What is handicap betting? A comprehensive guide

Handicap betting, also known as "spread" betting, is a widely popular market offered by major online sportsbooks. It involves adjusting the advantage or disadvantage of one team by adding or subtracting goals/points.

In this guide, we'll delve into how handicap betting functions, its definition, examples, winning strategies, and top online platforms offering handicap betting markets.

A handicap bet entails altering a team's points to equalize the odds. The goal is to create a balanced wager where both teams have an equal chance of winning. For instance, the favorite team may have points deducted, while the underdog gains points, leveling the playing field. 

We'll examine an upcoming NBA matchup between the Brooklyn Nets and the Philadelphia 76ers. Initially, we observe the moneyline odds, indicating the 76ers as strong favorites at -500, contrasting with the Nets at +375.

The handicapper's role is to determine the necessary points to be added to the Nets' score for a balanced bet. In this case, BetOnline sets the spread at 10.5 points, adding them to the Nets' final score and subtracting from the 76ers'.

For our wagers, this implies that the Nets must win or lose by 10 points or less, while the 76ers require an 11-point victory or more. The odds are closely aligned for both outcomes, with -115 on the Nets at +10.5 and -105 on the 76ers at -10.5.

What is the purpose of handicap bets?

The handicap wager is crafted to even out the competition in matchups where one team is heavily favored. In American sports, the disparity between the strongest and weakest teams within a division can be substantial, rendering the moneyline betting market less advantageous.

Returning to our earlier example of the NBA game, the probability of the Nets prevailing over the 76ers is quite low. Thus, placing a bet on them under these circumstances would likely result in more losses than gains. The introduction of a handicap helps narrow this margin, thereby intensifying competition within the market.

How are handicap lines determined?

Handicap lines are determined by assessing the comparative advantage of one team over the other. Betting platforms begin by analyzing their research on moneyline odds, which serves as the foundation for all betting activity on a particular game.

The greater the disparity in moneyline odds, the wider the handicap spread will likely be. While there's no fixed formula dictating the exact handicap, the example provided is common in sports like the NBA.

To illustrate further, considering another upcoming NBA game between the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings can demonstrate how the handicap may vary.

As evident from the Warriors versus Kings game, the competition is much tighter in terms of moneyline odds. In fact, it's nearly evenly matched, with BetOnline reflecting it almost as a toss-up. Consequently, the handicap, or spread, is minimized to its lowest at just 1.5 points. This adjustment essentially reverses the moneyline odds for this game, with the Warriors shifting from -115 to -105, and the Kings moving from -105 to -115.

Types of handicap bets

Handicap betting typically encompasses two main types, each associated with different sports. Below, we'll outline these and provide examples of their operation.

2-way andicap bets

The 2-way handicap is the most common type, where there are only two potential outcomes, either a home or away win. In American sports where ties are rare, this market offers straightforward and logical betting options.

For instance, let's consider an MLB matchup featuring the LA Angels and the Boston Red Sox. The handicap is established at 1.5 runs, which is typical for baseball. You're required to select either the Angels at -1.5 or the Red Sox at +1.5. These runs are then either added to or subtracted from the final score.

3-way handicap bets

Although less common, 3-way handicap betting is still accessible and noteworthy, especially in sports like soccer where draws are a significant outcome.

The principle remains similar, but instead of solely betting on one team to win, you also have the option to support the draw as part of the handicap bet. Let's illustrate this with a brief example.

This pertains to a Premier League fixture involving Leeds United and Liverpool. In the handicap market, three options are available. These are Leeds United at +1, Handicap Tie – Leeds United +1, and Liverpool -1.

The handicaps for both teams are straightforward: +1 goal is added for Leeds United and 1 goal is deducted for Liverpool. The "Handicap Tie" implies that a goal will be added to Leeds' score to establish a tie.

For instance, if Leeds were to lose 2-1, a +1 goal would be included in their score, resulting in a handicap score of 2-2 and thus, the bet would be successful. Essentially, any outcome where Leeds loses by a single goal would result in a winning bet, while any other result would lead to a loss.

