Handicap betting is a special form of sports betting where you give one of the two teams a virtual head start or deficit. If you’re exploring related strategies and resources like how to find games not on GamStop, handicap bets are particularly suitable when a favorite is playing against an underdog and there is a significant difference in the odds.
The Principle of Handicap Betting
In a handicap bet at non GamStop bookmakers, you give one of the two teams a virtual head start or deficit. This is then factored into the final score. If the favorite starts the game with a -1 handicap, they must win by at least two goals for the bet to be successful. For example, if the favorite wins 2-0 and has a -1 handicap, this is mathematically treated as a 1-0 victory – the bet is won.
You can also give the underdog a head start. Thanks to the handicap, the odds change in your favor.
What Are the Advantages of a Handicap Bet?
A handicap can even out large differences in odds, as the chance of winning is lower with a virtual deficit, thus increasing the odds. This allows you to generate a value bet, even when betting on the favorite – a bet with a worthwhile risk-reward ratio. Generally, the higher the handicap, the better the odds at non GamStop bookmakers.
Handicap Betting Example
The odds for an Arsenal win against Chelsea are 1.20. With a -1 handicap, the odds rise to 2.00 – Arsenal would need to win by at least two goals. If the game officially ends 2-0, you win your bet, as Arsenal started with a -1 goal difference.
When Do Handicap Bets Offer Real Value?
Handicap bets are particularly worthwhile when a favorite faces an underdog and the odds differ significantly. For example, if an offensively strong team plays against a team with a weak defense and a decisive result is likely, a handicap bet is a good option.
What Types of Handicaps Are There?
Generally, a distinction is made between the classic handicap and the Asian handicap. With the first variant, you bet on whole goals or whole numbers. A draw is therefore not possible.
In contrast, Asian handicaps are given in half or quarter increments, e.g., -1.5 or -0.25. This means that the bet is split for certain outcomes. Thus, you can use an Asian handicap bet to create a double chance bet.
Example: With a bet of -0.25 on Team A, the stake is split. 50% goes to 0 (Draw No Bet) and 50% to -0.5. In this case, there are three possible outcomes:
- Team A wins = full prize
- A draw means half the stake is back, half the stake is lost.
- Team A loses = bet loses
What Are the Advantages of Handicap Betting?
The major advantage of handicap betting is that it makes bets on the favorite worthwhile, even those that would normally have little value. This is because the odds increase in direct proportion to the handicap amount at non GamStop bookmakers. This allows you to continue placing the “safe” bet on the favorite while still benefiting from better odds.
What Are the Disadvantages of Handicap Betting?
Generally, handicap bets are only worthwhile if the starting odds differ significantly. If there is no clear favorite, the risk of handicap bets is higher. Furthermore, Asian handicap bets are more complex than other types of bets, which is why they are more suitable for experienced bettors.
Conclusion
Handicap betting is an effective way to balance out one-sided odds and make even bets on clear favorites attractive again. Especially in matches with a significant difference in strength between the teams, a handicap can lead to considerably better odds.
Those who understand how it works and use it strategically can benefit from exciting betting opportunities and attractive winning odds. However, beginners are advised to start with simple variations and gradually work their way up to more complex handicap forms. Those who prefer to bet without restrictions will find what they’re looking for at a betting provider offering unlimited betting options.
