What is a Handicap Bet? European and Asian Handicap Explained
What is it? Handicap Betting Explained
Handicap is a bet type where a bookmaker allows users to give one or another team a virtual advantage (or disadvantage). This is done to even chances out. If you wager on a strong favorite at −1.5, the team needs to score at least two goals for your bet to win. For example, you take Real Madrid at −1.5 against an outsider. A 3-1 win means that you win; however, 2-1 means a loss, because the score becomes 0.5–1 after applying a handicap. To test this betting feature, join VivatBet, where many markets are available. Rules may slightly vary depending on the handicap type, as explained below.
European handicap
European handicap means working with hole numbers (−1, +1, −2, etc.). There are three possible outcomes here: win, draw, or lose. If the result is identical to the line, that counts as a “handicap draw”, a separate outcome you can bet on. Example: Team A (handicap −1) wins 1–0 and the adjusted score is 0–0. So a bet on Team A loses; only a draw wins in this case. But if they win 2–0, your wager on Team A is successful.
Asian handicap
It uses half and a quarter lines, like −0.5, +1.5, −0.25, and −0.75. This system originated in Indonesia (that’s why it is called Asian) and has gained popularity across Europe. It is used primarily in football betting, but similar spread or line betting is found in ice hockey and baseball.
Half lines can never coincide with the result, so there is no push and draw is taken out of the equation. Your bet either wins or loses. Example: you back Team A at −0.5 with €100 at odds of 1.90. Any win, even 1–0, means that you get €190. A draw or loss leads to loss of the initial amount.
The situation is different with −0.25 and the same €100 is split: €50 on 0 and €50 on −0.5. Hence, a 1–0 means full win, while 0–0 pays back half.
Why use handicap betting?
This is one of the most popular types of betting markets, along with double chance. Handicap bet evens chances in lopsided matches, making it more reasonable to wager on a favorite. The stronger team may be priced at just 1.10 for the positive match result. However, if you apply −1, the odds increase to a more attractive 1.60 or 1.70. You take a bit higher risk, because now they need to win by 2 or more goals; however, the bigger payout potential justifies the handicap bet.
