Handicap bets are very popular. Most experienced bettors agree that it’s a very straightforward type of bet, but explaining how it works can be tricky. We’ll break it down with clear examples and put this to rest once and for all.
We’ll cover all types of handicaps: traditional, whole numbers, zero, fractional, Asian, handicaps per set, and more.
What is a Handicap?
In general, a handicap is an advantage. Like in a backyard game, we give a 3-goal head start and see if you can beat us SMILEY.
As we see, the handicap can be for the first team or the second, and it can be whole (+1, -2), zero (0), or fractional (+1.5, -2.5).
Now let’s break down how it works, starting with the simplest and most popular fractional handicap.
What is a Fractional Handicap?
First, if we take Handicap1 with any number, we’re betting on the first team to win. If we take Handicap2, we’re betting on the second team to win. And that win needs to account for the handicap we’ve chosen. To understand how it works, let’s use a simple example:
Match: Real Madrid vs. Chelsea. We take Handicap1 (-1.5). The game starts at 0:0. But since we’re using a handicap, we add that number to the initial score. So, in our bet, the match starts at -1.5:0. For the bet to win, Real Madrid needs to win by at least 2 goals. Suppose the game ends 3:1. Subtract 1.5 goals from Real Madrid’s score, and we get 1.5:1. The bet wins.
The same match, but we take Handicap1 (+1.5). So, the match starts at 1.5:0 in favor of the first team, Real Madrid. If they lose 0:1, with the handicap, our score is 1.5:1, and the bet wins.
To summarize:
- Handicap1 means we need the first team to win; Handicap2 means we need the second team to win.
- The numbers in parentheses after the handicap are the goals we add (if +) or subtract (if -) from the initial zero for the team we’ve chosen (1 or 2).
That’s how a fractional handicap works—it’s the foundation of these bets.
What is a Whole Handicap?
Let’s look again at our screenshot from Pin Up bookmaker. You can see handicaps with whole numbers (+3, +2, -1, and so on).
This handicap works the same way. We pick the team we believe in, add or subtract the handicap we’ve chosen, but… now, with the handicap, a draw is possible! A draw results in a refund.
Example: We take Handicap1 (+1). So, in our bet, the match starts at 1:0. The teams end up 1:2. With our handicap (+1), it’s 2:2. That means a refund on the bet.
What is a Zero Handicap?
Handicap1 (0) or Handicap2 (0) is something between a win, a win including a draw, and a draw itself. Let’s keep it short and clear with an example.
Betting on Handicap1 (0) means we need the first team to win. Since the handicap is (0), we don’t add or subtract anything. We just need the first team to win. But, as you remember from whole handicaps, a draw gives us a refund. So, Handicap1 (0) is a bet on the first team’s win, but if it’s a draw, we get our money back. It’s also called a bet on a win with insurance. We’re hedging against a draw.
What is an Asian Handicap?
If you’ve understood how fractional and whole handicaps work, you’ll get Asian handicaps too.
Let’s pay attention to the screenshot.
For the first team, there are handicaps like (-0.75), (-0.25), and (+0.25). How do we know what we’re betting on?
It’s straightforward. Let’s break down Handicap1 (-0.75) as an example.
An Asian handicap is a combination of a standard and fractional handicap. If it’s (-0.75), that means we have two bets. We need to add and subtract 0.25.
We get two bets:
- -0.75 + 0.25 = -0.5
- -0.75 – 0.25 = -1.
The bet amount is split evenly. If we bet 1000 rubles, 500 goes on Handicap1 (-0.5), and 500 on Handicap1 (-1).
If the first team wins by 1 goal, the first bet wins, and the second is refunded.
What is a Handicap per Sets and Games in Tennis?
A handicap per sets in tennis works the same way as a handicap per sets or points in volleyball, or per maps or rounds in esports, and so on.
Essentially, it’s the same as a handicap on the main outcome in soccer, but the bet is on the specific outcome you choose, not just the match winner. Let’s look at an example with a handicap per sets in tennis.
It’s a best-of-three sets match. Say, Svitolina vs. Pliskova. We bet on Handicap2 (-1.5). For our bet, the sets score is 0:-1.5. So, Pliskova needs to win 0:2 in sets for the bet to win. If Svitolina takes at least one set, we lose.
It works similarly for games. Just look at the number of games selected and calculate the result with the added or subtracted games from the handicap + or -.
I tried to explain this as simply as possible with examples, but I admit it might still be confusing for some. If you’re unclear on any details, write in my public group on the forum. I check it every day and can help if anything remains unclear.
