Home » What is Handicap Betting? A Comprehensive Guide [2023]

What is Handicap Betting? A Comprehensive Guide [2023]

By Andrew Sevastopolis
September 16, 2023

Understanding handicap betting is crucial for both novice and experienced punters. Online punters have a lot of wagering options, each offering its own potential for profit. Among these choices, handicap betting can help you win more, as long as you know how to use it the right way. Below, I will shed light on what it is, how it works, and its various forms. So, if you’re ready to enhance your betting knowledge, dive in.

What is Handicap Betting?

When betting online you want higher odds, right? This is exactly why handicap betting came to be. It involves giving an advantage or disadvantage to a particular team or athlete to even out the odds. The system is popular because it provides more betting opportunities in games with a clear favorite.

And, it isn’t limited to the typical 1X2 outcomes, but it can also apply to various other aspects of sports. such as cards, corners and more. You can also use it in pretty much every sport. But, for the purpose of this discussion, I will primarily focus on football handicap betting.

European Handicap vs. Asian Handicap

There are two primary types of handicap betting: European handicap and Asian handicap. The European Handicap, a popular choice among bettors, offers three distinct betting options:

1. The home team wins.

2. The match ends in a draw.

3. The away team wins.

In contrast, the Asian Handicap streamlines the choices, providing only two options:

1. The home team wins.

2. The away team wins.

The most clear difference between the two lies in the absence of a draw option in the Asian Handicap. This distinction significantly impacts the odds and the dynamics of betting. Why? Because Asian handicap betting reduces the number of possible outcomes, providing higher odds. But, most importantly, it offers refunds in case of a tie. It’s a preferred choice for many bettors seeking a more dynamic betting experience.

Asian markets at Unibet

Asian markets at 18bet

Example of European Handicap

To illustrate how the European Handicap works, let’s consider the following example. The betting options would be displayed as follows: Manchester City -1, Draw -1, and Liverpool +1.

If you bet on Manchester City -1, you win when City secures a victory with a margin of at least two goals. The actual number of goals scored by Liverpool is irrelevant. The home team must win by a minimum of two goals, e.g., 2-0, 3-1, 3-0, 5-3, etc.

Betting on Draw -1 means that you win only if Manchester City triumphs with a one-goal difference, regardless of Liverpool’s goal tally.

Choosing Liverpool +1 is essentially the same as betting on a draw or Liverpool’s victory (X2). The actual goal count doesn’t affect the outcome.

Choosing Between European and Asian Handicap Betting

When it comes to selecting the most suitable handicap for your betting strategy, the Asian Handicap often takes the lead. Mathematically speaking, it offers a higher chance of success. This is due to its two-option nature compared to the European Handicap’s three options. This immediately increases your odds of making a successful prediction.

Moreover, the Asian Handicap offers more diverse options. You will find handicaps such as 1.25, 1.5, and 1.75. These can provide greater flexibility and precision in your betting strategy.

So, the next time you’re considering a handicap bet, keep in mind the distinct characteristics of each type. In the end, you should choose the one that aligns with your betting goals and strategies.

More about Asian Handicap

To make it easier for you, I have prepared a table with both + and – Asian handicap markets. Like this, you can easily check if your bet has one or not, or if your stake is returned.

“Minus” Asian handicap betting types:

