Sports Betting Handicap Explained 2024

Handicap betting, also known as “spread betting,” is a popular option in sports betting, especially for games with clear favorites. This type of betting levels the playing field by assigning a points handicap to each team. You can back the favorite at better odds or give the underdog a head start. Let’s take a deeper look into Sports Betting Handicap Explained.

Sports Betting Handicap Lines Meaning

In European sports, this is known as handicap betting, while in American sports, it’s often called spread betting. Sports like American football, rugby, and NBA basketball rely heavily on handicap lines as a primary betting market, while soccer and tennis uses it more selectively.

Handicap betting provides bettors with more options.  The concept is straightforward, but understanding how each type of line works can improve your strategy and make you a successful handicap bettor.

The Two-Way Handicap Line

The two-way handicap is the most common, with two possible outcomes. This line ensures there is no possibility of a tie, as it typically includes a half-point (e.g., 6.5) to prevent draws. For example, in a basketball game with a handicap of -6.5 on Team A, they must win by more than 6.5 points for the bet to succeed. Taking underdog with +6.5 means you need them to win or to lose by six points or less.
In decimal odds, this bet may look like 1.9 (10/11), meaning a €10 bet returns €19 if successful.

The Three-Way Handicap Line

A three-way handicap line includes three outcomes: Team A, Team B, or a draw. Here, a draw doesn’t mean an actual game draw but that the match result equals the handicap. For example, if a team is a -6 favorite, betting on the handicap draw means they must win by exactly six points (e.g. 90-84). With the three-way handicap, the odds are often higher because it’s harder to predict an exact margin. Bookmaker gets one extra point in a draw outcome. Three-Way handicap might also exclude potential overtimes. Read the rules of your bookmaker carefully before betting. This type of betting appeals to punters who want to back a specific outcome based on the bookmaker’s exact predicted line.

A three-way handicap bet with decimal odds looks like this:

• Team A (-6): @1.95
• Draw (Handicap 6): @9.5
• Team B (+6): @2.1

Sports Betting Handicap Value When Backing Favorites Explained

Using handicap lines allows you to get better odds on favorites. For example, a basketball team priced at 1.20 to win outright might have odds of 1.91 with a -8.5 handicap. This means the favorite must win by nine points or more for the bet to succeed. Handicap betting on favorites can offer greater returns, but it increases risk as well. If you believe the favorite will win comfortably, placing a handicap bet may add value to your wager.

Sports Betting Handicap Explained as a Way to Back the Underdogs

Backing the underdog with a handicap line is a smart way to balance risk and reward. Handicap betting allows you to back an underdog with added flexibility since you have multiple winning outcomes. For example:

1. The underdog wins the game ✅
2. The game ends in a draw ✅
3. The underdog loses but by a margin smaller than the handicap ✅

This variety of outcomes increases your chances of a successful bet. Let’s say Team B has a +6.5 handicap at odds of 1.85. If Team B loses by six points or less, your bet wins. Handicap betting on underdogs can increase your chances without requiring them to win outright, offering a strategic advantage.

Handicap Lines Vary, So Shop Around

When betting on handicap lines, it’s essential to compare offerings from various bookmakers. Odds are usually similar, but each bookmaker may set slightly different lines. If you’re backing a favorite, look for the lowest handicap line, which requires the team to win by the least margin. For underdogs, seek the highest line to maximize their advantage.

A one-point difference can impact your bet’s outcome. For example, if Team A has a -6.5 sports handicap line at one bookmaker and -7.5 at another, taking the -6.5 could mean the difference between a win and a loss if they win by exactly seven points. Shopping for the best line can make your betting much more fun. Since bookmakers base their handicap predictions on expected game outcomes, a small line difference can make or break your bet. Understanding these lines is key to placing strategic bets and taking full advantage of sports betting handicap markets.