Handicap Betting Guide – What is Handicap Betting?

Handicap betting, also known as point spread betting, is a popular form of sports betting where one team is given a virtual point advantage or disadvantage before the start of the game. This spices up sports betting, giving it a new dimension, consequently enhancing the bettor’s experience and making the wagers more competitive.

The following in-depth guide will highlight all the key information needed to educate yourself about handicap betting. We’ll explain how the handicap works, the different types, its pros and cons, and a handy step-by-step process for placing bets on the handicap. Further to that, we’ll provide you with expert tips and the best sporting events to place those wagers on. Whether you’re just discovering handicap betting or looking to take things to the next level, this guide has all sporting handicap angles covered.

What is Handicap Betting?

Point spread betting aims to level the playing field between perceived weaker and stronger teams by granting the former a virtual advantage or head start while the latter receives a disadvantage or handicap.

To achieve this balance, a numerical figure is assigned to both the underdog team — typically the one with higher odds or a plus (+) sign in front of its lines, and the favorites — the team with lower odds or a minus (-) sign in front of its lines. This figure represents the number of points the team must win or lose by for the bet’s outcome to be determined.

Handicap betting is commonly used in sports where there’s a perceived mismatch in skill level between the two competing teams or where the odds of a team winning outright are very low. This can include sports such as basketball, football, soccer, tennis, and even horse racing – a strong favorite in a race like the Kentucky Derby, may have bigger odds to win a race by a certain distance of lengths.

To bet on a handicap market, you’ll need to sign up and create an account with a bookmaker or sports betting website that offers this type of betting. Once you’ve selected your preferred betting market, simply place your wager and wait for the outcome of the game to determine whether you’ve won or lost.

How Does Handicap Betting Work?

Handicap betting, a popular form of betting on sports events, works by giving one team an advantage or disadvantage in points before the start of the game. This is commonly done to level the playing field and make betting more exciting and competitive.

To better understand how this form of betting works, let’s take a look at the NBA playoff game between the New York Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Cleveland Cavaliers are the favorites to win the game, and the bookmakers have set the point spread at -5 in their favor. This means that if you bet on the Cavaliers to win with the handicap, they must secure victory by at least 6 points for your bet to win.

On the other hand, if you bet on the New York Knicks to win with the handicap, they must either win the game outright or lose by no more than 5 points for you to win the bet.

It’s also worth noting that with the North America sports betting market expected to gain market growth in the forecast period of 2023 to 2030, possibly reaching over $54,336 million by 2030, there has never been a better time to get involved with betting on sports like the NFL and NBA.

How to Work out Your Own Handicap

To work out your own handicap and bet appropriately on sporting events, you’ll need to take into account a number of factors, including the skill level of the teams or players, their recent form, and any injuries or suspensions. You can then use this information to determine how you think the event will pan out and more importantly, the point spread that you think is most suitable.

Historical Examples of Big Handicap Payouts

In the past, handicap betting has resulted in significant payouts for those who bet on various sports events. For instance, during the Super Bowl XLVIII between the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks, the Seahawks won with a point spread of -2.5, leading to a substantial payout for bettors who had placed their bets on them with the handicap.

Similarly, the 2016 US Open Golf saw Dustin Johnson emerge victorious with a point spread of -4, resulting in a considerable payout for bettors who had put their money on him to win with that handicap.

What are the Advantages of Handicap Betting?

There are several advantages to handicap betting, which is why it has become a popular way of betting on sports events. Here are some of them:

1. Increased betting options

With point spread betting, you can broaden your range of betting options compared to traditional betting. This is because it gives you the opportunity to place a wager on either the favorite or the underdog.

For instance, in a soccer match between Manchester United and Burnley, where Manchester United is considered the favorite team, and Burnley is the underdog. If you place a handicap bet on Burnley, you could win the bet even if they lose the game, provided they perform better than expected based on the line.

2. Level playing field

By offering a head start in points to the underdog, this bet type can make a seemingly one-sided match more competitive and exciting. This is because the handicap helps level the playing field and create a balance between the two teams or players.

For instance, in a football game between the New England Patriots and the New York Jets, the Patriots might be heavily favored to win. However, with point spread betting, the Jets could be given a +10-point advantage, meaning that if the Patriots win by less than 10 points, bets placed on the Jets with the handicap would be winners.

3. Higher payouts

When you place a handicap bet, the point spread can result in higher payouts compared to traditional betting. This is because the odds are adjusted to level the playing field, making it more challenging to win the bet. However, if you accurately predict the outcome of the game and the point spread, you can earn a higher payout than traditional betting.