Whole number handicaps

The mentioned example seamlessly transitions us into whole number handicap bets. As the term implies, these involve using whole numbers for the handicap, introducing the possibility of a tie.

The aforementioned instance involves an international hockey match between Sweden and Germany, where the line is set at +/- 2 goals.

For instance, if you wager on Germany at +2 and they lose the game 4-2, the adjusted score considering the handicap would be 4-4. Since this is a 2-way handicap bet, where ties aren't considered, in this scenario, the bet would result in a push, and the stake would be refunded.

Half-number handicaps

Half-number handicaps, also known as decimals, represent the most prevalent type of handicap bet. This format ensures that there's always a definitive outcome, eliminating the need for any push scenarios.

The example provided is quite standard and involves a match between the New York Islanders and Carolina Hurricanes. The handicap, or spread, is established at +/- 1.5 goals for each team. Given that sports don't deal in half points, there's always a conclusive outcome.

For instance, if you were to support the Islanders at +1.5 on the spread and the final score ended up being 3-2 in favor of the Hurricanes, the adjusted score would then become 3-3.5 in favor of the Islanders. Consequently, your bet would be successful.

What strategies can be employed to overcome the handicap spread?

The handicapper's task is to strive for equilibrium in betting by creating a handicap that enables them to offer odds close to even-money, achieved through their predictions of the game's outcome. Essentially, the handicap represents the disparity in quality between each team.

Yet, there are instances when the spread may not accurately reflect the true advantage or disadvantage of one team over the other. This occurs when a significant amount of money is wagered on one side, prompting the need to rebalance the betting books by adjusting the spread.

To outperform the handicap spread, it's essential to monitor the lines as soon as they are released. While some websites provide this service, utilizing betting exchanges is among the simplest methods. Although betting exchanges may have limited accessibility in the US for placing bets, they can be utilized to track odds.

A shift in the spread indicates a substantial amount of money being wagered, signaling that the original odds are no longer accurate. For instance, if a team initially had a -3.5 spread and it shifts to -2.5, the spread betting has altered, offering less value since there are fewer points to work with.

Consequently, betting on the opposing side now offers greater value, as the originally "fair" line of +2.5 is now inflated to +3.5 for the same odds.

Understanding no-draw handicap match betting

Handicap betting enhances the appeal of uneven sporting contests for betting enthusiasts. Bookmakers offer no-draw handicap match betting to ensure a definite winner in the betting context, irrespective of the actual game outcome. This is achieved by assigning half-point handicaps to specific teams. For instance, in a Premier League fixture between West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa, West Brom might be given a handicap of +1.5. If you bet on West Brom to win and the match ends 3-2 in favor of Aston Villa, your bet still pays out due to the +1.5 handicap, effectively making the betting score 3.5-3 in favor of West Brom. The concept of half goals doesn't exist in football, so there's no possibility of a draw according to the bookmaker's perspective. It's crucial to note that the handicap only applies to the chosen selection in handicap betting.

Handicap league betting

Handicap league betting is a widely favored form of betting, involving wagers on a team's performance throughout a season. At the outset of the season, you place your bet, selecting from odds that feature varying handicaps for all teams in the league. The favorites receive a scratch (scr) handicap of zero, while other teams are assigned handicaps based on the bookmaker's predictions of their likely performances. Weaker teams are granted larger handicap advantages to level the playing field.

In contrast to handicap match betting, where the handicap is applied solely to your chosen selection to determine the outcome after the match, handicap league betting requires applying the respective handicaps to all teams in the division you're betting on to calculate the season's outcome.

After applying the handicaps, the bookmaker determines the final league table, revealing the success of your bet.

Asian handicap betting

An Asian handicap variant, gaining popularity in Asia, employs handicaps with both whole and half numbers, ensuring no possibility of draws, akin to no-draw handicap match betting.

The distinguishing feature of Asian handicap betting is the introduction of split handicaps, where a selection can carry one whole-number handicap and one half-number handicap.

