 12 stages of the tournament!

FIDE Grand Prix

This championship consists of four tournaments, the total number of which is 21 people. But only 16 people participate in three tournaments. The winner is decided by the serving method. That is, in the course of each tournament, one remaining leader is identified, who then plays with the other two. Finally, there remains only one winner of the entire series of tournaments.

Candidates Tournament

This tournament is attended by a large number of finalists of any local tournaments. Usually there are only eight participants. It should be mentioned that this tournament is also held by FIDE, and the winner will be able to challenge the world champion himself!

Super-Tournaments

Super tournaments differ in the fact that they are private. That is, such tournaments are held all year round without a specific date because they depend on their sponsors. This usually involves only invited players. The most famous of these tournaments are Norway Chess, Sinquefield Cup, and Wijk aan Zee.

Betting on Chess in India Guide

A guide to chess betting in India

In chess betting, as well as in betting on any sport, the odds play an important role. Your winnings depend on them and by them you can understand with what probability this or that event will happen.

How to Bet on Chess in India?

The process of placing chess bets is absolutely as straightforward as betting on any standard mainstream sport. Betting companies have the same algorithm of actions, so you won’t have any problems with this. To bet on chess, you need to follow the next actions:

1

Register on the website where you will bet on chess.

The registration procedure for each bookmaker is written on their official website. Keep in mind that you have the option to get a welcome bonus after registering. After the sign up process, you have to log into your account and continue your activities here.

Find the Register button on the site where you will be betting on chess.
2

Select the tournament and the player you will bet on.

Study all the players, their previous successes in various championships and tournaments, and choose the most promising one. Choose a tournament or championship, referring to your preferences and odds.

Choose a tournament and your favorite player to bet on.
3

Decide on the amount of your bet and enter it.

Pay attention and compare all the odds, choose the most suitable for you. As a result, decide on the amount of the deposit.

Determine the bet amount and enter it.
4

Finish placing a bet.

Make sure you have selected and entered everything correctly and place your bet.

Place your bet on chess.

Explanation of Chess Betting Odds

  • Decimal odds are used by the majority of betting companies to indicate the likelihood of a particular result. For instance, if a player has odds of 2.50 to win a game, it indicates that, if the person wins, you might receive 2.50 units for every unit you bet.
  • Underdog vs. Favourite: When placing a chess wager, one player is typically regarded as the favourite, while the other is the underdog. The odds will be lower for the favourite, signifying a better chance of winning, and higher for the underdog, signifying a smaller chance of winning.
  • The odds provided by the betting site represent the implied probability of a result. Divide 1 by the decimal odds, then multiply the result by 100 to determine the implied chance. For instance, the implied chance is 1 / 2.50 * 100, or 40%, if the odds are 2.50.
  • Comparison of Odds: To make sure you’re getting the best value for your bets, it’s wise to compare odds from various betting sites. It’s possible for different bookies to provide slightly different odds, so maximising your potential returns requires obtaining the best odds.
  • Live or in-play betting possibilities are available for chess matches on some betting websites. Depending on the state of the game, the performance of the players, and other elements, these chances may alter dynamically. You can put bets through live betting throughout the game, adding to the excitement and giving you the chance to profit from changing circumstances.

Chess Betting Markets

Which Indian bookmakers offer chess markets

Online chess betting, like betting on other sports, has its own characteristics. If you are not sure if you know how to bet on chess correctly, then the beginning of your journey should be to study the different types of betting markets. They play a rather important role, after analysing each of them, you can choose the most convenient one for yourself. All types of market rates and their description are presented below.

Outright Winner

The peculiarity of Outright Winner is that you place a bet on the victory of a certain player. But sometimes it can be a bet on a player who will simply advance to the next stage of the tournament. Also, in some cases, you can place a bet right during the tournament, it all depends on the bookmaker you have chosen. But, of course, when placing a bet so late, you must remember that the odds in this situation will be significantly lower.

Match Winner

This type of bet is considered the most common because here you place a bet on the winner of the match. Due to the fact that chess tournaments are eliminated in one round, this betting market is especially relevant. As for the odds and chances of winning, it all depends on the betting company you choose.

Opening Move

Opening Move is a rather original chess betting online market. Here the players’ strategy plays a decisive role, so you can bet on which strategy you think a particular player will choose. By guessing the right one, you can get a very good win.

Number of Moves

As in the previous type, the strategy also plays a leading role here. You need to place a bet on a certain number of moves that any player will make. A move is considered to be the action following the movement of the piece by the white player.

Teams to Be Relegated

The essence of this bet is about the same as in Outright Winner. The main difference is that this bet will be placed specifically on a team of players; accordingly, it is possible only in tournaments where players are divided into teams. Here you will also bet on the transfer of the team to the next stage or on their winning.

