Handicap betting is a popular form of sports betting that can be found in many different sports markets, including football, basketball, tennis, and more. It is a way for bettors to level the playing field between two teams or players by giving one side a point or goal advantage, which is known as the handicap.
The aim of handicap betting is to create a more level playing field between two teams or players that are perceived to be unevenly matched. For example, if Liverpool were playing against Fulham in the Premier League, Liverpool would be the clear favorites to win the match. In this situation, bookmakers would offer a handicap bet to help balance the odds and make the game more interesting.
Handicap betting works by giving the underdog a theoretical advantage at the start of the game. This means that even if the underdog loses the match, they can still win the bet if they manage to keep the scoreline within the handicap margin. In contrast, the favorite will need to win the match by a margin greater than the handicap in order to win the bet.
The handicap margin is determined by the bookmaker and is usually displayed as a half or whole number. For example, if the handicap for a football match is set at -1, then the favorite would need to win the match by a margin of two or more goals to cover the handicap. Conversely, if the handicap is set at +1, then the underdog would win the bet if they either won the match or lost by only one goal.
There are two types of handicap betting: European Handicap and Asian Handicap. The European Handicap is the more traditional form of handicap betting, while the Asian Handicap is a more recent development.
European Handicap
The European Handicap is also known as the 3-way handicap, as it offers three possible outcomes: win, lose, or draw. This type of handicap betting is commonly used in football and involves a whole number handicap margin, such as -1 or +2.
In European Handicap betting, the underdog is given a theoretical head start in the form of a handicap. This handicap is then added to their final score at the end of the match to determine the winner of the bet.
For example, if Manchester United were playing against West Ham United in the Premier League and the handicap was set at -1 for Manchester United, this means that West Ham United would start the game with a one-goal advantage. To win the bet, Manchester United would need to win the match by a margin of two or more goals.
If Manchester United only won the match by one goal, the scoreline would be adjusted to take into account the handicap. This means that the final scoreline would be 1-1, and the bet would be a draw. Conversely, if West Ham United won the match or drew, they would win the bet.
Asian Handicap
The Asian Handicap is a more recent development in handicap betting, and it is commonly used in football and other sports such as basketball and tennis. Unlike the European Handicap, the Asian Handicap does not offer a draw option, and the handicap margin can include half numbers such as -0.5 or +1.5.
In Asian Handicap betting, the underdog is given a head start in the form of a handicap, and the favorite is given a handicap in the form of a deficit. This means that the favorite will need to overcome the deficit to win the bet, while the underdog will need to keep the scoreline within the handicap margin.
For example, if Barcelona were playing against Valencia in La Liga, and the Asian Handicap was set at -1.5 for Barcelona, this means that Valencia would start the game with a 1.5-goal advantage. To win the bet, Barcelona would need to win the match by a margin of two or more goals. If Barcelona won by exactly one goal, the bet would be considered a draw or “push,” and the bettor’s stake would be refunded.
Conversely, if the handicap was +1.5 for Valencia, this would mean that Barcelona would need to win the match by a margin of two or more goals to win the bet. If Barcelona won by only one goal, the final scoreline would be adjusted to take into account the handicap, and the bet would be won by Valencia.
Advantages of Handicap Betting
One of the main advantages of handicap betting is that it can help to level the playing field between two teams or players that are perceived to be unevenly matched. This means that even if one side is a clear favorite, the other side still has a chance of winning the bet.
Handicap betting also offers more betting options than traditional match betting, as there are more outcomes to bet on. For example, in a football match between Manchester United and Liverpool, the traditional match betting options would be a win for either team or a draw. With handicap betting, there are several different options, such as Manchester United to win by more than one goal or Liverpool to lose by less than two goals.
Another advantage of handicap betting is that it can offer higher odds than traditional match betting. This is because the bookmaker is effectively giving the underdog a head start, which makes the bet more challenging to win. This means that the potential payout for a winning bet can be higher than traditional match betting.
Disadvantages of Handicap Betting
One of the main disadvantages of handicap betting is that it can be more complex than traditional match betting. This means that it can be more challenging for beginners to understand and can require more research and analysis before placing a bet.
Another disadvantage of handicap betting is that it can be more unpredictable than traditional match betting. This is because the handicap can significantly affect the outcome of the bet, and it can be difficult to predict how a team or player will perform with the handicap in place.
Tips for Handicap Betting
To be successful at handicap betting, it is essential to do your research and analysis before placing a bet. This means looking at the form of both teams or players, their recent results, and any injuries or suspensions.
It is also important to consider the handicap margin carefully and how it will affect the outcome of the bet. A smaller handicap margin may offer better odds, but it can also be more challenging to win the bet. Conversely, a larger handicap margin may offer lower odds, but it can be easier to win the bet.
Another tip for handicap betting is to look for value in the odds. This means looking for situations where the odds on offer are higher than they should be based on the likelihood of the outcome. For example, if a clear favorite is playing against an underdog, but the odds on offer for the underdog to win with a handicap are significantly higher than they should be, this could be a good value bet.
Conclusion
Handicap betting is a popular form of sports betting that can be found in many different sports markets. It is a way for bettors to level the playing field between two teams or players by giving one side a point or goal advantage, which is known as the handicap. Handicap betting can offer more betting options than traditional match betting, higher odds, and can be an exciting way to bet on sports. However, it can also be more complex and unpredictable than traditional match betting, requiring careful analysis and research before placing a bet.
