What is the meaning of handicap in betting football
Football betting has quickly become one of the world’s favorite pastimes, attracting both casual fans and serious bettors alike. With online football betting rapidly growing, terms like ‘handicap’ often confuse beginners and even seasoned players. Handicap betting is a method bookmakers use to balance the football betting odds when there’s a clear favorite and an underdog.
Imagine Liverpool playing against a lower-ranked team like Burnley. Without a handicap, betting on Liverpool would offer very low odds. To make betting more exciting, bookmakers might assign Liverpool a handicap of -1.5 goals. This means Liverpool needs to win by at least two goals for your bet to win. On the other hand, Burnley with a +1.5 goal advantage means you’d win even if they lose by a single goal.
Types of Handicaps in Football Betting
European Handicap
The European handicap is straightforward: it adds or subtracts goals before the match starts. This leaves three possible betting outcomes:
- Home team wins (with the handicap applied)
- Away team wins (with the handicap applied)
- Draw (exactly matches the handicap)
For example, if Manchester United faces Newcastle with a handicap of -1 goal, Manchester United must secure a victory by at least two goals for any bets placed on them to pay off.
Asian Handicap Explained
Asian handicap betting is popular because it removes the possibility of a draw, making betting simpler:
- If your team wins after applying the handicap, your bet is successful.
- If the result is a draw after applying the handicap, you get your stake back.
For example, if Arsenal has an Asian handicap of -1 against West Ham, Arsenal must win by at least two goals. If Arsenal wins by exactly one goal, your stake is refunded. This feature minimizes risk, making Asian handicaps attractive for bettors seeking safer bets.’ to tighten the prose.
Why Choose Handicap Betting?
Handicap betting can increase odds for matches with clear favorites and reduce risks when betting on underdogs. This flexibility attracts both novice and experienced bettors, offering the best betting experience through fairer and more balanced scenarios.
Popular Football Events for Handicap Betting
- Premier League betting & Championship betting odds: The significant differences in team strengths make handicap betting particularly appealing.
- La Liga and Bundesliga: Clear favorites vs. underdogs scenarios.
- Europa League betting and World Cup betting: International fixtures where team strength is uneven.
Effective Handicap Betting Strategies
- Team Form & Statistics: Always review recent performance, team form, injuries, and head-to-head stats.
- Home vs. Away Performances: Consider home advantages, as home teams often perform better.
- Specialize in Certain Leagues: Deep understanding of leagues increases your accuracy.
- Avoid emotional betting: Make rational decisions based on analysis, not team loyalties.
Handicap Betting in Kenya and Nigeria
Football betting, especially in the handicap markets, has gained immense popularity in Kenya and Nigeria. Local bettors actively use handicaps to balance the odds, especially in popular leagues such as the English Premier League, La Liga, and UEFA competitions. Many bettors in Kenya rely heavily on mobile betting platforms like SportPesa and Betika, while in Nigeria, Bet9ja and NairaBet lead the market. New football betting sites are continuously emerging in these markets, offering attractive promotions.
Handicap betting suits Kenyan and Nigerian bettors by providing better returns on clear favorites and making bets on local and international matches more engaging. Regular promotional offers from bookmakers in these countries further enhance the appeal of handicap betting.
How to Make Money Betting on Football Handicaps
- Value betting: Spot where bookmakers underestimate or overestimate team abilities.
- Compare Odds: Always use multiple betting apps or sites to discover the most favorable odds available.. Platforms like Betway, 1xBet, and other new football betting sites often offer promotions and attractive odds.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Always bet within a budget, stick to a fixed betting plan, and avoid chasing losses.
Best Football Betting Apps and Sites for Handicap Betting
New football betting sites regularly offer attractive bonuses and higher odds. Popular betting apps with strong handicap markets include Bet365, Betway, and Unibet, frequently cited as the best football betting app choices for soccer betting enthusiasts.
Betting Responsibly
Sport betting, including handicaps, should always be considered a form of entertainment. Set clear betting limits and never gamble money that you can’t afford to lose. If you feel betting is becoming problematic, use tools provided by bookmakers for responsible gambling, such as deposit limits and self-exclusion.
Understanding handicaps can dramatically enhance the thrill of your football betting journey, making matches more exciting and potentially profitable. It’s about strategy, patience, and knowing when to take calculated risks.
Publication date 06.03.2025
By Murray Joyce
3 minute read
