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In Betting, the term ‘handicap’ refers to assigning an advantage or disadvantage to one team against the other to balance the odds if they are leaning in one’s favor. This is done even before the sports event starts. Think of it like a virtual head start that is given to the team or player who is perceived to have lesser chances of winning.
How does it work?
It means that a level playing ground is given to both teams in betting before the game begins, wherein some points are given to one team and some points are deducted from the other before the commencement of the game, so inherently, the other team starts with a deficit. It is mainly a way to turn an uneven sporting event into a fairer version by betting on the perceived value and chances of winning of the teams. Innovation keeps things interesting, and the concept of handicap is, however, nothing new; it has been around for a while, and it adds a layer of strategy and complexity to the sporting events.
Handicap in Betting
A handicap bet gives the weaker team a certain advantage in terms of goals or winning points with the intention of levelling the playing ground between the teams. Likewise, this gives a disadvantage in points or goals to the stronger team. What it ultimately ends up doing is ensuring that the perceived or evidently winning or bigger team has to overcome this points and goals deficit to win.
Origins of ‘Handicap’ in Sports
Handicap betting originated in Asia and is today practiced all over the world. Some countries have largely legalized this concept and accepted it in their gaming events. However, many countries have placed a ban on such handicap strategies.
Handicap bets can be placed in various ways, such as licensed sports books, designated apps for sports betting, and traditional in-person betting places like casinos and racetracks.
Popular Types of Handicap Betting
There are various kinds of Handicap Betting; understanding them will help you choose your pick for when you want to get into the arena, virtually.
- European Handicap: Includes a possibility of a draw
- Asian Handicap: Removes the possibility of a draw and gives the team a head start with two conclusions, one winner and the other who lost the bet.
| Type of Handicap | Description |
| Level Handicap | When both teams are considered evenly matched. No advantage is given to either side. |
| Single Handicap | A whole number handicap is applied, such as -1 or +2. The outcome depends on whether the adjusted score wins, loses, or draws. |
| Split (Asian) Handicap | The handicap is split between two values (e.g., -0.5 & -1.0), meaning your stake is divided across two separate bets. |
Sports where ‘handicap’ betting is practiced
There are certain sports where handicap betting is often practiced, they include –
- Football (Soccer)
- Hockey
- Golf
- Horse racing
- Cricket
- American Football
For instance, in football, a handicap bet can be placed of various types, like Handicap -1, or Handicap +1, which gives a team a one-goal handicap and a one-goal head start.
Is Handicap Betting worth it?
Yes, but only if you understand it. The outcome is calculated by adding the handicap to the actual match result. Like everything that takes time, handicap betting is also fun and rewarding once you find your way around it through learning and practicing. Handicap betting adds fairness, strategy, and entertainment, and has become a major part of modern sports and the betting industry. Ultimately, it adds to the entertainment value of the gaming event as well. It seems a little complicated at first, but it eventually becomes a powerful move for smarter betting.
One thing is for sure, handicap betting maintains suspense and interest throughout the game.
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