For example, in a soccer game, if the point spread is +1 for the underdog team, and you place a bet on them to win, they can still lose the game but win the bet. If they manage to win the game, the handicap will increase the payout for your bet by a considerable amount.

4. Flexibility

Point spread betting allows you to bet on a variety of sports, from NBA spread odds betting and football to golf and tennis. This means you can use your knowledge of different sports to your advantage and find value bets across a range of events.

5. Hedging your bets

In simpler terms, you can place bets on both the favorite and the underdog, reducing your overall risk exposure.

For instance, during the 2021 Super Bowl, bettors could have hedged their bets by placing one bet on the favored Kansas City Chiefs to win outright and another wager on the underdog Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a point spread. If the Chiefs won, the bettor would have won the first bet, but if the Buccaneers covered the point spread, the bettor would have won the second bet, thus hedging their overall risk – for the record, the game finished 31-9 to Tampa.

6. More strategic betting

The bet type requires a deeper understanding of the teams or players involved, as you need to factor in the point spread and how it affects the game. This can help bettors make more strategic betting decisions, as they are not only betting on who will win, but also on the margin of victory.

7. More challenging and rewarding

It can be more challenging than traditional betting, as it requires a greater understanding of the sport and the teams or players involved. However, it can also be more rewarding, as it offers the potential for higher payouts and the satisfaction of making accurate predictions based on your knowledge and research.

Types of Handicap Betting

There are several types of handicap betting, including:

1. Quarter Handicap Betting

Quarter Handicap Betting is a type in which the handicap is split evenly between two teams. Another term for this type of betting is the split handicap or half handicap.

For example, let’s say that the NFL betting line for a match between the Buffalo Bills and the Los Angeles Rams is -6.5. In Quarter Handicap Betting, half of the handicap (-3.25) would be applied to the Buffalo Bills, and the other half (-3.25) would be applied to the Los Angeles Rams. This means that for a bet on the Buffalo Bills to win, they would need to win the match by more than 3.25 points, while a bet on Los Angeles Rams would be successful if they win the match outright or lose by less than 3.25 points.

2. Double Handicap Betting

Double Handicap Betting is a type of sports betting option where two handicaps are applied to one team, making it more challenging for them to win. This betting type is also called the split line or the dual handicap.

To illustrate, let’s take an example of a football match between Manchester City and Leeds United. In Double Handicap Betting, if Man City is considered the favorite, they may be given a handicap of -1.5 goals and -2 goals. This means that Man City would have to win by at least three goals in order for a bet on them to be successful. On the other hand, if you bet on Leeds, they would have a handicap of +1.5 goals and +2 goals, making it easier for you to win the bet.

3. Reverse Handicap Betting

Instead of giving the underdog a head start, this bet type works by giving the handicap to the favorite team, making it more challenging for them to win. This type of betting is also called Negative Handicap or Minus Handicap.

If the New York Yankees are heavily favored to win a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, a reverse handicap line might give the Yankees a -1.5 handicap, meaning they have to win by at least two runs for a bet on them to pay out.

4. Total Handicap Betting

This type involves the bookmaker setting a handicap based on the expected total number of points or goals that will be scored in a match and is commonly referred to as the over/under or goal line handicap. Bettors can choose to bet on whether they think the total number of points or goals scored will be over or under the set handicap.

For example, if the total handicap for a soccer match is set at 2.5 goals, bettors can choose to bet on whether they think the total number of goals scored in the match will be over 2.5 goals or under 2.5 goals. If the match’s final score is 2-1, the total number of goals scored is three, meaning that those who bet on over 2.5 goals would win, while those who bet on under 2.5 goals would lose.

5. Alternative Handicap Betting

Also referred to as alternative line or spread betting, this type of betting is where bookmakers offer different handicap options, allowing bettors to select the one that aligns with their preferred betting style or strategy.

With alternative handicap betting, bettors can select a handicap that differs from the traditional handicap offered, providing more flexibility and control over the bet. In soccer matches, for instance, the traditional handicap line may be -1.5 or +1.5 goals, but with alternative handicap betting, options may include -0.5, -1.0, +0.5, or +1.0 goals.

6. First Quarter Handicap Betting

In this form of betting, only the score of the first quarter of a game is taken into consideration. This type of betting is also referred to as the first period handicap or the first quarter line. In First Quarter Handicap Betting, a handicap is applied to one team to level the playing field, making it more difficult for bettors to predict the outcome.

