Handicap in Betting
Introduction
This is a process known in betting where one of the teams is “handicapped”. And as the name implies, it means one of the teams get some sort of disadvantage, usually in the form of an increase in the number of points they have to score in order to be considered winners of the match.
In essence, it is a means of evening the playing field so that the team that has the smaller chance of winning has an easier time reaching the desired goal, while the other has it harder. For bettors this accomplishes a more interesting wagering contest, as with the handicap both teams are now theoretically evenly matched.
The term also makes reference to the quantification of results, as well as their predictions, within sporting matches, by the spectators, through certain methods. This particular kind of betting system is especially well liked in the UK and in most European countries overall; especially prevalent in football.
How it works
The best way to explain the whole process is through examples, therefore, let’s say there was a match, the ones competing are Cadiz and Real Madrid, in such an event it could be said that Real Madrid would have a sort of “preferential edge” against his opponent. And thus it would be applicable for a handicap to even out the game. In this case, you would see a bookmaker presenting you with something like this: Cadiz CF (+2) – Real Madrid CF (-2)
This layout means that the team that is considered the underdog, is given a (+2), meaning an advantage. On the other hand the (-2) means that the other team has to score way more goals in order for you to win the bets placed. If the game had played out, let us say, like this: Cadiz CF 0-3 Real Madrid; on this case the ones placing bets on Real Madrid would have won.
European Handicap
As the name implies, this is a popular type of handicap in Europe. Here there are only integer handicap values, and if the match results in a draw, you lose your bet.
Asian Handicap
This kind of spread betting has become incredibly popular in recent years, particularly in Asia. Here the number of outcomes is cut short, by eliminating the draw option. So, it becomes way easier for punters calculations.
No Draw Handicap
This kind of handicap is presented rather than through a full line, such as the one presented in the previous example (-2, +2), in this case it is presented in decimals. So, in order to win such a bet, one of the teams has to have more points than the others total. Overall this is a means of ensuring the match has a winner.
Applicable Sports
Football is indisputably the main betting market for Handicap. However, others like Rugby, Volleyball, Basketball, Handball, Chess, Golf, Baseball, Ice Hockey, and Tennis can be wagered on by applying a handicap.
Conclusion
So, as you can see, handicap is a market that is not limited to just one or two sports, it is rather easy to apply it to multiple ones actually, and in recent years it has become massively popular; something that’s not hard to see why, as it gives an excellent means to even the playing field for teams that otherwise would pull little enthusiasm for punters, as one of the teams would be to clearly the winner. So, by handicapping, things get interesting again, by adding a healthy dose of unpredictability to the whole thing.
After our thorough review, we know that with all this new knowledge you are ready to use this market, and what better way to start than by using the services of the best betting agent!