Handicap Football Betting is a popular method of wagering that can make a game more competitive when there is a perceived mismatch between two teams.
It provides an edge to the underdog and a deficit to the favourite, effectively levelling the playing field. It's a type of bet that can potentially offer more value and entertainment, especially in games where one team is heavily favoured to win.
In this comprehensive Wizard Slots blog, we'll delve into the intricacies of handicap football betting, providing clear examples and explaining how it can potentially increase your betting profits if you win.
What Is a Handicap In Football Betting?
A football handicap bet is a wager that levels the playing field between two teams where one, the favourite, is expected to win by a large margin. This is achieved by applying a "handicap" to the teams - a goal deficit for the favourite team (denoted by a minus) and a goal head start for the underdog team (denoted by a plus).
This technique was primarily popularised in Asian markets, hence it's often referred to as 'Asian Handicap Betting'. However, it has gained popularity globally due to its potential to offer more value than traditional betting markets.
How Do Handicap Bets Work?
In a handicap bet, the bookmaker provides the perceived weaker team with a goal advantage before the game begins. This could be one goal, two goals, or even more, depending on the perceived gap in quality between the two teams.
The favourite team, on the other hand, has to overcome the handicap deficit. This means they have to win by more than the handicap for a bet on them to pay out. For instance, if a team is given a -2 handicap, they must win by three goals or more for the bet to win.
Conversely, the underdog team is awarded the handicap advantage. This means that they can either win, draw or lose the game by less than the handicap for a bet on them to win.
Handicap Betting Football Example
To better understand handicap betting in football, let's consider a few examples:
0.5 Handicap
Suppose Manchester United (-0.5) is playing Leeds United (+0.5). Here, if you bet on Manchester United, they need to win the match for your bet to win. On the other hand, if you bet on Leeds United, they need to either win or draw the game for your bet to pay out.
1 Handicap
In this scenario, let's consider Chelsea (-1) vs Brighton (+1). If you bet on Chelsea, they need to win by at least two goals for your bet to win. If Chelsea only win by one goal, the result is effectively a draw, and your stake will most likely be refunded. If you bet on Brighton, they need to either win, draw the game, or lose by just one goal for your bet to pay out.
1.5 Handicap
For a 1.5 handicap, let's take an example of Liverpool (-1.5) vs Norwich City (+1.5). If you bet on Liverpool, they have to win by two goals or more for your bet to win. If you bet on Norwich, they need to either win, draw, or lose by just one goal for your bet to pay out.
2 Handicap
In a 2 handicap scenario, let's consider Arsenal (-2) vs Fulham (+2). If you bet on Arsenal, they must win by three goals or more for your bet to win. If Arsenal wins by exactly two goals, the result is a draw, and your stake may be returned. If you bet on Fulham, they can either win, draw, or lose by just one goal for your bet to win.
2.5 Handicap
Lastly, let's consider an example of Manchester City (-2.5) vs Southampton (+2.5). If you bet on Manchester City, they must win by at least three goals for your bet to win. If you bet on Southampton, they need to either win, draw, or lose by fewer than three goals for your bet to pay out.
Asian Handicap Betting
Asian Handicap Betting is a more sophisticated type of handicap betting that originated in Asia. It offers bettors two choices, eliminating the option of a draw. This is achieved by setting the handicap line in a way that it can't result in a draw when the final score is added to the handicap.
Is Handicap Betting Profitable?
Handicap betting can potentially be a profitable strategy if used wisely. It offers more value and can increase the odds when betting on favourites. Moreover, it eliminates the option of a draw in some cases.
However, the key to handicap betting lies in understanding the teams' strengths and weaknesses, recent form, and statistical trends. It's also essential to find the best odds available and to bet responsibly, never wagering more than you can afford to lose.
In conclusion, while handicap betting may seem complex at first, it can potentially be a rewarding and fun betting strategy once understood. It can not only add more entertainment to a football match, but can also enhance the betting experience by providing more betting options and potentially higher returns.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
