What Is a Handicap Bet in Football? A Guide to Accurately Reading Handicap OddsTo participate in online football betting, it's essential for players to understand the basics of handicap betting. Usually, bookmakers will analyze various data and then release a betting odds table filled with numbers and special symbols. Without knowing how to properly read handicap odds, placing a bet can be extremely difficult. So in this article, let’s dive deeper into this popular type of bet with bet win tips!
What Is a Handicap Bet? Tips for Analyzing Handicap Odds
Explanation of Handicap Betting in Football
Handicap betting in football, also known as Asian Handicap, is used in matches where there is a noticeable difference in strength between two teams. The purpose of the handicap is to level the playing field, making the bet more balanced and fair for both sides.
In online football betting, handicap bets are divided into two types: handicap by goals and handicap by money (odds adjustment). Initially, bookmaker top use the money handicap. If the payout between the favored team (upper hand) and the underdog (lower hand) becomes too unbalanced, they switch to a goal-based handicap to balance the odds.
When placing a handicap bet, players must fully utilize their analytical skills to evaluate match information and make informed betting decisions. Choosing the correct handicap line significantly impacts your chances of winning.
Detailed Guide to Reading Handicap Odds for Beginners
In reality, many bettors place wagers without fully understanding how to read handicap odds. This is a critical mistake that can lead to losses without even knowing why. So after learning what handicap betting is, let’s take a look at how to read these odds correctly:
Level Ball Handicap – 0 Handicap (Draw No Bet)
Also known as a 0-0 or "draw" handicap, this is used when two teams are evenly matched in terms of strength.
If the team you bet on wins, you win the bet.
If the match ends in a draw, your bet is refunded—no win or loss.
Quarter Ball Handicap – 0.25 Handicap
In this case, the favored team gives a 0.25 goal handicap to the underdog.
If the favored team wins, bets on them win.
If the underdog wins, bets on them win.
If the match ends in a draw:
Bets on the favored team lose half the stake.
Bets on the underdog win half the stake.
This logic also applies to handicaps like 1.25, 2.25, etc.
See more: What does 1st half - 3 way bet football?
Half Ball Handicap – 0.5 Handicap
With a 0.5 goal handicap:
If the favored team wins, bets on them win.
If they draw or lose, bets on the underdog win.
This format also applies to 1.5, 2.5, etc.
Three-Quarter Ball Handicap – 0.75 Handicap
In this case, the favored team gives a 0.75 goal handicap:
If they win by 2 or more goals, bets on them win the full amount.
If they win by exactly 1 goal:
Bets on the favored team win half the stake.
Bets on the underdog lose half the stake.
If the match ends in a draw or the underdog wins, bets on the underdog win.
This format applies to other lines like 1.75, 2.75, etc.
One Goal Handicap – 1.0 Handicap
Here, the favored team gives a 1-goal handicap to the underdog:
If they win by 2 or more goals, bets on them win.
If they win by exactly 1 goal, the bet is a push and the stake is refunded.
If they draw or lose, bets on the underdog win.
This rule applies to other whole-number handicaps like 2.0, 3.0, etc.
This article has introduced the concept and provided a detailed guide on how to read football handicap odds, brought to you by a trusted bookmaker. We hope this information helps enhance your football betting experience. Good luck and may you win big!