For example, when looking at NBA picks in basketball, the Los Angeles Lakers may be favored to beat the Miami Heat by 10 points, but with a First Quarter Handicap of +3.5, the Heat would start the first quarter with a 3.5-point lead. This means that for the bettor to win, the Lakers must score at least 4 points more than the Heat in the first quarter.

7. First or Second Half Handicap Betting

First and Second Half Handicap Betting involves applying a handicap to the score of either the first or second half of a game. This type of handicap betting is also referred to as the first/second period handicap or the first/second half line and can be either a positive or negative number.

For instance, in a basketball game, the bookmaker may set the handicap line for the second half as -5.5 for the favorite team. If you bet on the favorite team to win the second half with a handicap of -5.5, they must score at least six more points than the underdog team in the second half for your bet to win.

Different Handicap Betting Around the World

Handicap betting is not limited to just one form, and there are different handicap betting types around the world that offer different ways to bet on sports events. Two of the most popular handicap betting types are European Handicap Betting and Asian Handicap Betting.

European Handicap Betting

Also known as 3-way handicap betting, the European handicap betting involves a point spread with a half goal, so there is no possibility of a draw. In this type of handicap betting, you bet on a team to win by a certain margin or lose by less than a certain margin. If you were to place a European handicap bet on a team with a -1.5 handicap, they would need to win by two goals or more for you to win the bet.

Asian Handicap Betting

Meanwhile, Asian Handicap Betting is one that originated in Asia and has since gained popularity worldwide. Here, the underdog team is given a head start in terms of points or goals, which is represented as a decimal.

The idea of the Asian handicap is as follows — if the handicap line is +1.5 for the underdog team, they would have a 1.5 goal head start. If the favorite team wins by only one goal, the underdog bet is a win.

For American bettors, there are many opportunities to bet on European Handicap Betting and Asian Handicap Betting markets. Some of the popular sports for handicap betting include soccer, basketball, tennis, and golf. Football handicap betting is also a lucrative option in America.

Handicap Betting vs. Asian Handicap Betting

Handicap betting and Asian handicap betting are two popular types of sports betting that allow bettors to level the playing field between two teams of unequal strength. However, while both forms of betting involve handicapping the stronger team by adding points to the underdog’s score, there are some key differences between the two:

• Handicap betting is a traditional form of betting where a handicap is applied to the final score of the game, while in Asian handicap betting, the handicap is applied to the actual outcome of the game.
• In handicap betting, there are three outcomes – win, lose, or draw. However, for the Asian handicap, there are only two outcomes – win or lose.
• Handicap betting can result in a tie or push, meaning no one wins or loses, while Asian handicap eliminates this possibility by using half numbers in the handicap.
• Asian handicap offers more betting lines, including quarter and half handicaps, which can lead to more precise betting and potentially higher payouts.

Pros and Cons of Handicap Betting

Pros and Cons of Asian Handicap Betting

Most Popular Sports for Handicap Betting

Handicap betting adds an extra level of excitement and strategy to traditional betting options. While point spread betting is available for a wide range of sports, certain sports are particularly popular with this type of betting.

Here are five of the most popular sports for handicap betting that you can find on sportsbooks in America and the different types of handicap betting available for each:

1. Football (NFL) Handicap Betting

Point spread betting is very popular in football, especially in the NFL. The most common form of football handicap betting is the point spread bet, where the bookmaker assigns a point handicap to the team that is deemed the underdog.

Let’s say the Dallas Cowboys are playing against the New England Patriots, and the point spread is +7 in favor of the Cowboys; a bet on the Cowboys would win if they win the game or lose by less than 7 points. On the other hand, a bet on the Patriots would win if they win the game by more than 7 points.

In addition to point spreads, other forms of football handicap betting you can find on NFL betting apps include first quarter/half handicap, where the handicap is only applied to the first quarter or half of the game.

2. Basketball (NBA) Handicap Betting

Handicap betting is also very popular in basketball, especially in the NBA. Similar to football, the most common form of handicap betting in basketball is the point spread bet, where a point handicap is assigned to the underdog team.

In the game below, the Boston Celtics are playing against the Atlanta Hawks, and the point spread is +7 in favor of the Hawks. A bet on the Hawks would payout if they either win the game or lose by less than 6 points. On the other hand, the -7 handicap applied to the Celtics means that a bet on them would only win if they earn victory by a minimum of 7 points.

