Understanding Handicap Betting and Maximizing its Benefits

Handicap betting adds a unique twist to sports wagering by leveling the playing field for teams or players of skill levels. The goal is to offer various betting choices and ensure all participants are matched fairly based on their skills. This article will discuss handicap betting, ways to make the most of it, and common mistakes to avoid.

What Is Handicap Betting and How Does it Work?

Handicap betting is a concept used in sports betting to level the playing field between two unevenly matched teams or players. This technique involves providing one side with an advantage or handicap by adjusting the number of goals/points allocated, influencing each side’s chances of winning. It’s a fun way to bet, but it’s not available with all betting platforms. Gambling expert Khadija Bilal says that bettors should seek out an app that provides several betting lines, including moneylines, point spreads, over/under bets, props, futures, round robins, teasers, same-game parlays, and traditional parlays for more ways to win. These, and handicap betting, are more exciting bets than simply picking the winning team or athlete. Thankfully, through many of the trusted apps listed on readwrite.com, bettors can place their handicap bets where bookmakers offer an advantage to the team and a disadvantage to the stronger team, as this way of betting is becoming more popular. Let’s say there is an NFL match between the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets.

The Dolphins are favored to win and have a -7.5 point spread against the Jets, who have a +7.5 spread. For your bet to be successful, the Dolphins need to win by more than 7.5 points, whereas the Jets, on the other hand, would need to win the game or lose by more than 7.5 points.

Handicap betting aims to increase sports events’ competitiveness and entertainment value by providing varied odds beyond straightforward win, draw, or loss results.

Handicap Betting Variations

Handicap betting in sports can take on different forms, each providing a unique variation to standard betting:

Half-Number Handicaps

Half-number handicaps are a common type of handicap bet expressed in decimals, for example, -7.5 and +7.5. This particular format guarantees that there will always be a definitive outcome without the chance of a tie, making it easier for bettors to understand. 

Single Handicap Betting

Single handicap betting is a type of wager in which one team is given a virtual advantage over the other to make the odds more even. This entails allocating specific points/goals to one team, either given or received.   

For instance, in a Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool, Manchester United is predicted to win by the sportsbook. If Manchester United has a -1 handicap, they need to win by more than one goal for bets on them to be successful. 

If Liverpool has a +1 handicap, bets on them must win or lose by only one goal for them to be successful. If you wager on Manchester United with a -1 handicap and they win 2-0, your bet is a winner. However, if they win 1-0, your bet is unsuccessful. This form of betting offers chances to take advantage of forecasts while keeping the odds in check.

European Handicap Betting

European handicap betting entails adjusting the score by adding or subtracting goals/points to create equality between teams with different ability levels. This method is frequently used in football, rugby, basketball, and tennis to provide a fairer betting environment and improve the overall gambling experience. 

Asian Handicap Betting

Asian handicap betting has become popular globally. It removes the chances of a tie by offering fractional handicaps. For example, the Lakers are expected to win in an NBA match between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. With an Asian Handicap line at Lakers -4.5, they must win by more than 4.5 points for bets on them to be successful.   

If you bet on the Warriors with a +4.5 handicap, they must win or lose by less than 4.5 points for the bet to be successful. This type of betting eliminates the possibility of a draw, which is why it is well-liked worldwide. 

No Draw Handicap Betting

No-draw handicap betting eliminates the possibility of a draw and centers on each team’s performance. This type of betting simplifies the process and provides clearer results than traditional handicap betting.

First-Goal Betting

First-goal betting focuses on predicting which team will score the first goal in a match. It differs from traditional handicap betting in that it does not consider the game’s final result but focuses exclusively on the initial goal. 

Top Strategies for Handicap Betting

If you have effective strategies in place, handicap betting can be exceptionally profitable:

Understand Different Handicap Markets

Get acquainted with different handicap betting options, such as mixed handicap wagers, Asian handicap wagers, and regular handicap wagers, to select the best option, depending on the game and teams. Also, I understand the odds and possible results of being successful in handicap betting.

Bet on Unequally Matched Teams

Focus on betting on matches with a noticeable gap in strength between the teams. Handicap bets can add excitement to these games by giving the less powerful team an advantage before the game starts.

Use Asian Handicap to Eliminate Draws

Asian handicap bets remove the possibility of a draw, enabling you to concentrate on forecasting outcomes between two options. This can streamline your betting choices and enhance your likelihood of winning.

Consider Value Handicaps

Look for betting opportunities in handicap markets where the odds are undervalued compared to their true worth. By choosing bets that offer greater potential rewards and minimal risks, you can increase your profits in handicap betting.

Common Mistakes in Handicap Betting

When participating in handicap betting, avoiding common mistakes affecting your chances of winning is essential. Here are some common mistakes that should be avoided:

Chasing Higher Odds

Resist the urge to seek out higher odds by choosing larger handicaps to potentially earn more money. This strategy could reduce your chances of winning because meeting the necessary conditions for the bet may become more difficult.

Betting Based on Missed Lines

Avoid focusing too heavily on missed opportunities or try to compensate for missed opportunities without fully understanding the consequences. Instead, evaluate the impact of the new opportunity and make well-informed choices based on its worth.

Overpaying and Making Minimal Bets

Overpaying for odds or placing small bets without considering value can negatively impact your success in handicap betting. Evaluating the value of odds and determining stake size strategically according to potential returns is crucial for profitability in this type of betting.