Magnus Carlsen Against the Field

Magnus Carlsen, who will hold the world title until 2023 despite a fall in form, is one of the most well-liked betting options in chess. He is currently favoured to win against the field. Magnus Carlsen betting against the field entails calculating the likelihood that he will triumph over the opposition in a specific competition or game.

Chess Betting Tips and Strategies

Best chess betting tips and strategies

Whether you’re a seasoned chess player or simply intrigued by the intellectual battles on the board, incorporating betting into your chess experience can add an extra layer of thrill. To help you navigate the world of chess betting, this guide presents a collection of tips and strategies.

Follow the ELO Rating

Chess players’ relative strengths are evaluated using the ELO rating system. Based on how they did in prior games, each player is given a numerical rating. The ELO ratings of the players are crucial to take into account when placing a chess wager. Higher ranked players have a greater projected chance of winning, but in order to make a more informed judgement, it’s also critical to consider the exact matchup, playing styles, and recent form of the players.

Check the Previous Results

Players’ past performances can be examined to gain important knowledge about their performance and habits. Take a look at their recent results in competitions or games, including their wins, losses, and draws. Take into account their performance against particular opponents as well. You may evaluate their present performance, strengths and weaknesses, and how they compare to their next opponents using the information provided.

Choose the Best Odds

Comparing and selecting the best odds is crucial in maximising your potential returns in chess betting. Different bookmakers may offer slightly different odds for the same chess match or tournament. By comparing the odds across various betting sites, you can identify the bookmaker offering the most favourable odds for the player or outcome you wish to bet on. This can significantly impact your long-term profitability in chess betting.

Look for Potential Ties

It’s important to keep the potential of a tie in mind when placing chess wagers. Chess games, particularly those between the best players, frequently end in draws. You can explore more betting options and make more educated choices when you account for the possibility of ties.

Examining elements like the playing style and tendencies of the players involved is useful for locating potential relationships. A draw is more likely when a player is known for their strong defensive abilities or tendency for cautious play. Additionally, take into account the players’ past results in comparable circumstances and head-to-head records. There is a larger likelihood of a tie if they have a history of doing so or if they have played close, contested games.

Once you’ve located games that have a good chance of ending in a draw, you can look at your betting options. It may make sense to bet on a draw outright if the odds are in your favour. Consider handicap options that allow for the possibility of a tie as an alternative strategy. These options offer greater flexibility and perhaps even higher payouts.

Know When To Stop

If you start to feel more negative emotions from betting on chess and your life changes for the worse, you should stop betting. Remember that betting is primarily a pleasant addition to the game, not a substitute for it. Also do not give in to emotions and try to win back by betting even more money – it rarely ends in something good. Always bet the money that you will not be sorry to lose.

Chess Live Betting

You can follow real-time updates on the game, such as move-by-move updates, time limits, and player decisions, through live betting. This enables you to evaluate the situation of the game right now and make better bets based on how the dynamics are changing.

Numerous betting markets and alternatives are available when betting live. You can wager on certain plays, the results of individual games, or even the whole conclusion of the match. Live betting’s instantaneous nature enables you to take advantage of prospective opportunities and respond fast to emerging patterns.

Chess is made more exciting and engaging by the use of live betting. You become more invested in the outcome as you follow the actions and developments in real-time. The excitement and fun of chess betting can be increased by this interactive experience. Not all betting companies have an online viewing and live betting feature, so if this is important to you, choose a company that has such a feature.

What About Mobile Betting on Chess?

Chess players can put wagers on games using mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets, thanks to a feature called mobile betting on chess. It lets gamblers access mobile chess betting apps or platforms and engage in wagering while on the move. With mobile betting, customers can effortlessly wager on chess whenever and wherever they want, independent of a desktop computer. It provides a smooth betting experience right from the palm of your hand, giving you a flexible and convenient option to take advantage of the thrill of chess betting.

Bookmaker
Bonus
Rating
  1. 1win icon logo

    1win

    Bonus 500% Up to ₹75,000

  2. Parimatch icon

    Parimatch

    Bonus 450% Up to ₹50,000

  3. 4rabet icon

    4raBet

    Bonus 200% Up to ₹20,000

  4. 22bet icon

    22Bet

    Deposit Bonus 100% Up To ₹10,000

  5. Indibet

    200% BONUS ON FIRST DEPOSIT

Newest Chess Betting Sites in India

These chess betting sites have established a reputation for offering a top-notch betting experience, while being relatively new. Their entry into the Indian betting market has opened up new choices for chess players, including appealing incentives, a variety of simple payment ways, and practical features like rapid payouts and specialised mobile apps. 

Even while it’s crucial to use caution and do your own research, the favourable feedback from users suggests that these new websites have swiftly made a name for themselves as trustworthy participants in the market.