Other forms of this betting in basketball include first quarter/half handicap and team totals.

3. Tennis Handicap Betting

Handicap betting in tennis involves giving one player or team a hypothetical advantage in the game to even out the odds for both sides. There are two main types of tennis handicap betting: game handicap betting and set handicap betting.

In game handicap betting, the bookmaker will assign a handicap to one player, usually the underdog, and the bettor can bet on whether the favorite will win by more games than the handicap or if the underdog will lose by fewer games.

Therefore, when looking at tennis odds on the handicap, in the game below between Andrey Rublev and Stan Wawrinka, the handicap is +4 for Wawrinka, which means that he would start with a 4-game lead. A handicap bet on Wawrinka would win if he wins the match outrightly or loses by a margin of less than 4 games. Rublev has a spread of -4, which means that he needs to win the match with a margin of 5 or more games for the bet to payout.

In set betting, the same principle applies, but instead of games, the bookmaker assigns a handicap in sets.

4. Hockey (NHL) Handicap Betting

Handicap betting is quite popular in hockey, especially in the NHL. The most common form of handicap betting in hockey is the puck line, which is similar to the run line in baseball.

In the game below, the Toronto Maple Leafs are playing against the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the puck line is +1.5 in favor of Tampa Bay. A bet on Tampa Bay Lightning would win if they win the game or lose by less than 2 goals. A bet on the Maple Leafs would win only if they win the game by 2 or more goals.

Other forms of this betting in hockey include first period and team totals.

5. Soccer (MLS, EPL) Handicap Betting

Handicap betting is very popular in soccer, especially in the MLS and EPL. The most common form of handicap betting on soccer betting apps is the Asian handicap, which is slightly different from the traditional point spread bet. In the Asian handicap, the draw is eliminated as a possibility, and the handicap is applied in half or quarter-point increments.

In the game between Everton and Newcastle United shown below, the Asian Handicap is +0.5  in favor of Everton while Newcastle have a handicap of -0.5; A bet on Newcastle United would win if they secure victory by 1 or more goals. On the other hand, a bet on Everton would payout if they win outrightly or draw the game.

Other forms of this type of betting in soccer include first half/half time handicap, total goals, and team totals.

Is Handicap Betting Legal?

Handicap betting is legal in the United States, but the legality varies from state to state. Currently, there are over 30 states that have legalized sports betting, including some that have specifically regulated betting. These states include New Jersey, Nevada, Delaware, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Arkansas, and Oregon.

However, even if you live in a state where handicap betting is not yet legal, you can still participate in handicap betting by using offshore sportsbooks. These online sportsbooks operate outside of the United States and are not subject to US laws, which means that they can legally offer handicap betting to American bettors.

It is important to note that while offshore sportsbooks are not illegal for American bettors to use, they are usually not regulated by US authorities, which means that there is a risk involved in using them. Bettors should only use the most reputable and trustworthy offshore sportsbooks with a proven record of fair play and reliable payouts.

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Tips for Handicap Betting and Strategy

Handicap betting can be a lucrative strategy for those who know how to use it wisely. Here are some tips to keep in mind when planning your betting strategy:

1. Study the form

Before placing a handicap bet, it’s essential to research the team or player’s recent form, injuries, and head-to-head record. This information will give you a better understanding of how the match might play out.

2. Understand the odds

When betting on handicaps, the odds can vary significantly from traditional betting markets. Understanding how odds work and the potential payouts you could receive is important.

3. Look for value

When betting, it’s essential to look for value. This means finding opportunities where the bookmaker has mispriced the odds, giving you a better chance of making a profit.

4. Don’t chase losses

It can be tempting to chase losses, especially when using a strategy. However, this can lead to poor decision-making and further losses. Stick to your strategy and avoid the temptation to chase losses.

5. Consider the context

When handicapping a match, it’s important to consider the context of the game. This includes factors like the importance of the match, home advantage, and weather conditions.

6. Practice proper bankroll management

As with any form of betting, managing your bankroll effectively is important. This means setting a budget, sticking to it, and avoiding the temptation to bet more than you can afford.

7. Keep a record

Finally, keeping a record of your bets and their outcomes is a good idea. This will help you to identify any patterns or areas for improvement in your handicap betting strategy.

Handicap Betting – The Pros and Cons

While handicap betting can offer many advantages, such as higher payouts and a wider range of betting options, there are also some drawbacks to consider. Below is a comprehensive list of the pros and cons to help you make informed decisions when placing your bets.

Pros & Cons

FAQs