Handicap betting is one of the most popular types of betting in football. It is commonly used to level the playing field between teams of unequal strength, and it’s essential for bettors to understand how it works in order to make informed decisions. This article will explain what handicap betting is, how to calculate your potential winnings, and draw betting tips for betting successfully.
What is Handicap Betting?
Handicap betting, also known as Asian handicap, is a betting market that aims to make a match more competitive by giving one team a theoretical advantage or disadvantage. In handicap betting, the stronger team is assigned a negative handicap, while the weaker team receives a positive handicap. The idea is to level the odds by giving a head start to the underdog, or by giving the favorite a disadvantage to compensate for the imbalance in strength.
In football, handicap bets are typically offered as either money line handicaps or goals handicaps. A handicap bet can be represented as a fraction or decimal (e.g., -0.5, +1, -1.75), and the size of the handicap indicates the degree of advantage or disadvantage.
The greater the handicap, the more the bookmaker is suggesting an imbalance between the two teams. For instance, if the handicap is +1.5 for the underdog, this means the underdog is considered to have a 1.5-goal advantage. On the other hand, if the handicap is -2.5 for the favorite, they need to win by at least three goals for the bet to be successful.
Types of Handicap Bets
Level Handicap (Draw No Bet)
A level handicap, often referred to as "draw no bet," means there is no handicap applied to the teams, and the result is based purely on the match outcome. This type of bet doesn’t consider goal differences; it only focuses on which team wins.
When does it apply?
It’s usually applied when the bookmaker sees both teams as having similar strength or performance.
In cases where both teams have been underperforming or showing inconsistent results.
Betting Outcome:
If the match ends in a draw, all bets are refunded.
If the favored team wins, bettors who chose the favorite win.
Bettors who selected the underdog lose their bets if the underdog loses.
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Quarter Handicap (0.25, 0.5, etc.)
This is a form of handicap betting where you have to predict whether the favorite team will win with a certain number of goals over the underdog, but the odds are split between full and fractional outcomes.
Example of 0.25 Handicap:
In a 0.25 handicap, if you bet on the favorite, you’ll win half the stake if the favorite wins by a single goal. If the match is a draw, you’ll lose half your stake. A loss means you lose the full amount.
Half Handicap (-0.5, +0.5)
In this betting type, there’s no possibility of a draw. The stronger team is favored by 0.5 goals, meaning the underdog starts with a +0.5 goal lead.
Betting Outcome:
If the match ends in a draw, bets on the underdog win.
If the stronger team wins by one goal or more, the bets on the favorite win.
Three-Quarter Handicap (0.75, -0.75)
This is a more complex handicap, where a half of the bet is settled on the full handicap, and the other half on the next nearest whole number. A three-quarter goal handicap (0.75) combines both the level handicap and half-goal handicaps.
Example of 0.75 Handicap:
If you bet on the favorite with a -0.75 handicap, you would win the full bet if they win by at least one goal. If they win by just one goal, you would win half your stake, and lose half if they win by less than one goal or lose the game.
Full Handicap (1, 2, 3, etc.)
A full handicap is a goal difference that one team has to overcome. For example, if the favorite is -1, they must win by more than one goal for a bet on them to be successful. If they win by exactly one goal, the bet is considered a draw.
Betting Outcome:
If the favorite wins by more than one goal, bets on the favorite win.
If the favorite wins by exactly one goal, the bet is refunded.
If the underdog wins or the match ends in a draw, bets on the underdog win.
How to Calculate Handicap Betting Winnings
The amount you win in handicap betting depends on the odds and the handicap itself. Here’s how the betting payouts are typically calculated:
Full Win:
The amount won = stake x odds
If you bet $100 on a team with odds of 1.97 (for a team with a -1 handicap) and they win by two goals, you would receive $100 x 1.97 = $197.
Half Win (or Refund):
If you bet on the favorite with a 0.75 handicap, and they win by one goal, half of your stake is returned, and half of your stake is paid out.
Example: Bet $100 at odds of 1.97, but the favorite wins by one goal. You win half of the bet, which is $97.
Loss:
In the case where the underdog wins or if the favorite doesn’t cover the handicap, the bet is lost.
Tips for Betting on Handicap Markets
Study the Teams’ Recent Form: Before placing any bet, research the teams' recent performance, injuries, head-to-head results, and any other important factors that may affect the match outcome.
Understand the Handicap Odds: Handicap betting can seem complicated with different values like 0.5, 1.5, and 2.5. It’s important to understand what each handicap means for both teams. Familiarize yourself with how different handicaps can impact the potential outcome.
Keep an Eye on Line Movements: Handicap lines may change before a match. Tracking line movements is crucial for understanding market sentiment. If the line moves significantly, it can indicate changes in the teams' perceived strength or injuries.
Consider Home and Away Form: Home teams often perform better, but underdogs on the road can sometimes outperform expectations. Always evaluate the home and away form before placing your bets.
Look for Value Bets: Not all handicap bets will offer equal value. Sometimes, betting on the underdog or a draw can offer a higher return, especially when the odds are in your favor.
Avoid Overcomplicating Your Bets: It’s easy to get caught up in complex combinations of handicap bets. Stick to simple strategies like betting on a full win for the favorite or underdog, and avoid getting too greedy.
Use Expert Advice: Consult betting forums, expert tips, or trusted sports analysts to get additional insights into the game. Sometimes expert opinions can help you make a more informed decision.
Conclusion
Handicap betting is an essential aspect of football betting, offering a unique way to wager on games with unequal teams. By understanding the types of handicaps, how to calculate potential winnings, and applying strategic betting tips vip app you can improve your chances of success. Always remember to gamble responsibly and make informed decisions to maximize your betting experience.
