Handicap betting is quite an exciting way to add something more to your sports bets. Unlike usual betting, where you need to predict the winner, it involves some strategy to balance the odds of both teams. In essence, the bookmaker gives the outsider a “head start” by affording them a virtual lead, while the favorite is made to work to overcome.
The favorite team or player should win by a margin for the handicap, whereas the underdog team wins outright or loses by no more than the given handicap in most cases. This creates a level playing field and makes the matches more competitive and enjoyable for bettors.
Types of Handicap Betting You Should Know
Handicap betting is versatile, and there are several types you can use depending on your preference and the sport you’re betting on. Here are the most common types:
European Handicap: Leveling the Playing Field
The European Handicap is, arguably, the simplest manifestation of handicap betting. There, one team starts with either a specific number of goals or points that the opponents need to score more to win the bet. It means that a favorite winning by a margin above his handicap will mean your wins, while a weaker performer will win outright or by a margin no bigger than his handicap.
For example, let’s say Team A is the favorite and starts with a -1 handicap, while Team B, the underdog, starts with a +1. If Team A won 2-1, they would have covered the handicap because they won by more than 1 goal. However, if the game ends 1-0 in favor of Team A, it would be a draw in terms of the handicap, and you would get your stake back.
Asian Handicap: More Than Just a Goal Difference
The Asian Handicap is a bit more complex but also more popular, especially for soccer betting. The main difference is that it eliminates the draw possibility by introducing fractional and half-goal handicaps, making the betting more dynamic.
Asian Handicap can have a line such as -0.5, +1.5, -2.0, etc. An example is when you are placing a bet for a favorite with a -1.5 handicap; this team needs to win with at least two goals for your bet to be successful. This is lost if they only win by one goal.
The beauty of the Asian Handicap is that it eliminates the risk of a draw, so there’s always a clear winner for your bet.
Draw No Bet: Bet Without the Risk
If you’re looking for a safer option, the Draw No Bet (DNB) option might be right for you. In this scenario, if the match ends in a draw, you get your stake refunded. This type of bet still involves handicapping but with the added protection of not losing your bet if the game ends in a draw.
Draw No Bet is a great option if you’re unsure about the outcome of the match but still want to back one side. For example, if Team A is the favorite, but you’re unsure about how they’ll perform, you can bet on them with a DNB handicap. If the game ends in a tie, you don’t lose your bet.
How Does Handicap Betting Actually Work
Handicap betting works by assigning one team a virtual advantage or disadvantage, which adjusts the odds and gives both teams a fair chance to “win” the bet. The outcome of the match, however, is decided not by the actual result but by the handicap applied by the bookmaker.
Here’s an example:
Imagine you’re betting on a soccer match between a top-tier team, Team A (favorite), and a lower-ranked team, Team B (underdog). The bookmaker might set a handicap line of -1 for Team A. This means that, in terms of betting, Team A starts with a 1-goal disadvantage.
If you bet on Team A, they need to win by 2 or more goals for your bet to win.
If you bet on Team B, they can either win or lose by no more than 1 goal to cover the handicap and win your bet.
If Team A wins 3-1, your bet on Team A wins because they’ve won by 2 goals, overcoming the handicap. If Team A wins 2-1, your bet on Team A is refunded as a “push” because they only won by 1 goal, not enough to cover the -1 handicap.
Why Handicap Betting Is a Game-Changer
Handicap betting offers bettors a chance to make more thoughtful and strategic wagers. Here’s why handicap betting has become such a popular choice:
Better Odds-on Favorites: One of the primary benefits of handicap betting is the increased odds on favorites. Traditional bets on heavy favorites often offer low payouts, but handicap betting gives these favorites a challenge to overcome, making the odds more attractive.
Exciting Betting Opportunities for Underdogs: Handicap betting can also make underdogs more appealing to bet on. By giving them a virtual advantage, they’re no longer a long shot. Bettors can find value in backing underdogs that could cover the handicap even if they don’t win the match.
No Draws to Worry About In certain types of handicap betting, especially the Asian Handicap, the possibility of a draw is eliminated. This means you’re always betting on a clear winner, making your decisions more straightforward.
Winning Strategies for Handicap Betting
Handicap betting can be highly rewarding, but it requires strategy. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your bets:

Analyze Team Form and Stats
Research is key in handicap betting. Look at recent performances, injuries, suspensions, and how teams have performed against each other historically. A deeper understanding of team dynamics will help you make more informed betting decisions.

Consider Home Field Advantage
Home teams tend to perform better, so always take into account where the match is being played. This factor is crucial when it comes to an understanding whether a favorite is likely to cover the handicap, especially if they are playing away from home.

Examine the Handicap Line
Don’t just focus on the teams—examine the handicap line closely. If the bookmaker has set a high handicap line for the favorite, it might be a challenge for them to cover. Conversely, if the line is set too low for the underdog, they might have a better chance of covering than you think.

Look for Value in the Odds
Handicap betting isn’t just about picking the winner; it’s about finding value in the odds. Sometimes, betting on a slightly lower-ranked team with a generous handicap can yield higher returns than betting on a strong favorite.
Common Handicap Betting Pitfalls to Avoid
Even experienced bettors can make mistakes. Here are some of the most common pitfalls to watch out for:
Not Understanding the Handicap Properly: Always double-check the handicap before placing your bet. Make sure you understand whether you’re betting on the favorite to overcome a challenge or the underdog to cover the line.
Ignoring Key Factors Like Injuries: Injuries and player suspensions can drastically affect a team’s performance. Don’t ignore these details when placing a handicap bet, as they can influence the outcome and your chances of winning.
Betting on Emotion Rather Than Logic: It’s easy to get emotionally attached to a team, but emotional betting can lead to poor decisions. Stick to your research and make your bets based on objective analysis.
Conclusion
Handicap betting really helps raise the bar with your sports bets. Once you understand how it works and you start incorporating some strategic betting methods, you can raise your chances of winning while keeping the excitement alive. Be it betting on a favorite to overcome a challenge or hoping an underdog will cover the handicap, there are plenty of ways to find value and a profitable bet.