For instance:

Leeds United (-1, -1.5) vs Manchester United (+1, +1.5)

In this scenario, Leeds United must win the match by at least two clear goals to secure the market, factoring in the applied handicaps.

However, if Leeds triumphs by just one goal, the whole-number handicap results in a draw, while the half-number handicap grants Manchester United the victory. Betting on Leeds to win would result in half of the stake being returned, whereas those betting on Manchester United would receive half their stake back, with the remaining half paid out as winnings at the odds specified by the bookmaker.

How to place a handicap bet?

We've provided a walkthrough of placing a handicap bet using one of the top online sportsbooks, BetOnline. While the process may vary slightly from one sportsbook to another, the fundamental principles remain consistent.

1. Open an account

Begin by creating an active BetOnline account. Click on the "Join" button located at the top of the page and fill in the required information. Account verification will likely be necessary at some point (usually before withdrawals can be made), so ensure that all provided information is accurate.

2. Deposit funds and redeem welcome bonus

After successfully setting up your account, navigate to the cashier section to initiate a deposit. Choose from the available payment methods and deposit an amount within your budget. Additionally, ensure to claim any offered welcome bonuses during this process.

3. Navigate to the sportsbook and select a sport

Utilize the navigation menu to locate the sport you intend to bet on. While live betting is an option, if you're new to betting, it's advisable to begin with a sport or league you're familiar with. In this instance, let's locate a game in the NFL for our example.

4. Make your selection

Select the specific game you wish to place a bet on. While the handicap (spread) will be visible on the BetOnline interface, it's advisable to click on the game for a more detailed view of additional markets, as there may be alternatives that provide better value.

5. Confirm your wager

Add your chosen bet to the bet slip by clicking on the corresponding odds. From there, specify the amount you wish to wager, and subsequently confirm the bet. Live betting options can be accessed within the bet slip after the bet has been confirmed.

Handicap betting strategies

This section presents a variety of betting strategies applicable to handicap markets. By implementing these strategies, you can enhance your prospects of consistently profiting from the market while minimizing potential losses.

• Monitor the lines: A straightforward approach is to observe the initial betting lines (odds) as they become available and respond accordingly to any fluctuations. Typically, as money is wagered on one side, the odds shift, creating potential value opportunities on the other side.
• Consider home advantage: Take into account how teams perform at home versus away. Home teams often demonstrate stronger performances when playing on their own turf, influencing the proximity of handicap lines. Recognize that underdog home teams may have tighter lines due to the home advantage factor.
• Analyze against the spread trends: Certain teams excel in covering the spread more frequently than others. For instance, since 2018, the Cincinnati Bengals have covered the spread 59.3% of the time (ranking first), contrasting with the New York Jets, who have covered it only 39.5% of the time (ranking last). Target bets that align with trends related to covering or failing to cover spreads.
• Stay informed about team news: Keep abreast of starting lineups, as they can significantly impact the handicap. For example, if the starting quarterback is unavailable, it's likely that the team will score fewer points. Take note of absent players and consider their potential impact on the final score.
• Create plausible score lines: Remember that handicap betting is not solely about predicting the winner but rather assessing how points may be scored in comparison to the opponent. Generate realistic score scenarios for the game and evaluate how they align with the handicap spreads offered by betting platforms.

Other handicap betting options

In addition to understanding standard handicap betting, it's essential to grasp the concept of alternative handicap bets. These variations offer diverse handicaps provided by the sportsbook, each accompanied by corresponding odds.

While NHL betting typically features a standard line of +/- 1.5 goals for most matches, alternative handicaps extend to +/- 3.5 goals for both teams, offering bettors the opportunity to take on greater risk in predicting game outcomes.

Moreover, alternative handicap markets cater to various game periods. Referring to the previous example, alternative handicap options are available for the full game, as well as for specific periods such as the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd periods. The scoring for these bets is restricted to the respective periods, with the score resetting at the beginning of each period. For instance, at the start of the 2nd period, the game score is considered 0-0 for the purpose of this bet.