HANDICAP

SELECTED TEAM RESULT

BET OUTCOME

- 0

YOUR TEAM WINS
TOUR TEAM DRAWS
YOUR TEAM LOSES

BET WINS
YOU PUSH
BET LOSES

- 0.25

YOUR TEAM WINS BY ONE OR MORE
TOUR TEAM DRAWS
YOUR TEAM LOSES

BET WINS
BET LOSES HALF
BET LOSES

- 0.50

YOUR TEAM WINS
TOUR TEAM DRAWS
YOUR TEAM LOSES

BET WINS
BET LOSES
BET LOSES

- 0.75

YOUR TEAM WINS BY 2 OR MORE
TOUR TEAM DRAWS
YOUR TEAM DRAWS OR LOSES

BET WINS
BET LOSES
BET LOSES

- 1

YOUR TEAM WINS BY 2 OR MORE
WIN BY 1
YOUR TEAM DRAWS OR LOSES

BET WINS
BET PUSHES
BET LOSES

- 1.25

YOUR TEAM WINS BY 2 OR MORE
WIN BY 1
YOUR TEAM DRAWS OR LOSES

BET WINS
BET LOSES HALF
BET LOSES

- 1.50

YOUR TEAM WINS BY 2 OR MORE
WIN BY 1
YOUR TEAM DRAWS OR LOSES

BET WINS
BET LOSES
BET LOSES

- 1.75

YOUR TEAM WINS BY 3 OR MORE
WIN BY 2
WIN BY 1/ DRAW/LOSE

BET WINS
BET LOSES HALF
BET LOSES

- 2

YOUR TEAM WINS BY 3 OR MORE
WIN BY 2
WIN BY 1/ DRAW/LOSE

BET WINS
BET PUSHES
BET LOSES

- 2.25

YOUR TEAM WINS BY 3 OR MORE
WIN BY 2
WIN BY 1/ DRAW/LOSE

BET WINS
BET LOSES HALF
BET LOSES

- 2.50

YOUR TEAM WINS BY 3 OR MORE
WIN BY 1 OR 2
DRAW/LOSE

BET WINS
BET LOSES
BET LOSES

- 2.75

YOUR TEAM WINS BY 4 OR MORE
WIN BY 3
WIN BY 1 OR 2/DRAW/LOSE

BET WINS
BET LOSES HALF
BET LOSES

- 3

YOUR TEAM WINS BY 4 OR MORE
WIN BY 3
WIN BY 1 OR 2/DRAW/LOSE

BET WINS
BET PUSHES
BET LOSES

- 3.25

YOUR TEAM WINS BY 4 OR MORE
WIN BY 3
WIN BY 1 OR 2/DRAW/LOSE

BET WINS
BET LOSES HALF
BET LOSES

- 3.50

YOUR TEAM WINS BY 4 OR MORE
WIN BY 1, 2 OR 3
DRAW/LOSE

BET WINS
BET LOSES
BET LOSES

- 3.75

YOUR TEAM WINS BY 4 OR MORE
WIN BY 1, 2 OR 3
DRAW/LOSE

BET WINS
BET LOSES HALF
BET LOSES

- 4

YOUR TEAM WINS BY 4 OR MORE
WIN BY 1, 2 OR 3
DRAW/LOSE

BET WINS
BET PUSHES
BET LOSES

- 4

YOUR TEAM WINS BY 4 OR MORE
WIN BY 1, 2 OR 3
DRAW/LOSE

BET WINS
BET PUSHES
BET LOSES

“Plus" Asian handicap betting types:

