What is Handicap Betting?

Definition: Handicap betting gives one side a virtual head start or deficit before the event begins. The bet is settled on the result after the handicap is applied.

Example: Home -1 means the home side must win by two or more goals for the bet to win. A 1-0 win counts as a draw after the handicap.

Common handicap formats:

European handicap (3-way) - three selections: home with handicap, draw with handicap, away with handicap.
Point spread - used in US sports, with half-point lines such as -3.5 so that there is no tie.

Why sportsbooks offer handicaps: when one side is a clear favourite, a handicap creates more balanced prices on both sides of the market.

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Related Terms

Esports Betting

Esports betting is betting on competitive video game matches and tournaments, offered in the sportsbook alongside traditional sports.

Virtual Sports

Virtual sports are computer-simulated sports events, such as football, horse racing or tennis, with outcomes generated by an RNG and shown as animation.

BTTS (Both Teams to Score)

BTTS (Both Teams to Score) is a football market on whether each side scores at least one goal during the match.

Double Chance / Draw No Bet

Double chance and draw no bet (DNB) are football markets that change how a draw affects the bet.

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