European handicap betting sites has long been popular for sports fans. With there generally being a favourite and outsider for a sporting event, bookmakers use handicap in betting to balance the playing field. As such, punters can bet on teams and players overcome a negative handicap or take advantage of a head start. Handicap bets can be placed on events from a host of sports, including cricket, soccer, tennis and horse racing.
Many will have seen European handicap markets at an online betting site in India, however they may not understand how they work. This page will explain the handicap meaning in betting and how it actually work. We will also outline the pros and cons of this style of wagering, as well as how to get the most out of it.
What is Handicap in Betting?
Handicap markets offer an alternative to more traditional betting markets. Bookies will add or take away points, goals or other scores to and from sports teams and players in order to create even money contests. As such, handicap betting sites can bring extra excitement to games where the result is a given.
For example, a bet on a soccer team with a -2.5 goal handicap means that they must win by 3 or more goals for your wager to be successful. Simply put, one outcome holds a surplus, while the other has a deficit to make up.
Handicaps are generally split into two categories, Asian and European. Asian handicap is perhaps the most popular, partly because it takes away the possibility of a tie, while European handicap bets are common because of their simplicity.
European Handicap Explained
Also known as the three-way handicap, this bet type offers three possible bets for each outcome. This includes backing the favourite, underdog or the draw, which is common on many sites for betting on football in India. The final one is the main distinction between European and Asian handicaps. An example of a European handicap is found below:
Surrounding a soccer match between Spain and Austria. The potential handicap for this game could be Spain (-1) and Austria (+1), with the odds reflecting such outcomes:
- Spain (-1) – 1.65
- Draw (-1) – 3.90
- Austria (+1) – 4.10
In this example, Spain must win with two goals or more for this bet to win. If Austria wins or draws the match, this bet will win. The -1 draw bet will win if Spain wins the match with one goal more than Austria.
Asian Handicap Explained
Besides the European handicap, Asian handicaps are preferred by many punters and is very similar the the European handicap. The main difference is the lack of a draw-bet, which is completely taken out of the equation in the asian handicap. You can find the best Asian handicap betting sites here and read more detailed about it. Here, the weaker team or player is offered an advantage over their opponents, thus levelling the playing field and giving them an equal chance of coming out on top. Asian handicaps also effectively eliminate the chance of your bet losing because of a tie.
European Handicap Betting FAQ’s
What is European handicap betting?
If you bet with a European handicap, it’s not enough for your team to win, but they need to win with a specific amount of goals or points for you to win the bet. For example, it’s highly predictable that Manchester City will beat Norwich, so you are unlikely to find good odds for the match. But if Manchester City has a handicap of 2.00, it means they must win with three goals or more for the bet to go home, and the odds will be much higher.
Why should I try European handicap betting?
For matches with a clear favourite, handicap betting can help level the playing field and raise the odds as well as the excitement.
Is handicap betting and point spread betting the same thing?
Yes, they effectively mean the same thing. The point spread is more commonly used in the US, while handicap is widely used worldwide.
What is the difference between Asian and European handicap betting?
The main difference is that draw-bets will have a handicap when using the European handicap, while Asian handicap bets remove that option completely.
Why You Should Place Handicap Bets
European handicap bets is not a new sports betting strategy, but this bet type does open up a host of additional possibilities for punters. Handicap bets are particularly appealing when the traditional 1×2 wager is not appealing. This will normally be due to the fact that one team is priced significantly different to the other, because of their status as the favourite or underdog.
For example, the odds offered for India to beat Bangladesh in a cricket Test match will be significantly lower than compared to the Men in Blue coming out on top despite having a points deficit. This is a common example used by many cricket betting sites as such games would be a slam dunk otherwise. Handicap betting is also potentially more enjoyable and exciting, with those who research picks potentially earning some good returns.
Maximize Your Advantages with European Handicap Betting
European handicap betting offers the opportunity to earn some hefty returns, with those with a good knowledge of sports holding an advantage. However, there are some steps that can be taken by punters to maximize such advantages, with fine margins often separating winners and losers.
Firstly, it is important to take advantage of appealing sports betting odds at the first possible opportunity It can be a good idea to use a tool for football odds comparison to always play with the best odds. Some punters will see a handicap market and do their research, only to find out that the price has changed when they return.
Understand the Meaning of Handicap
It is also crucial that punters understand the handicaps offered by bookmakers. In terms of soccer games, if a team has a -2.5 deficit, they must not lose by 3 or more goals if your bet is to win.
It is also important that punters are realistic when placing handicap bets. While odds on a higher handicap may be available, stick to likely outcomes instead. On top of this, bettors must adjust their stakes depending on the type of handicap taken advantage of.
