Handicap betting is a widely popular method of placing bets that equalizes the opportunities for both participants or teams involved in a particular event. It entails granting an advantage to one side by either adding or deducting virtual points or goals. Within this extensive guide, we will clarify the concept, provide instructions on how to place such bets, and explore diverse examples across various sports.
The concept OF HANDICAP in betting
When one side of a confrontation is considerably better than the other and the outcome is almost certain, there would be no point in placing bets as the odds would be too low. In cases like this, bookmakers add a virtual advantage by saying that “we will consider it a victory” only if the strong side wins by 2 goals or more. If the final outcome is a victory with only 1 goal, then the bet is lost. Similarly, in American football, a 2-touchdown advantage means that the strong side must win by 15 points or more.
The two systems
While the basic concept is the same all over the world, there are 2 predominant systems worth discussing:
European system
The handicap here consists of either full numbers or halves. +2 for the strong opponent means that for the outcome to count as a victory, the difference must be +3 and above. A +2 outcome is considered as a draw. On the other hand, a +2.5 handicap eliminates the draw. It says that the difference must be +3 and above. +2 is a defeat.
Asian system
Bettors have more options here with the introduction of the quarter values. And it is a bit more complicated. If the selection is for a ¼ handicap then the bet is broken in 2 parts. Half of it is placed on the exact previous value and the other half in the exact higher one. For example, a +2¼ option divides 50% on +2, and the rest on +2.5. The same stands true for ¾ handicaps. The advantage here is that bettors do not lose all of their stake in 75% of the times. They could get back at least half of it.
“Full” handicaps, i.e., those that are expressed as integers do not eliminate the draw as an outcome. Half and quarter ones do.
Why choose handicaps?
To put it simply, the odds are a lot better. A simple bet on a win in such a case would be offered at @1.20 max. A +3 handicap would show @3.50 or higher. It’s a risk that pays dividends if it is successful. All things considered, with the proper homework, that risk can be reduced to a minimum. And this is why it’s a widely popular market and is available everywhere including the best betting agent for Asian handicaps.