Handicap Betting
Everything you want to know about handicap betting, their formats and strategies.
What is Handicap Betting?
Handicap betting is probably one of the most underrated but influential inventions in the world of sports betting.
It’s the one little addition to the sportsbook that allows players to place bets even on games with a very clear favorite.
In the following paragraphs, we will learn together what handicap betting is, when and how you should be using it, tips for premier league handicap betting, and, of course, we will respond to the most popular questions about it.
For strange reasons, many sports betting players hesitate to use it. Is it because the handicap betting slip looks less straightforward because of the (-) and (+) signs?
Is it because they prefer to use the low odds of games featuring a favorite instead of a single slip they bet on a parlay?
We are still determining the answer. But we are confident that by the end of this post, your understanding of handicaps in betting will help you use it more when necessary.
Definitions & Examples
Let’s start with the basics. What does handicap mean in betting?
Simply put, a handicap is when the bookmaker or the market opening at a betting exchange offers odds on the outcome of an event in which one of the sides is given an advantage before its start.
Now, let’s explore the potential for higher returns in handicap betting with a real-life example.
Imagine Manchester City, a top-tier team, playing against a team at the bottom of the Premier League table at the Etihad Stadium. Man City’s odds of winning the game might be less appealing at 1.15 – 1.30.
Without handicap betting, you could either exclude this game from your slip or potentially bet a larger amount to secure a more substantial paycheck.
However, with handicap football betting available, there are odds for the events that the Citizens start the game with a one-goal deficit (-1), a two-goal deficit (-2), etc.
If you get the odds for -1, then the game hypothetically starts with Man City losing by one goal.
If the game ends 1-0 for City, players who bet on the draw with that handicap will get paid their stake plus winnings.
Pros
- Helps players see value in games with a clear favorite
- Increases the number of markets available for every event
- Introduces players to more complicated and demanding aspects of sports betting
- Creates opportunities for trading and hedging
Cons
- Some of its forms (e.g. Asian Handicap) are complicated to understand
Handicap Bet Types
Let’s assume that you wish to try your luck with handicap-betting rugby. Or with some other sport. The main types of handicaps are the same regardless of the sport or tournament you follow.
However, with a few exceptions, some sports – usually those that can’t end with a draw – might offer fewer types of handicap betting.
- European Handicap: The most common version, uses whole numbers, making a draw possible.
- Asian Handicap: Preferred by professionals and experienced punters. There is no draw since the odds are expressed in fractions. There are complicated outcomes that require some serious studying. In the long run, understanding Asian Handicap is necessary for serious players.
- Spread Betting: There is a debate about whether spread betting is a subcategory of handicap betting or an entirely different type of betting. We are fine with either definition. It is a very popular option for US players and those who like to get more granular in their analysis.
Top Three Strategies
Price
Hedging
Find odds from bookmakers and betting exchanges to create 0% or positive margin opportunities to mitigate losses or guarantee profit.
Live Betting
Adjustments
Things are going differently than planned with the bet you placed before a game? No problem! Modern-day live betting platforms will let you reverse these unfortunate situations by betting in-play.
Start Using
Asian Handicaps
There is a reason why Asian Handicap is so popular among professionals. Learn how to read the lines there and avoid losing all your money on a lost bet.
How to place a Handicap Bet at MadMarket
The MadMarket platform offers the easiest and most complete handicap betting experience in the industry.
Players can navigate the different markets and events and observe as the odds are added and fluctuate before the games start.
Thousands of games are offered daily, and you must choose the odds that suit your betting profile.
After you create your betting slip, you can select if your handicap selection will be a single bet or part of a parlay. Or even a system bet. You then need to add the stake you wish to play and you are ready to go!