In sports betting, the different types of bets one can make are important in driving informed decisions. Probably among the most common betting methods that bewilder beginners is a handicap. This is a method of betting that will make such games more exciting and highly rewarding for the punter where there is an obvious favorite. But what is a handicap in betting, and how does it work across different sports? Let’s dive in.
What Is a Handicap in Betting?
Handicap or spread betting aims to evening out two unevenly matched teams, one of which is likely to outclass the other. In this regard, the bookmaker gives a particular team a handicap-a plus or minus point advantage-according to perceived strength against their opponent. This equalizes the chances in such a case, making it more appealing for the people to place a bet in either direction.
There are several different rules with regards to handicaps-both of the teams are given a handicap; one team is given, say, a minus one goal handicap in football for which they would have to win greater than one goal for the bet on them to pay off, while the underdog could be given something like a +1 handicap, meaning that they can win, draw, and even lose by less than one goal for a bet on them to pay off.
What Is the Meaning of Handicap in Betting?
More accurately, handicap in betting refers to giving a head start to a perceived weaker side before an actual match has taken place. It is the system whereby a bookmaker would try to make the odds more tempting for bettors on the favorite yet still lure other punters to put their money on the underdog.
This can then be used generally for most sports, such as football, basketball, rugby, amongst others, but also tennis. Commonly, the setting of handicaps is done either by goals or points.
How Does Handicap Betting Work?
The following football example will help explain how handicap betting works.
Example: Liverpool vs. Brighton- Soccer Match
- Without Handicap: Liverpool is favorite to win and hence at 1.30, Brighton is at 8.00 in this match. Besides that, the odds are set at 5.00 for a draw.
- Handicap: The bookmaker has given Liverpool a -1.5 goal handicap to make the bet a little more competitive. That means Liverpool needs to win the match by at least two goals to win this bet. Here, Brighton will win this bet provided it wins the match outright, draws, or loses by not more than one goal.
Different Types of Handicap Betting
Handicap betting is not a generic term but rather may come in many faces concerning the type of sport and how the lines have been set by the bookmaker.
| Handicap Type | Explanation |
| Level Handicap | No advantage is given to either team; the match is treated as evenly matched. |
| Single Handicap | One team is given a goal or point advantage, like +1 or -1, balancing the odds. |
| Split Handicap | The bet is split across two different handicaps, such as -1.5 and -2, reducing risk while maintaining potential gains. |
What Is Handicap in Football Betting?
Speaking of handicap betting, one of the most consumed sports happens to be soccer, or as it is more popularly known, football. To actually place the right bets, one actually has to understand what ‘handicap’ is when placing a bet on football. Speaking of football, the handicap is usually identified with goals.
This type of bet allows the punter to either back stronger teams at better odds or back the underdog with a “head start,” which might be far more exciting to watch and gamble on.
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Conclusion
Having shown what the meaning of handicap in a bet is, you should know by now how it goes about working and why it is a favorite for most sports bettors. Understanding precisely what is meant through the term handicap in betting on football is a great deal in helping any bettor-both novice and experienced-make wise decisions. This is where handicap betting can be a very good tool in enhancing your bet, provided proper research and strategy are put in place.
What is the meaning of handicap in betting? A way of eveninging up the odds when teams are unevenly matched, which opens far more exciting options and opportunities across a wide range of sports.
