What Does Handicap Mean in Betting?

When it comes to the world of sports betting, various types of wagers can be placed. One such popular form is handicap betting. If you’re new to this concept, you might be wondering, “What does handicap mean in betting?”
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of handicap betting, its different variations, and how it can enhance your sports betting experience. So, let’s get started!
Understanding Handicap Betting
Handicap betting is a type of wagering that aims to level the playing field between two teams or players with different skill levels. It is commonly used in sports where there is a clear favorite and an underdog.
The handicap serves as a virtual advantage or disadvantage given to each team or player to balance the odds and create a more exciting betting environment.
The Handicap Number
In handicap betting, the key component is the handicap number. This number represents the advantage or disadvantage assigned to the favored and underdog teams or players.
The handicap number can be a positive or negative value, depending on the perceived strength or weakness of the participants.
Positive Handicap (+):
A positive handicap is assigned to the underdog team or player. It means that they start the game with an advantage in terms of goals, points, or sets, depending on the sport.
For example, if a football match features a handicap of +1 for the underdog, it means they start the game with a one-goal lead.
Negative Handicap (-):
Conversely, a negative handicap is given to the favorite team or player. It implies that they begin the game with a disadvantage, requiring them to overcome the specified deficit to win the bet.
For instance, if a basketball game has a handicap of -5 for the favorite, they would need to win by more than five points to cover the handicap.
Different Types of Handicap Betting

Handicap betting offers various options for bettors, and two popular variations are Asian Handicap Betting and European Handicap Betting.
Asian Handicap Betting
Asian Handicap Betting is a widely used form of handicap betting, particularly in football. It aims to eliminate the possibility of a draw by using half-point increments in the handicaps. Here are the three common Asian Handicap formats:
Full Asian Handicap:
Example: Team A (-1) vs. Team B (+1)
In this scenario, Team A is the favorite and starts with a one-goal deficit, while Team B is the underdog and begins with a one-goal advantage.
If the final score is Team A 2 – Team B 1, the result with the handicap applied is a draw (2-2), and the bet is voided.
Half Asian Handicap:
Example: Team A (-1.5) vs. Team B (+1.5)
The half-point handicap reduces the possibility of a push (void bet) and requires a clear winner.
If the final score is Team A 2 – Team B 0, with the handicap applied, the result is Team A 0.5 – Team B 0, and Team A wins the bet.
Quarter Asian Handicap:
Example: Team A (-0.75) vs. Team B (+0.75)
The quarter-point handicap further splits the bet between two options.
If the final score is Team A 1 – Team B 0, with the handicap applied, the result is Team A 0.75 – Team B 0, and half of the wager is returned to the bettor.
European Handicap Betting:
European Handicap Betting is commonly used in sports other than football. It offers whole numbers for handicaps, eliminating the option of a push. Here are a couple of examples:
European Handicap -1:
Example: Team A (-1) vs. Team B (+1)
In this case, Team A begins with a one-goal disadvantage, and Team B starts with a one-goal advantage.
If the final score is Team A 2 – Team B 1, the result with the handicap applied is a draw (1-1), and the bet is voided.
European Handicap -2:
Example: Team A (-2) vs. Team B (+2)
Team A starts with a two-goal disadvantage, and Team B enjoys a two-goal advantage.
If the final score is Team A 3 – Team B 1, the result with the handicap applied is Team A 1 – Team B 1, and the bet is voided.
Handicap Betting Strategies

Now that you have a good understanding of what handicap betting entails, let’s discuss a few strategies that can enhance your chances of success:
Analyze Team Form
Before placing a handicap bet, analyze the recent form of the teams or players involved. Consider factors such as injuries, suspensions, home or away advantage, and head-to-head records.
Research Handicap Statistics
Gain insights into the historical performance of teams or players in handicap situations. Examine how frequently they cover or fail to cover the handicap.
Stay Informed
Keep yourself updated with the latest news, team updates, and expert opinions. This information can provide valuable insights that may influence your betting decisions.
Utilize Multiple Handicap Options
Experiment with different handicap options to diversify your bets. It allows you to cover multiple scenarios and potentially increase your chances of winning.
If you’re looking to handicap bet on baseball then it’s also worth you checking out our Baseball Betting Guide!
What Does Handicap Mean in Betting: Our Final Say
Handicap betting is a thrilling form of wagering that adds excitement and competitiveness to sports betting. It levels the playing field between teams or players of varying abilities and provides more engaging opportunities for bettors.
Whether you choose Asian Handicap Betting or European Handicap Betting, understanding the handicap numbers and employing effective strategies can lead to rewarding outcomes.
So, the next time you’re betting on your favorite sport, consider the handicap options available and enjoy the thrill of this captivating betting format.
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FAQs
Handicap betting aims to level the playing field by giving an advantage or disadvantage to teams or players based on their perceived skill difference. Positive handicaps give underdogs a head start, while negative handicaps challenge favorites to overcome a deficit.
It enhances betting excitement and offers balanced odds.
Absolutely! Handicap betting can be applied to various sports, including basketball, tennis, golf, and more. The handicap numbers and formats may differ depending on the sport, but the concept remains the same.
It allows for fairer and more engaging betting opportunities across a wide range of sporting events.
Handicap betting can be more complex than traditional win/lose bets, but it is still accessible for beginners. Taking the time to understand the handicap numbers, different formats, and strategies will increase your chances of success.
Start with smaller bets, do thorough research, and gradually gain experience to maximize your enjoyment and potential profits from handicap betting.