What Is Handicap Betting?
Handicap betting is a way for bookmakers to level the playing field between two teams in a match.
It gives an advantage to the perceived weaker team by adjusting the final score or outcome.
How Does Handicap Betting Work in Soccer?
In soccer, handicap betting involves giving one team a goal advantage over the other.
The stronger team starts with a negative handicap (e.g., -1 goal), while the weaker team starts with a positive handicap (e.g., +1 goal).
The final result is adjusted based on the handicap, and the team must cover the handicap to win the bet.
Examples:
Suppose there’s a match between Manchester United (stronger team) and Norwich City (weaker team):
If you bet on Manchester United -1, they need to win by at least 2 goals for your bet to win.
If you bet on Norwich City +1, they can lose by 1 goal, draw, or win for your bet to succeed.
Why Choose Handicap Betting?
Balanced Odds: Handicap bets offer more balanced odds, especially in lopsided matchups.
Increased Excitement: It adds excitement to matches where one team is heavily favored.
Strategic Approach: Analyze team strengths, recent form, and head-to-head records to make informed choices.
Asian Handicap:
Asian handicap is a variation of handicap betting that includes half-goal increments (e.g., -0.5, +1.5).
It eliminates the possibility of a draw by offering fractional handicaps.