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 AND CONS OF HANDICAP BETTING
Handicap in betting is seen by many as a way to make boring games interesting. And by others as a way for bookmakers to push players to place more bets. There are several pros and cons that you need to have in mind before you decide to bet on those markets:
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.
HOW TO PLACE A HANDICAP BET IN 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!
TOP THREE STRATEGIES
As your betting improves and you transform from a casual punter into an experienced player, you should incorporate some strategies in your portfolio. Here are some ideas:
- Price hedging. Find odds from bookmakers and betting exchanges to create 0% or positive margin opportunities.
- 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.
