What Is Handicap Betting?
Handicap betting is a betting method designed to balance the odds when one team or player is significantly stronger than the other. It levels the playing field and creates more competitive odds.
In sports, many factors influence the outcome of a game. While odds are set to reflect each team or player's true chances of winning, sometimes the odds become heavily one-sided, especially when betting on the favourite. This is where handicap betting comes in.
How Handicap Betting Works
Handicap betting (also called spread betting or Asian handicap betting) works by giving one team a virtual advantage or disadvantage:
The Favourite receives a negative handicap (disadvantage)
The Underdog receives a positive handicap (advantage)
How to Win:
After the event ends, your team's actual score is combined with their handicap. If the adjusted score is still higher than the opponent's, you win the bet!
Customizing Your Handicap
In most cases, you can customize your handicap or totals using the Bet Builder feature. This allows you to select specific handicaps that suit your prediction and risk level.
Example
Arsenal are the favorites here and can be played with different handicap options. If you choose Arsenal -1.5, for example, it means they must win by at least 2 goals for your bet to win. If you instead bet on Arsenal -0.5, it’s enough for them to win the match by one goal.
On the other side, Atlético Madrid have the corresponding plus handicap. A bet on Atlético Madrid +1.5 means they can lose by up to one goal, draw, or win, and your bet will still win. If you choose +0.5, it’s enough for them to avoid defeat (a draw or a win) for the bet to be successful.
Ready to Bet?
Start exploring handicap betting in our Bet Builder and discover new ways to find value in your wagers!