HANDICAP

SELECTED TEAM RESULT

BET OUTCOME

+ 0

YOUR TEAM WINS
YOUR TEAM DRAWS
YOUR TEAM LOSES

BET WINS
BET PUSHES
BET LOSES

+ 0.25

YOUR TEAM WINS BY 1 OR MORE
YOUR TEAM DRAWS
YOUR TEAM LOSES

BET WINS
BET LOSES HALF
BET LOSES

+ 0.50

YOUR TEAM WINS
YOUR TEAM DRAWS
YOUR TEAM LOSES

BET WINS
BET WINS
BET LOSES

+ 0.75

YOUR TEAM WINS OR DRAWS
YOUR TEAM LOSES BY 1
YOUR TEAM LOSES BY 2 OR MORE

BET WINS
BET LOSES HALF
BET LOSES

+ 1

YOUR TEAM WINS OR DRAWS
YOUR TEAM LOSES BY 1
YOUR TEAM LOSES BY 2 OR MORE

BET WINS
BET PUSHES
BET LOSES

+ 1.25

YOUR TEAM WINS OR DRAWS
YOUR TEAM LOSES BY 1
YOUR TEAM LOSES BY 2 OR MORE

BET WINS
BET LOSES HALF
BET LOSES

+ 1.50

YOUR TEAM WINS OR DRAWS
YOUR TEAM LOSES BY 1
YOUR TEAM LOSES BY 2 OR MORE

BET WINS
BET WINS
BET LOSES

+ 1.75

WINS/DRAWS/ LOSES BY 1
YOUR TEAM LOSES BY 2
YOUR TEAM LOSES BY 3 OR MORE

BET WINS
BET LOSES HALF
BET LOSES

+ 2

WINS/DRAWS/ LOSES BY 1
YOUR TEAM LOSES BY 2
YOUR TEAM LOSES BY 3 OR MORE

BET WINS
BET PUSHES
BET LOSES

+ 2.25

WINS/DRAWS/ LOSES BY 1
YOUR TEAM LOSES BY 2
YOUR TEAM LOSES BY 3 OR MORE

BET WINS
BET LOSES HALF
BET LOSES

+ 2.50

WINS OR DRAWS
YOUR TEAM LOSES BY 1 OR 2
YOUR TEAM LOSES BY 3 OR MORE

BET WINS
BET WINS
BET LOSES

+ 2.75

WINS/DRAWS/ LOSE BY 1 OR 2
YOUR TEAM LOSES BY 3
YOUR TEAM LOSES BY 4 OR MORE

BET WINS
BET LOSES HALF
BET LOSES

+ 3

WINS/DRAWS/ LOSE BY 1 OR 2
YOUR TEAM LOSES BY 3
YOUR TEAM LOSES BY 4 OR MORE

BET WINS
BET PUSHES
BET LOSES

+ 3.25

WINS/DRAWS/ LOSE BY 1 OR 2
YOUR TEAM LOSES BY 3
YOUR TEAM LOSES BY 4 OR MORE

BET WINS
BET LOSES HALF
BET LOSES

+ 3.50

WINS OR DRAWS
YOUR TEAM LOSES BY 1, 2 OR 3
YOUR TEAM LOSES BY 4 OR MORE

BET WINS
BET WINS
BET LOSES

+ 3.75

WINS/DRAWS/ LOSES BY 1, 2 OR 3
YOUR TEAM LOSES BY 4
YOUR TEAM LOSES BY 5 OR MORE

BET WINS
BET LOSES HALF
BET LOSES

+ 4

WINS/DRAWS/ LOSES BY 1, 2 OR 3
YOUR TEAM LOSES BY 4
YOUR TEAM LOSES BY 5 OR MORE

BET WINS
BET PUSHES
BET LOSES

Tips for Successful Handicap Betting

To excel in handicap betting, consider the following tips:

Analyze Team Form

Assess the recent performance and form of the teams or players involved in the match.

Study Head-to-Head Statistics

Review the historical performance of the teams or players when facing each other.

Consider Home and Away Performance

Teams often perform differently at home and away, so consider these factors when placing bets.

Stay Informed About Injuries

Injuries can significantly impact a team’s performance, so stay updated on player injuries.

Do you want a SUPER GREAT Welcome Bonus?

Get FREE money to start betting with and bet on the best Mobile Betting App! Start betting with a 40€ freebet + 10 casino bonus!

Best Bookies for Handicap Betting

Knowing were to bet is just as important as what you bet on. Now that you know how handicap betting works, sign up with a bookie. Keep in mind, not all bookies offer handicap markets. And not all have great odds. Below, you can find 3 of the bookies who constantly offer the most handicap markets and competitive odds. If you want to check out even more bookies available for Irish punters click here.

100% up to 122€

Bonus | T&Cs apply, 18+

 4.8/5

UP TO 50€ IN FREEBETS

Bonus | T&Cs apply, 18+

 4.8/5

Conclusion: Mastering Handicap Betting

Handicap betting is a valuable tool in the world of sports betting. It enables you to bet on the margin of victory and enhance your overall betting experience. Now that you’ve gained a comprehensive understanding of what is is, it’s time to apply your knowledge and make informed bets. Remember to bet responsibly and enjoy the excitement of handicapping your favorite sports events.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BETTING AND BECOME AN EXPERT?

Get our FREE e-book betting guide. 80+ pages of tips, precious info and tutorials. So you can win more! Click here.

Author: Andrew Sevastopolis

Andrew Sevastopolis is a seasoned expert in the online betting world, boasting years of experience that have shaped his deep understanding of the industry. Through astute decision-making and strategic betting, he has not only amassed a substantial fortune but has also earned a reputation as a trustworthy authority in the field. Andrew is renowned for his ability to distill complex betting concepts into easy-to-understand guides, making him the go-to source for both new and experienced punters looking to enhance their betting knowledge. His comprehensive guides are widely regarded as the best in the industry, offering invaluable insights and strategies to help bettors make informed choices and maximize their chances of success.