Handicap Betting: A Comprehensive Guide

Handicap betting is one of the most common sports markets. If predicted correctly, the payouts can be significantly higher compared to simple victory wagers on your favourite teams. Get ready to have soccer handicap betting explained.

What is Handicap Betting?

In simple words, handicap betting is a way to make sports betting more balanced by giving one team an advantage or disadvantage before the match begins. This is done using spreads or goal/point differences. The stronger team gets a negative handicap, while the weaker team gets a positive one. Still wondering about it? Let’s find out more.

How Does Handicap Betting Work?

Handicap betting is a system used by bookies to level the playing field between two teams. In essence, it gives an advantage to the underdog or a disadvantage to the favourite.

There are two main types of handicap betting: Asian vs. European Handicap. Each has different rules and betting options. Handicap betting involves adding or subtracting goals/points before a match starts to create a more balanced wager.

Types of Handicap Betting

There are different models and types of handicap betting. Let’s have a look at each of them together with real-life examples.

European Handicap

European Handicap (also known as single-digit handicap) is where one team starts with a goal or point disadvantage, typically using whole numbers like -1, -2, or +1. This bet has three possible outcomes: win, draw, or loss. 

For example: If you choose Man United to beat Everton with a (-2) handicap, Manchester must win by three goals for your bet to settle. Similarly, if you bet on Manchester United with a -1 handicap against Everton, United must win by at least two goals for your bet to win.

Asian Handicap

Asian Handicap betting removes the draw option and gives one team an advantage or disadvantage. It commonly uses half numbers (like 0.5, 1.5) to eliminate the possibility of a draw. For example, Asian Handicap 0.5 means that the underdog gets a +0.5 goal head start, so they win the bet if they win or draw.

For instance:

• A +0.5 handicap means your team can win or draw for your bet to succeed
• A -1.5 handicap means your team must win by at least two goals
• If you choose Liverpool to win (-0.5) handicap against Chelsea, Liverpool must win for your bet to succeed.

2-Way Handicap Bets

A 2-way handicap bet gives one team a head start or a disadvantage, but there are only two outcomes – win or lose. As you can see, the draw option is removed, and it’s similar to Asian Handicap.

As an example, if you choose Bayern to beat Hoffenheim with a (-1.5) handicap, they must win by 2+ goals for a bet to be successful.  

3-Way Handicap Bets

A 3-way handicap bet is similar to European Handicap. This option has three possible outcomes.  Let’s say you choose Real Madrid to beat Sevilla with a (-2) handicap at home; the hosts must win by 3+ goals for the bet to pay out.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Handicap Betting

Pros and cons? You won’t want to miss this! That’s why I have prepared bullet points for the advantages and disadvantages of this market. Make sure to take a look:

Advantages

• Better odds – For instance, when you choose Barcelona to beat Espanyol with two goals or more, you will receive much better odds than in the case of a simple victory.
• Flexibility – From my personal experience, this market is flexible. You can adjust your wager based on the expected match dynamic.
• Suitable for live betting – Handicap odds can shift dramatically during a match. If you are a live bettor, it creates great opportunities for you. 

Disadvantages

• Analysis required –  It’s not as easy as it might seem. You need an understanding of teams, form, injuries, and tactics to make informed betting decisions.
• Potential risks – If you bet on Real Madrid to win with -2.5 or -3.5, even a dominant performance might not be enough for your betslip to settle.
• Higher variance in betting results – Since winning depends on goal/point margins, a late goal or defensive mistake can turn your winning bet into a losing one.

Popular Sports for Handicap Betting

Based on different metrics and stats, the following sports are great for handicap betting:

Soccer

Soccer, in my opinion, is one of the best sports for handicap betting. Considering its nature, stronger teams can frequently beat weaker ones. Also, in some leagues, there is a massive difference in class and performance.

Basketball

Basketball is also preferable, considering its high-scoring nature. To illustrate, the Denver Nuggets can beat the Washington Wizards with a 15-point difference. You can check out NBA handicap betting tips at 20Bet. 

Hockey

Hockey is another sport to consider. While the outcomes vary, there are still games where favourites can beat their rivals with three or more goals. At 20Bet, we offer the best handicap betting odds compared to other platforms. 

Strategies for Handicap Betting Success

I’ve prepared several football handicap betting tips that can help your strategy. Take note:

• Understand the teams and players – With that, I mean, you should analyze injuries, recent form, and H2H stats. For example, if Man City are playing against Wolves that have key players injured, you should probably go for City’s handicap.
• Pay attention to the context – Not every match is equally important. Let’s say Barcelona have a crucial Champions League match midweek. However, before that they’re playing in La Liga. You should expect that Barca won’t play with full force in the domestic championship, as they have a tense fixture coming ahead. In this case, picking a handicap it’s not a good choice. 
• Manage your bankroll – It’s vital to bet only a tiny percentage of your balance. I would highly recommend you don’t chase losses, as it could result in more failure.

Handicap Betting at 20Bet

20Bet is deservedly one of the best handicap betting sites on the Internet. The brand offers competitive odds and the possibility of picking handicap bets in your betslip. Using the comprehensive analysis and tools that the sportsbook offers, you’re in for the best experience. 

Responsible Gambling

While handicap betting is a popular market, you should always gamble responsibly. When making predictions, be sure you know your limit and never risk all of your money. 

At 20Bet, you can use a self-exclusion tool to take a break from gambling. Moreover, the site offers limits on deposits. All you have to do is contact customer support, and professional assistants will help you. 

By Alyona Laptieva

Updated: 19 Feb 2025, 18:16