Handicap betting in football is like giving one team a head start before the game even kicks off.
Imagine you're watching a football match, but the teams are not well-matched because one team has better players. To make it fair, the other team starts with a 1-0 advantage (at the bookies, not in the actual match). That's the essence of handicap betting - it levels the playing field.
This type of bet isn't just about picking the winner; it's about judging how well a team will perform with their given advantage or disadvantage. It adds an extra layer of excitement and requires a bit more thought than straightforward win-lose bets.
Whether you're just dabbling in the betting world or looking to try something new, understanding handicap betting is worth learning about so you have more options. Read to learn more.
What Is a Handicap Bet In Football?
A handicap bet in football adds a dash of spice to your usual betting recipe. It's a special kind of bet that balances the odds if there's a clear favourite and an obvious underdog.
Here's how it works: The favourite team is given a handicap - a goal disadvantage they must overcome. On the other hand, the underdog is given a head start with extra goals. Again, this is only for the sake of betting; it doesn't change the actual score of the game, but it does change the way you bet on it.
For example, if a top league team is playing a lower-ranked team, the top team might have a -2 goal handicap. This means for your bet on the top team to win, they need to win by more than two goals. It adds challenge and interest because now you're not just betting on who wins outright, you're betting on whether they win with a more level playing field.
Handicap bets can turn a one-sided match into a thrilling game to bet on, making every goal and every move on the pitch count even more.
How Do Handicap Bets Work In Football?
Handicap betting might sound a tad complex at first, but it's actually straightforward once you get the hang of it.
If you place a handicap bet, you're betting on a team to win, lose, or draw - but with a twist. One team is given a virtual advantage or disadvantage in the form of goals. This is to even the odds because one team might be much stronger than the other.
Let's say Team A is playing against Team B, and Team A is much stronger. A handicap bet might give Team B a +2 goal advantage. For a bet on Team A to win, they need to win by more than 2 goals to overcome this deficit.
This method doesn't just make one-sided matches more exciting to bet on; it also requires you to think about the match's potential outcome in a different way. Will the stronger team manage to overcome their handicap, or will the underdog prevent them from doing so?
In essence, you're not just betting on the final result but also on the performance margin between the teams. It adds an extra thrill to watching the match, as it can turn a match that may have been a landslide into one filled with excitement for the punter.
Handicap Bet Example In Football
Let's dive into some examples of handicap bets in football to see how they work in action.
0.5 Handicap
Imagine Liverpool is playing against Norwich, and Liverpool has a -0.5 handicap. This means Liverpool starts with a half-goal deficit. For a bet on Liverpool to win, they must win the match by at least 1 goal. If you bet on Norwich, you win if Norwich wins the match, or it ends in a draw.
1 Handicap
Now, let's say Manchester United has a -1 handicap against Crystal Palace. For a Manchester United bet to win, they need to win by more than 1 goal. If you choose Crystal Palace, your bet wins if they draw or win the game. If Manchester United wins by exactly 1 goal, it's a draw in betting terms, which could see stakes returned depending on the bookies' policies.
2 Handicap
Assume Chelsea is playing Southampton with a -2 handicap on Chelsea. Here, for a Chelsea bet to pay out, Chelsea needs to win by more than 2 goals. A bet on Southampton wins if Southampton wins, draws, or loses by just 1 goal. If Chelsea wins by exactly 2 goals, it's considered a draw for the purposes of this bet.
2.5 Handicap
Finally, envision Arsenal with a -2.5 handicap against Leeds. This means Arsenal needs to win by 3 or more goals for an Arsenal bet to win. If you bet on Leeds, you win if Leeds wins, draws, or loses by less than 3 goals.
These examples highlight the flexibility and added excitement handicap betting can bring to football. It encourages you to think about not just who'll win but the margin of victory, which could make a one-sided game a thrilling watch.
Asian Handicap Betting
Taking the concept of handicap betting a step further, Asian Handicap Betting introduces a more intricate form of betting that eliminates the option of a draw. This makes games even more exciting because there are only two outcomes to bet on: win or lose.
In Asian Handicap Betting, teams are given goal handicaps that include half-goals and quarter-goals, adding a layer of strategy. For example, a team might have a -0.5, -1, -1.5 handicap, and so on. This means a team must win by at least one goal for your bet to succeed. The addition of half and quarter-goals ensures there's always a clear winner in the betting, regardless of the actual match result.
This kind of betting can seem a bit tricky at first glance, but it's actually great for bettors. It offers the chance to get part of your stake back on certain bets, thanks to the quarter-goal handicaps splitting your bet over two handicaps.
Asian Handicap Betting is perfect if you're looking for a way to make matches where there's a strong favourite more balanced and exciting. With no draws possible in the betting outcome, every match becomes a duel that's full of potential right up to the final whistle.
Can You Make a Profit From Asian Handicap Betting?
It's certainly possible. Asian Handicap Betting can be a pathway to profits if your bets come in. It's all about choosing your bets wisely and understanding the dynamics of each team.
Unlike traditional betting, the Asian Handicap evens out the playfield. This method reduces the possible outcomes from three (win, lose, draw) to two (win, lose) by eliminating the draw option.
However, like any betting, there's no surefire formula for success. Profits are not guaranteed because you can't guarantee winning bets. The outcome of a sporting match or event is unpredictable because anything can happen on the day; upsets are known to happen.
Remember, betting responsibly is the key. While profits are possible with Asian Handicap Betting, it's important to remember that it isn't guaranteed. Set a budget for your betting, and never bet money you aren't comfortable losing.