Guide to Handicap Betting in Football

Handicap betting in football, or the spread, is possibly the most famous and profitable type of betting, providing players the opportunity to make predictions on matches considering a value added to the final game result. Understanding handicap rules in football betting is important for all players. For beginners, it's a chance to experiment with various strategies. For experienced players, handicap bets offer an additional chance to win.

What is Handicap Betting in Football?

This format involves accounting for a fixed advantage or disadvantage for one of the teams before the start of the match. For example, if a team has a +1 handicap, they need to win or draw to make the stake successful. Meanwhile, if a team is an underdog with a one-goal difference, your bet will be returned. Thus, the spread determines the outcome of the bet by considering the team's "virtual" advantage or disadvantage.

The main difference between football spread wagering and traditional betting lies in considering the virtual advantage or disadvantage for one of the teams. In traditional bets, it's crucial to simply predict the winner of the match, whereas in handicap wagering, the score difference must be considered.

Place bets on 888STARZ

How Does Handicap Betting Work?

Handicap System

The handicap system is based on providing teams with a "virtual" advantage or disadvantage before the start of the match. Imagine a situation where Liverpool has a +1 handicap in a match against Manchester City. If you place a bet on Liverpool, they must either win or draw considering one "virtual" goal. If Manchester City wins by a one-goal difference, the previously placed bet will be returned.

With a negative spread at Manchester City (-1), the team's victory must occur by a gap of 2 or more goals. In this case, the bet placed will win. If the gap is by 1 goal, the bet is returned.

Types of Handicap Bets

Here are some of the main types of handicap bets in football:

• Asian handicap is represented by whole or fractional numbers, where a positive value symbolizes a win in case of a victory or draw, and a negative value – a loss if defeated by a one-goal difference.
• European handicap - the favorite receives a spread which they must overcome for the bet to win.
• American handicap uses positive and negative values to mark the favorite and the underdog.

Why Choose Handicap Betting?

Advantages of handicap betting:

• this is profitable, allowing players to account for differences in team quality and form.
• this is a profitable strategy for analyzing and predicting match outcomes.

Strategies that yield profit:

1. Conduct detailed analytics of key factors, such as past game statistics. This will help make more informed decisions and determine which "virtual" advantage or disadvantage might be most profitable for the stake.
2. Use the Asian spread, which offers a more flexible and adaptive approach.
3. Enter the betting market with set limits. The handicap strategy must also be adhered to.

Decoding Handicap Betting Odds

The odds in handicap betting reflect the likelihood of various outcomes considering the "virtual" advantage or disadvantage for one of the teams. Positive odds indicate a less likely outcome, and negative ones — a more likely outcome.

Comparison Table of Handicap Betting Odds and Traditional Betting Odds

Common Mistakes in Handicap Betting

1. Insufficient analysis of team form and statistics. Solution: Conduct thorough analysis of moments significant to the competition's outcome.
2. Blindly following trends. Solution: Conduct your own analysis, considering team compositions, player motivation, and tactical aspects of the game.
3. Incorrect bankroll management. Solution: Do not bet more than 1-2% of your bankroll on a single bet.
4. Wagering emotionally. Solution: Make decisions based on analysis and facts.

Expert Tips for Successful Handicap Betting

• Experts advise thoroughly studying the tactical aspects of the game before placing handicap bets.
• When conducting research, pay attention to the context of the game: the importance of the match for each team, the presence of injured key players, previous meetings, etc.
• Many experts recommend paying attention to the Asian handicap, which offers a more flexible and adaptive approach to placing bets.
• Do not stake randomly or emotionally. Instead, place bets based on reasoned analyses and forecasts, relying on facts and statistics.
• Set betting limits, remembering that there is a strategy for managing your bankroll.
• Be attentive to changes in odds, as the line can also change. Sometimes changes can be linked to events affecting the outcome of the game.

Handicap Betting in Different Leagues

The specifics of this type of gambling can vary depending on the particular league or tournament.

1. Asian Handicap in Asian Leagues

In this version of spread, which got its name from frequent use in Asian countries, the playing teams can receive a virtual advantage or disadvantage in the form of whole and half goals or points, allowing bets to be made on a favorable basis.

2. European Leagues and Tournaments

In European leagues and tournaments, the classic handicap is more commonly used, where teams can receive a virtual advantage or disadvantage in the form of whole goals. However, variants with half spreads or Asian handicaps sometimes occur, especially in matches with a clear imbalance of power.

3. International Tournaments and Cups

International tournaments also show a variety of handicaps. Here it's important to consider the characteristics of the game and the strengths of teams from different countries and regions of the world. For example, in matches involving strong European and South American teams, Asian handicaps may be applied to more accurately reflect the chances of winning.

4. National Cups and Tournaments

In some national cups and tournaments, non-standard handicap options may be used, as well as additional wagering conditions that differ from standard leagues.

Official 888starz website