Handicap Betting: Elevate Your Wagering Strategy

Tired of placing bets on favorites with low odds? A handicap bet might be the answer you’re looking for! Handicap betting allows you to boost the odds on favorites and improve your chances when backing the underdog. Learn how it works and start improving your betting game today!

What Is Handicap Betting?

If you enjoy sports betting, you’re probably aware that in most matchups, there’s a clear favorite and an underdog. While the favorites usually have better odds of winning, the returns can be minimal due to low odds. This is where handicap betting can make a significant difference.

Handicap betting levels the playing field by assigning a virtual advantage or disadvantage to teams. This means the stronger team must overcome the given handicap to win your bet, while the underdog gets a head start.

How Does Handicap Betting Work?

To better explain, let’s use an example from football. Imagine Manchester City facing West Ham United in the Premier League. Manchester City, being the favorites, are given a one-goal handicap:

Manchester City (-1) vs. West Ham United (+1)

In this case, if you back Manchester City, they must win by at least two goals (2-0, 3-1, etc.) for you to win your bet. Since City now needs a larger margin to cover the handicap, the odds on them will be higher.

Conversely, if you back West Ham, even a draw (0-0, 1-1, etc.) or a one-goal loss (0-1, 1-2) will result in a winning bet, thanks to the one-goal head start.

Examples of Handicap Bets: Wins and Losses

Winning Example:

Imagine you placed a bet on Real Madrid (-2) against Cadiz (+2). For your bet on Real Madrid to win, they need to triumph by at least three goals. If Real Madrid beats Cadiz 3-0, your bet is successful since they covered the two-goal handicap. Similarly, a bigger victory like 4-0 or 5-1 would also mean a winning bet.

Losing Example:

Now let’s say you wagered on FC Barcelona (-1) against RCD Espanyol. Barcelona would need to win by at least two goals for your bet to win. However, if the final score is 2-1, your handicap bet loses because, in the handicap market, the result would be considered 2-2.

Sports That Offer Handicap Betting

Handicap markets aren’t limited to just football. You’ll find them in various sports, such as:

• Football
• Rugby
• Basketball
• Tennis
• Ice Hockey
• Baseball
• Volleyball
• Handball

Note that the handicap format can vary depending on the sport. In basketball or rugby, handicaps are usually expressed in points, while in football and ice hockey, they are in goals, and in tennis, they might be in sets or games.

What Is Asian Handicap Betting?

Asian handicap betting takes traditional handicap betting one step further. Unlike European handicaps, which offer three possible outcomes (home win, away win, and draw), Asian handicaps eliminate the draw option by using half-goals (0.5, 1.5, etc.).

Asian Handicap Example:

For instance, if Brazil plays Australia and the Asian handicap is set at Brazil (-1.5) vs. Australia (+1.5), a bet on Brazil would require them to win by at least two goals. On the other hand, betting on Australia allows you to win even if they lose by just one goal (1-0, 1-1, 1-2, etc.).

Key Tips for Handicap Betting

Do Your Research: Analyze the form, player statistics, and recent trends for both teams. Knowing the key players’ availability is essential, especially if the team you’re backing is the favorite.

Head-to-Head Records: Historical data between teams can provide insight into how they match up, especially in derby games or where home advantage could play a pivotal role.

Shop Around for Odds: Always compare handicap odds across different online sportsbooks to ensure you’re getting the best value.

Look for Value: Seek out fixtures where the handicap may not reflect the true quality gap between the teams, as this could offer an edge.

Use Handicap Betting Calculators: If you’re unsure, calculators can help you determine potential payouts and the likelihood of winning your bet.

Handicap Betting vs. Regular Betting

The primary distinction between handicap and regular betting is that handicaps are applied to make the match more competitive in the odds. While standard bets simply focus on a win, loss, or draw, handicap betting factors in the virtual lead or deficit applied to a team. This allows bettors to bet on adjusted outcomes after the handicap has been considered.

FAQ:

What does +1 handicap mean?

A +1 handicap means your team starts with a one-goal advantage. If the match ends in a draw, your bet still wins.

How do you win a handicap bet?

To win, the team with the advantage (+1, +2, etc.) must avoid losing by more than the handicap, while the team with a handicap (-1, -2, etc.) must overcome it to win.

What does +0.5 handicap mean?

This is an Asian handicap, where your team wins even if the match ends in a draw because of the half-goal advantage.

Is point spread the same as handicap betting?

They are similar concepts. In point spreads, one team is given a virtual point lead, which is almost identical to how handicaps function in sports betting.

What does +1.5 handicap mean?

A +1.5 handicap means the team can lose by one goal, draw, or win, and you still win your bet.

Conclusion

Handicap betting is a fantastic tool to have in your betting arsenal, especially in matches where there’s a clear favorite. It allows you to balance the scales, adding more excitement to the game and offering higher odds.

By understanding how handicaps work and using them strategically, you can find value in various matches across multiple sports. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or new to the scene, handicap betting can help you find better opportunities and enjoy higher returns.