24 April 2025 22:27 Last modified: 25 April 2025 00:22

By Maciej Akimow

What is handicap in betting?

Handicap betting is a popular strategy that levels the playing field between two unevenly matched teams by giving a virtual advantage or disadvantage to one side. This creates more competitive odds and interesting betting opportunities for punters.

Understanding Handicap Betting

In sports betting, a handicap is applied when one team is clearly stronger than the other. To balance this mismatch, bookmakers assign a virtual deficit to the favorite (or a head start to the underdog) before the game begins. Bettors then wager based on these adjusted scores rather than the actual match result.

There are two main types of handicap betting:

  • European Handicap (Three-Way): Includes options for home win, draw (handicap tie), and away win.

  • Asian Handicap (Two-Way): Eliminates the draw, offering only two outcomes (win or lose), with the possibility of a refund in some cases.

How Does Handicap Betting Work?

Imagine a football match between Manchester City (strong favorite) and Brentford (underdog). Without a handicap, the odds for a City win may be too low to offer good value.

If the bookmaker applies a -1 handicap to Manchester City, they must win by at least two goals for the bet to be successful. Conversely, if you bet on Brentford +1, you win if Brentford wins or draws. If City wins by exactly one goal, the bet is refunded (depending on the type of handicap).

Example:

  • Manchester City -1.5: To win the bet, City must win by two or more goals.

  • Brentford +1.5: To win the bet, Brentford must avoid losing by two or more goals.

Types of Handicap Bets

Level Handicap (0 or 0.0)

Used when teams are evenly matched. If your team wins, you win. If it draws, your stake is refunded.

Single Handicap (e.g., -1, +1)

Straightforward handicap giving one team a single-goal advantage or disadvantage.

Split Handicap (e.g., -0.5 & -1.0)

Also called Quarter Handicap, your stake is split between two handicap lines. Useful in tight matchups and live betting scenarios.

Pros and Cons of Handicap Betting

Pros

  • Better value on favorites.

  • Adds depth and excitement to uneven matchups.

  • Reduces risk in even contests with Asian handicaps.

Cons

  • More complex than traditional bets.

  • Requires understanding of scoring margins and probabilities.

Handicap vs. Draw No Bet

While both remove the draw element, Draw No Bet returns the stake on a draw, whereas Handicap 0.0 does the same but offers a broader range of lines and strategies.

Summary

Handicap betting is a smart strategy for leveling matchups and finding better odds, particularly in games with clear favorites or tightly matched teams. Whether you’re betting on a blowout or hoping for an underdog surprise, handicap markets give you greater flexibility and value.

FAQ

What does handicap mean in betting?

A handicap gives one team a virtual advantage or disadvantage to balance the odds and make betting more competitive.

How do Asian handicaps work?

Asian handicaps eliminate the draw as a betting outcome, often providing a refund if the match ends in a tie depending on the line.

What is the difference between +1 and -1 handicap?

+1 means the team starts with a one-goal advantage; -1 means the team must win by more than one goal to cover the handicap.