What is Handicap Betting?

Handicap betting is a very popular term used by sportsbooks and traders to present markets and offers. It is a common betting option that is used in lots of sports including football, tennis, basketball, ice hockey, and many others. If you are a regular bettor but you still do not know how to use the handicap, this is the right article for you. We will try to educate all newbie punters, so they can know how to bet successfully.

Definition of Handicap

In the introduction, we have mentioned that handicap betting is a term that is used by bettors and sportsbooks and it is another option used as a betting market such as the other betting offers - 1X2, Double Chance, Over/Under, etc.

The handicap can come in different forms (points, games, goals, etc) but every time it has a value - positive or negative. The line of the handicap depends on the sports events and by the traders who are operating with it. For instance, if one tennis player is much stronger than the other player, his Moneyline odds will be very low and it is expected to win with a difference. Exactly this difference is set to be the handicap.

As we have mentioned above, the handicap can be positive or negative. The positive handicap is usually given to the outsiders, while the negative is being given to the better sides.

In case you have understood the handicap meaning yet, you can check every sportsbook official website. In the terms and conditions or the FAQ sections, you can find everything very well explained.

Handicap Betting Varieties

You can find handicap betting markets in almost every sport. This is a very common betting option and it is widely recognized by punters. But there is more than one handicap available online. The most used variety is Asian handicap betting which is part of almost every platform. But it is not the only one used by the sportsbooks:

● Asian Handicap

● European Handicap

● Alternative Handicap

Sports Where Handicap Betting is Offered

You can find handicap betting in football, tennis, basketball, volleyball, and other major and minor sports. There are bookies which do not offer such betting odds on their platforms. Though the only losers are the sportsbook brands because actually, punters are looking for this type of betting option. Nowadays, even the sports where it was ridiculous to see handicaps, like chess and horses, have such offers.

How to be Successful, Using a Handicap While Betting?

Handicap betting is not going to guarantee you more winnings or more chances for success. Everything depends on your prediction and how you see the outcome of the game. If you are good enough, following the teams and players, you will start knowing what is the expected handicap line and try to beat it. Some punters are chasing the big betting odds and lines going for or against them. This is indeed a very smart move but again, without knowing the teams or players, you will not have any success. Before placing bets on handicap offers, always research the sports event and try to predict the result, this will most likely help you, so you can be successful in the long term.