What Does Handicap Mean in Betting: Handicap betting is one of the most popular betting types in sports. It is built to offer a more balanced betting contest. It involves giving a team or player a little virtual advantage or disadvantage over others before the game begins.
In short, handicap betting is a start or deficit applied to a team for betting.
The guide below tells you everything you need to know about handicaps in betting.
Handicap Betting Explained
To understand handicap, we take an example of a football game. Here is a strong team facing a weak one.
Match Teams:
Team X: Stronger one
Team Y: Weaker one
The bookmaker may offer:
| Team | Handicap |
| Team X | -1 Goal |
| Team Y | +1 Goal |
And, just for the purpose of betting, Team X begins the match at 0 – 1, and Team Y begins at 1 – 0.
Example 1: Team X -1 Handicap
You bet on Team X (-1).
Possible Results
| Actual Score | Handicap Score | Bet Result |
| Team X 2-0 Team Y | 1-0 | Win |
| Team X 3-1 Team Y | 2-1 | Win |
| Team X 1-0 Team Y | 0-0 | Push (stake returned) |
| Team X 2-1 Team B | 1-1 | Push (stake returned) |
| Team X Draws | Loses Handicap | Lose |
| Team X Loses | Loses Handicap | Lose |
As Team X began with a virtual advantage of one goal, they will be declared the winner only if they win by more than one goal.
Example 2: Team Y +1 Handicap
You bet on Team Y (+1).
Possible Results
| Actual Score | Handicap Score | Bet Result |
| Team B Wins | Wins Handicap | Win |
| Match Draws | Wins Handicap | Win |
| Team B Loses by 1 Goal | Draw Handicap | Push |
| Team B Loses by 2+ Goals | Loses Handicap | Lose |
The underdog receives a virtual one-goal advantage before the game begins.
Also read – What is Under 2.5 Goals in Betting
Types of Handicap Betting
European Handicap
In European Handicap, there are three possible outcomes:
- Home Win
- Draw
- Away Win
Example:
| Market | Odds |
| Team X-1 | 2.10 |
| Draw (-1) | 3.50 |
| Team Y +1 | 3.80 |
Asian Handicap
The Asian Handicap eliminates the draw option. This leaves only two possible results:
Common lines include:
| Handicap | Possible Outcomes |
| -0.5 | Win or Lose |
| -1 | Win, Lose, or Push |
| -1.5 | Win or Lose |
| +0.5 | Win or Lose |
| +1 | Win, Lose, or Push |
This type of handicap betting is popular for its lower bookmaker’s margin and better value.
Handicap Betting in Different Sports
Football
The most common sport for handicap betting.
Example:
- Manchester City -1.5
- Opponent +1.5
Basketball
Handicaps are usually based on points.
Example:
| Team | Handicap |
| Lakers | -6.5 |
| Warriors | +6.5 |
The Lakers must win by 7 or more points.
Esports
Handicaps are often applied to maps.
Example:
| Team | Handicap |
| Team A | -1.5 Maps |
| Team B | +1.5 Maps |
Team A must win the series by at least two maps.
Why Bettors Use Handicap Markets
Handicap betting offers several advantages:
| Benefit | Explanation |
| Better Odds | More value than betting favorites outright |
| More Markets | Additional betting opportunities |
| Balanced Matches | Makes one-sided contests more interesting |
| Greater Flexibility | Different handicap lines available |
For any bettor with experience, the handicap market is a more attractive opportunity against a standard match bet.
Quick Handicap Betting Cheat Sheet
| Bet Type | What You Need |
| Team -0.5 | Team must win |
| Team -1 | Team must win by 2+ goals (1-goal win = push) |
| Team -1.5 | Team must win by 2+ goals |
| Team +0.5 | Team can win or draw |
| Team +1 | Team can win, draw, or lose by exactly 1 (push) |
Betting on Handicap Markets with BetBricks7
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Last Thoughts
In the betting gameplay market, handicap betting is one of the most popular genres. This type of betting offers a little advantage or disadvantage to players for a more balanced approach.
With Betbricks7 sports, players can access a fair handicap betting market that turns their regular betting gameplay into an exciting one. Sign up on Betbricks7 today!
FAQs
What is Handicap betting?
It is a type of betting where a player/team gets an advantage/disadvantage over others.
What is the difference between European and Asian Handicap?
European Handicap includes a draw option, while Asian Handicap removes it.
Where can I access the handicap betting market?
Betbricks7 offers an exciting handicap betting market.
Is handicap betting only available in football?
No. Handicap betting is available in multiple sports.