Betting on a team to overcome a hypothetical disadvantage or handicap. It can level the playing field when there's a significant difference in team quality.
A Handicap bet, also known as a "Spread" or "Asian Handicap" bet, is a type of wager in sports betting, including football. It is designed to level the playing field between two teams of differing abilities by giving an advantage or disadvantage in terms of goals before the match starts. The sportsbook sets a handicap line, and bettors can then bet on whether the favored team will win by more goals than the handicap (cover the spread) or if the underdog will lose by fewer goals than the handicap (beat the spread).
In a Handicap bet, the two teams involved in the match are assigned "+" or "-" values, indicating the number of goals by which they are favored or considered the underdog.
For example, if the handicap is set at -1.5 for Team A and +1.5 for Team B, betting on Team A means they must win by two or more goals to cover the spread. Betting on Team B means they must either win the match or lose by one goal for your bet to be successful.It's important to note that Handicap bets are most commonly offered in quarter-goal or half-goal increments to avoid a push or tie situation. For example, instead of setting the handicap at -1, the sportsbook may offer a -1.5 handicap.Method:
Research the Match: Analyze the teams' recent form, head-to-head records, injuries, and any other factors that might influence the match's outcome.
Check the Handicap Line: Look for the Handicap line set by the sportsbook for the match you want to bet on. The line will be presented as a positive or negative value, indicating the number of goals for the underdog and the favorite, respectively.
Choose Your Bet: Based on your research and confidence in the teams, decide whether you want to bet on the favorite or the underdog to cover or beat the spread.
Calculate Potential Payout: Determine the potential payout for your bet based on the odds and your wager amount. If betting on the favorite, multiply your bet by the odds and divide by 100 to get the potential winnings. If betting on the underdog, divide your bet by the odds and multiply by 100.
Place Your Bet: Once you've made your decision and calculated the potential payout, place your Handicap bet with the chosen bookmaker.
Watch the Outcome: Follow the match and see if the team you bet on covers or beats the spread. If they do, your bet is successful, and you will receive the calculated payout.
Handicap bets can provide an exciting twist to football betting, particularly when there is a clear difference in team quality. Understanding how handicaps work and conducting thorough research can help you make informed decisions and improve your chances of success in this type of wager.