Handicap Betting
The handicap betting market offers a unique experience for sports punters, with many variations, including European, Asian, and point-spread options.
Sports betting has grown since its inception in the gambling world. Today, the average punter has a vast array of betting markets to choose from. A popular market is handicap betting. This article provides a breakdown of what handicap betting is. We provide insight into the different types of handicap betting, how each variation works, and the common mistakes to avoid when placing bets.
What is Handicap Betting?
Handicap betting is a betting market in which a bookie gives a team or player a virtual advantage (+) or disadvantage (-). Although the market is open for most matches, it is usually used in matches to level an uneven matchup. Instead of betting on lower odds, punters are able to bet whether a team can overcome or maintain the virtual handicap.
Main Types of Handicap Betting
There are many handicap betting variations available at most betting sites in Mzansi. Below, we will look at the most common markets.
European Handicap
The most common handicap betting type available in South Africa. European handicap betting gives a team either a whole-goal lead or a whole-goal deficit. It uses the three-way betting market to keep the draw result. Punters can bet on either a home win, away win or draw.
Asian Handicap
A popular market that removes the draw option entirely by using decimal line increments, such as +0.25, -0.5, +0.75, or +1.25. Depending on the handicap, your bet can be split into multiple bets.
Goal Handicap
A handicap bet is placed on adding or removing a team’s goals and can be placed on whole-goal numbers (-2, +1) or half-goal numbers (-0.5, +1.5). To win the bet, a team must score more or concede fewer than the number wagered on.
Point Spread Betting
Interchangeable with handicap betting and is primarily used in North America in sports such as American Football, Hockey and Basketball.
How European Handicap Betting Works
Unlike other handicap betting markets, a European handicap bet is a three-way market. For example, take Arsenal (-1) vs Hull City (+1). If you take a bet on Arsenal, you will need them to win by two clear goals. If you bet on Hull, you will need them to either win the match or draw. However, if you bet on the match to end in a draw, you will need Arsenal to win by one goal only. Because European handicap betting uses whole numbers, you will need to precisely predict that a team can clear their deficit or maintain their advantage.
How Asian Handicap Betting Works
Asian handicap betting works by removing the possibility of a draw, reducing the bet to only two options. There are three main types of Asian handicap betting, these include:
- Half-Goal Handicaps (+0.5, -1.5, -0.5): Most popular Asian handicap market, eliminating the draw. In order to win, your team needs to either outscore or concede less than the handicap based on your bet.
- Whole-Goal Handicaps (+2.0, -1.0, -2.0): Works similarly to the half-goal handicap. However, if you take a bet with a -2 handicap and the favourite wins by two goals, the bet will be settled as a push and voided.
- Quarter-Goal Handicaps (+0.25, -1.25, -0.75): Splits your stake equally across the two nearest half- and whole-goal lines. For example, a handicap bet on the favourite at -0.75 will split your bet on the -0.5 and -1.0 markets respectively.
How Handicap Odds and Payouts Work
Handicap odds work the same as any traditional sports bet, with payouts determined by multiplying the stake by the odds to get the possible returns. However, in some handicap bets, such as the Asian handicap market, the stake is halved and split between two bets.
How to Place a Handicap Bet
To place a handicap bet, search for your sport and match before navigating to the handicap tab. Choose between the two-way or three-way markets and select the line to add it to the betslip. Click on the betslip and enter the stake that you want to wager. Finally, click submit to confirm your bet.
Handicap Betting in Football
Handicap betting is the ultimate way to extract value from one-sided football matches. The most common handicap bets are the Draw No Bet market (handicap of 0.0), Double Chance or Win/Draw (handicap of +0.5), European markets (handicap of -1, -2 and +1) and the Asian market (handicap of +1.25, +0.75 and -0.5)
Handicap Betting in Other Sports
Handicap betting in other sports is normally referred to as a point spread. Popular sports for handicap betting include Basketball (lines range from 2.5 to 15.5 points), Rugby (lines range from 4.0 to 28.0 points), Tennis (common lines include +/- 3.5 games or 1.5 sets), Cricket (lines vary heavily based on the format) and American Football (lines range from 1.0 to 14.0 points).
Asian Handicap vs European Handicap
The Asian and European markets are the most popular handicap markets in South Africa and differ mainly in how they handle a draw. An Asian handicap completely eliminates the draw option and pushes or voids a bet, returning the stake. A European handicap is a three-way market and includes a draw option. Another difference is the number format: Asian handicaps use half- and quarter-goals, while European handicaps use whole numbers.
Common Handicap Betting Mistakes
Handicap betting is tricky if you do not understand how the lines and markets work, with common mistakes including:
- Mistaking the live handicap reset – placing a handicap when the score is 2 – 0 will reset the virtual scoreline to 0 – 0 for your bet.
- Confusing the signs or misclicking a line. Mistaking a +0.5 for a -0.5 can drastically change the odds and the bet being placed.
- Chasing high payouts on large European lines, thinking that a favourite will outclass the weaker team.
Handicap Betting FAQs
Q: What does +1 handicap mean in betting?
A: A +1 handicap means that the underdogs have a one-goal advantage heading into the match.
Q: What does -1 handicap mean in betting?
A: A -1 handicap means that the favourites have a one-goal deficit heading into the match.
Q: What is the difference between Asian and European handicap?
A: Asian handicaps are a two-way market and use half-and quarter-goals, while European handicaps are a three-way market and use whole number goals.
Q: What happens if a handicap bet ends in a draw?
A: In an Asian handicap, the bet results in a push and is voided, while a European handicap bet results in a loss if you did not wager on the draw.
Writer/Betting Tipster
I have been in the iGaming industry for a decade and am an avid sports bettor and fan. I have expanded my betting knowledge to create articles on the iGaming industry focusing on online casino content and sports betting analysis for several regions, including South Africa. I cover various sports, including Soccer, Cricket and Horse Racing. All my predictions, tips and insights are thoroughly researched and I aim to help fellow punters in beating the bookies!