Bookmaker
Bonus
Rating
  1. HappiStar small official logo

    Cricbaba

    Get up to ₹25,000 Bonus

  2. 10cric icon

    10CRIC

    100% Up to ₹32,000

  3. Fun88 icon

    Fun88

    Bonus 250% Up to ₹12,500

  4. Betway icon

    Betway

  5. small version of the megapari logo.

    Megapari

    Bonus up to ₹39,000

Legendary Chess Players

A list of the greatest players in the history of chess.

Throughout its long history, chess has had a large number of players whose moves and game decisions boggle the mind. Here we will list some of the legendary players of recent times:

Magnus Carlsen

At the age of 13, Carlsen became a Grandmaster, making him one of the youngest players to ever hold the rank. In 2004, he turned up a breakthrough performance by winning the Corus Chess Tournament, which announced his entry into the world chess stage.

When Carlsen defeated Viswanathan Anand in the 2010 World Chess Championship final at the age of 19, he achieved the sport’s highest honour. Since then, he has successfully defended his title numerous times, cementing his position as the leading chess player from 2013 through 2022.

Carlsen, who is renowned for his in-depth knowledge of positions, powerful intuition, and great endgame skills, has a distinctive playing style that blends smart strategic play with an acute awareness of the tiniest advantages. He has been dubbed “The Mozart of Chess” due to his extraordinary consistency and capacity to turn even the tiniest advantage into triumphs.

Viswanathan Anand

One of the most accomplished and well-known chess players in the game’s history is Viswanathan Anand, who was born on December 11, 1969, in Chennai, India. Anand, who is renowned for his tactical acumen and adaptable playing style, has accomplished many milestones and elevated Indian chess to a worldwide level.

Anand’s career peaked in 2000 when he captured the FIDE World Chess Championship. He was able to successfully defend his championship in 2002, 2013, and 2017, which cemented his place among the top athletes of his time. Anand’s World Chess Championship games were distinguished by his inventive and aggressive play together with his deft handling of challenging problems.

Anand’s strength lies in his adaptability and versatility as a player. He is known for his exceptional tactical awareness and quick calculation abilities, allowing him to excel in sharp and complex positions. His deep understanding of various playing styles, combined with his calm and composed demeanour, has earned him the nickname “The Tiger of Madras.”

Garry Kasparov

One of the greatest chess players in history, Garry Kasparov was born on April 13, 1963, in Baku, Azerbaijan (previously a part of the Soviet Union). He had a strong competition with Anatoly Karpov and dominated the world of chess in the 1980s and 1990s, which had a lasting impact on the game.

At the age of 22 (1985), Kasparov defeated Anatoly Karpov in their much awaited rematch to become the youngest-ever undisputed World Chess Champion. He maintained the championship until 2000, successfully defending it against strong opposition and establishing himself as a fierce rival.

Anatoly Karpov

Anatoly Karpov, a chess player who is also from Russia, had a lengthy and fruitful career. From 1975 until 1985, he was the World Chess Championship champion. Karpov was a tough opponent because of his adept positional play and calculated attitude. The 1980s games he played versus Kasparov are regarded as some of the most famous in chess history.

FAQs

✔️ Can you bet on chess?

Sure! People began to show interest in chess tournaments as early as the 19th century. To this day, chess championships cause a lot of emotions not only among players, but also among spectators, so there are a lot of chess betting games on which you can bet online thanks to such betting companies as Parimatch, Bet365, Dafabet, Betway, Unibet and LeoVegas.

✔️ Can you earn money by playing chess?

Of course, yes. For winning various chess tournaments and championships, a cash prize is usually awarded. The biggest winnings you can try to win are in the Chess World Championship. But if you are not a fan of playing chess, you can place bets on the players or teams of players who, in your opinion, will win a particular championship, and make a profit.

✔️ Is chess hustling illegal?

It depends on the country in which you live. In some countries, gambling in public places is prohibited. Although chess is not considered a game of chance, there has been more and more emphasis on the connection between chess and gambling lately. Thus, it is better for you to know this fact within the jurisdiction of your country.

✔️ Is chess a gambling?

Chess is not considered a gambling, although in the 21st century many people find many connections between chess and passion and sometimes even equate chess with gambling.

✔️ When do chess tournaments take place?

There are different championships that have different dates, respectively. For example, the Chess World Championship is held consistently twice a year: in September and October. There are also sponsored tournaments that do not have specific dates but are organized spontaneously (for example, Norway Chess, Sinquefield Cup, and Wijk aan Zee).

Raja Danish is a sports journalist and chief author of Betraja Raja Danish

Raja’s Opinion

Updated:

Chess is a slow-moving competition of intelligence, but the outcome can be predicted through calculation, especially if you have a decent idea of the game. As the popularity of chess is growing in India, regular tournaments are held across the country. It gives punters more opportunities to place bets on chess. In my opinion, Parimatch, Dafabet, Betway and Bet365 are the best for chess betting. All of them offer live streaming and have the best odds.

Updated: