Handicap betting is one of the most popular types of football wagers, favored by many. However, not everyone understands its concept and mechanics thoroughly. In this article by 8xbet, win betting tips delve into a detailed exploration of handicap betting, covering definitions, common types of bets, and effective betting strategies.
Understanding Handicap Betting
Handicap betting is a prevalent type of football wager where the bookmaker assigns a point handicap to the weaker team. The purpose is to balance the playing field, allowing bettors to safely bet on the underdog.
For example, in a match between powerhouse Manchester United and underdog Sheffield United, the bookmaker may set a -1.5 handicap for Manchester United. This means that for a bet on Manchester United to win, they must defeat Sheffield United by more than 1.5 goals. If the match ends 2-1, bets on Manchester United would lose because they didn’t cover the -1.5 handicap. However, a 3-1 result would win the bet for Manchester United backers.
Types of Popular Handicap Bets in Football Betting
In football betting, various types of handicap bets exist, each with its own characteristics and applications in specific scenarios. Here are some common types:
Asian Handicap
Asian Handicap is the most popular handicap type in football betting with betting site. In this type, the bookmaker assigns handicaps like 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, or 2 goals to the underdog.
Example scenarios:
Manchester United -1 vs. Sheffield United: Manchester United must win by more than 1 goal for bets to win.
Real Madrid +0.5 vs. Barcelona: Real Madrid must not lose by more than 0.5 goals for bets to win.
A key feature of Asian Handicap is the elimination of the draw result, offering only two outcomes: win or lose.
European Handicap
European Handicap is similar to Asian Handicap but includes a draw outcome. The bookmaker assigns handicaps like 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, or 2 goals to the underdog.
Example scenarios:
Manchester United -1 vs. Sheffield United: Manchester United must win by more than 1 goal for bets to win. A 1-goal win results in a draw for bets.
Real Madrid +0.5 vs. Barcelona: Real Madrid must not lose by more than 0.5 goals for bets to win. A 0.5-goal loss results in a draw for bets.
The main difference from Asian Handicap is the inclusion of a draw result.
3-Way Handicap
3-Way Handicap involves three possible outcomes: win, draw, and loss. The bookmaker assigns handicaps to the underdog.
Example scenarios:
Manchester United -1 vs. Sheffield United: Manchester United must win by more than 1 goal for bets to win. A 1-goal win results in a draw for bets.
Real Madrid +1 vs. Barcelona: Real Madrid must not lose by more than 1 goal for bets to win. A 1-goal loss results in a draw for bets.
The distinctive feature is the explicit handicap assignment, often set at 1 goal.
Even/Odd Handicap
Even/Odd Handicap is based on whether the underdog scores an even or odd number of goals. If the underdog scores an even number of goals, bets on them win; if odd, bets lose.
Example scenarios:
Manchester United -0.5 vs. Sheffield United: If Sheffield United scores an even number of goals, bets win. If odd, bets lose.
Real Madrid +0.5 vs. Barcelona: If Barcelona scores an odd number of goals, bets win. If even, bets lose.
Even/Odd Handicap is commonly applied in Asian or European Handicap scenarios with closely matched scores.
Effective Handicap Betting Strategies
Handicap betting requires specific knowledge and skills for effective wagering. Here are some strategies:
Research Team Information Before betting, research both teams thoroughly, including:
Recent form of both teams
Strengths (rankings, records, key players, etc.)
Player injuries or suspensions
Head-to-head history
Detailed research provides a more accurate assessment of each team's capabilities, aiding in precise match predictions.
Monitor Handicap Changes Alongside team research, monitor handicap changes announced by bookmakers. These changes reflect the bookmakers' evaluations of team strengths, helping bettors make more informed betting decisions.
Apply Betting Strategies To bet effectively on handicaps, apply suitable betting strategies such as:
Betting on the underdog with a large handicap for safer bets.
Betting on the favorite with a small handicap for higher risk and reward.
Distributing capital across multiple matches to avoid concentrating on a single match.
Effective Risk Management While handicap betting offers profit opportunities, it also involves higher risks. Therefore, effective risk management strategies include:
Determining an acceptable betting capital limit.
Avoiding overly large bets on a single match.
Closely monitoring match developments and adjusting betting plans accordingly.
Conclusion
Handicap betting is a popular form of football wagering, favored for its potential to increase profits. However, it carries higher risks compared to standard bets. To bet effectively on handicaps at bookmaker meaning, bettors need specific knowledge and skills.