For example, those wagering on a basketball team to win by +14.5 points should stake less than those betting on them winning by just +2.5. Finally, it is important not to become too absorbed with handicap betting markets. Value can still often be found with 1×2 markets, with a balance between the two markets being advised.
Pros & Cons of Handicap Betting India
If you are still not fully aware of the benefits and limitations of handicap betting, let’s now take a closer look at its main pros and cons. As you will see, as with other bet types, handicap betting is not perfect, however the positives certainly outweigh the negatives:
Pros
- Enhanced Odds – When betting on the favorite from a sporting event, placing a handicap bet will increase the odds and potential returns, without adding significantly to the risk involved. Punters can also potentially even win their bet even if the team or player they bet on loses the event.
- Asian – Those placing Asian handicap bets will eliminate the draw, meaning that there are only two potential outcomes.
- Availability – Handicap betting is now available on the majority of sports. So, whether you are looking to bet on cricket, soccer, tennis or basketball, handicap options are likely to be available, in terms of both pre-match and in-play markets.
Cons
- Prices – Punters will sometimes find that fixed odds markets are better for betting on outsiders than handicaps are.
- Understanding – Especially for beginners to sports betting, handicap markets can be difficult to get to grips with. As a result, punters may lose bets because they have misunderstood the rules or the surplus/deficit involved.
- Exchange – Those looking to place handicap bets on an exchange will not find as many willing participants. As such, it is often better to do so with a trusted bookmaker.
European Handicap Betting Odds
Handicap betting will have an impact upon how odds are displayed by bookies and absorbed by punters. As a result, before placing bets, it is a must that customers completely understand how to interpret handicap prices.
Odds will be generated in an attempt to create a level playing field, meaning that prices may not be as low or high as you would expect.
Handicap Betting Examples
So that punters can understand exactly how handicap betting works, we have put forward a couple of examples:
- The first comes from English Premier League football. For an encounter involving Aston Villa and Liverpool, Villa have been given a +1.5 advantage, while the Reds are given a -1.5 deficit. In the event of the match ending in a 2-0 win to Liverpool, those who bet on the Reds to win will their bets. However, those who backed Villa will lose. If the result was 2-1, winnings would be reversed.
- Another example comes from T20 cricket, where handicaps are regularly introduced after the first innings had been completed. So, let’s suggest that India has posted a score of 200 runs after their 20 overs. Opponents Australia would then potentially be given a +20.5 run handicap, while the Men in Blue are given a -20.5 handicap. This means that if you bet on India, they must win by 21 or more runs.
European Handicap Betting Offers & Promotions
Betting bonus sites with offers specific to handicap markets are few and far between. However, there are certainly offers that can be used when placing handicap bets. Whenever a free bet, bonus or money back offer is up for grabs, always be sure to check out the terms and conditions, ensuring that handicap bets are eligible beforehand. Some bookies will state that such wagers will not qualify, but this is rare.
What are the Alternatives to Handicap Betting?
- 1x2 – As we already mentioned, many punters turn to handicap betting in order to find better value than 1x2 markets. However, this is not to be said that appealing prices cannot be found here too. Here, rather than the winning margin, only the final result will determine whether your bet wins or loses.
- Live – Handicap bets can often be placed both pre-match and in-play. However, it can sometimes be worth waiting until a sporting event has started before wagering. For example, punters can bet on the method of dismissal for the next wicket in cricket or the team to score the next goal in a soccer match.
- Over/Under – Rather than staking on a team or player to win despite having been handed a surplus or deficit, it can be worthwhile betting on there being over or under a certain amount of goals/points. Available in cricket, soccer, basketball and many other sports, this is another way of enhancing the odds.
Responsible Gambling
Whether it be handicap betting or another form of wagering on sporting events, it is important to act responsibly at all times. The convenience of online bookmakers often make it difficult to restrict your betting. However, it is vital that punters stick to a set budget and known when to quit.
Those who chase after losses have the potential to get themselves into greater troubles. Our top ranked betting sites are associated with leading organizations, who work to offer support to gamblers at risk.
Bottom Line on Handicap Betting Sites
Handicap betting sites has long been the preferred option for many punters. Its diversity and potential rewards make it appealing for those wagering on a host of sports, including cricket, soccer, tennis and basketball. Especially attractive when there is a clear favourite and outsider, a handicap bet can bring about some significant returns when used correctly. So, be sure to check out such markets for yourself at our recommended betting sites.
Arjun Jindal | Last Modified: September 13, 2022
