Are you looking to get into handicap betting? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Handicap betting is a great way to add an extra layer of excitement and strategy to your sports betting.
In this article, we’ll explain what it is, the different types available, its advantages and disadvantages, and provide some strategies for success.
So let’s dive in and understand handicap betting together!
Key Takeaways
- Handicap betting gives one team or player a virtual head start to level the playing field.
- Types of handicap betting include Asian Handicap, Level Handicap, and Split Handicap.
- Handicap betting evens out the match between teams and maximizes winnings if the prediction about the winning team is correct.
- Strategies for handicap betting include considering team match-ups, analyzing factors that may affect the outcome, and comparing odds across different sportsbooks.
What Is Handicap Betting
Handicap betting is a type of sports wagering that gives one team or player a virtual head start in order to level the playing field. When you place bets using handicap betting, you’re taking into account both sides’ chances of winning, and managing your risk accordingly.
This form of wagering allows bettors to back a weaker side by giving them an advantage over the stronger opponent. Handicap betting also provides more options for those who believe they have insight into how a match may end up due to their knowledge about the teams involved.
With this added layer of complexity, bettors must consider not only which team will win but also by how much in order to be successful with handicap betting.
Types of Handicap Betting
There are various types of handicap bets, including Asian handicaps, level handicaps and split handicaps. Asian Handicap betting is popular in football betting, where the bookmaker gives a goal line to both teams to make the game more even. For example, if one team has an advantage over the other then the better team might have -1.5 goals and the weaker team +1.5 goals. This means that if you bet on the better team they must win by two or more for your bet to be successful.
Level Handicapping is when both teams start with 0 goals each. This type of handicapping encourages punters to pick one side as their favourite rather than play it safe with a draw bet. Split Handicaps involve splitting up a single goal line so that it covers two different outcomes depending on which side you choose to back, e.g., -0.5/+1 or +0/-1 respectively
| Types | Examples | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Asian Handicap | -1.5/+1.5 | Evens out match between teams |
| Level Handicap | 0/0 | Encourages punters to pick sides |
| Split Handicap | -0/+1 & +0/-1 | Offers 2 different outcomes for same bet |
Advantages of Handicap Betting
You can reap the rewards of handicap betting by taking advantage of the various benefits it offers.
With head to heads, you can make a safe bet when one team is heavily favored over another. By using handicap betting, you can even out the odds and make both sides more attractive to bet on.
Additionally, handicap betting enables you to maximize your winnings if your prediction about which team will win proves correct. It’s also beneficial for those who like to analyze betting odds and use them as part of their decision-making process.
Handicap betting gives you an additional layer of data to consider when making a wager, so that you can gain an edge over other bettors.
Overall, handicap betting allows for improved odds analysis which could lead to higher profits in the long run.
Disadvantages of Handicap Betting
Although handicap betting can offer an advantage to bettors, it also comes with some potential drawbacks. It’s important to be aware of these before placing a wager.
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Crowd psychology can make it difficult to obtain consistent results. Different crowds respond differently to the same events, which can cause unexpected shifts in the outcome of a game or match.
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Betting limits exist for each type of bet and they are set by bookmakers. If your bet exceeds these limits, you may not be able to place a wager or collect any winnings if you do win.
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Handicap betting requires more knowledge than just knowing who will win or lose, as it involves understanding the point spread and how that affects the odds. This can be difficult for novice bettors and take time to learn properly.
Strategies for Handicap Betting
Making smart handicap wagers requires having a strategy in place. Betting psychology is key, as you need to consider how the teams or players match up against one another. Knowing factors like recent form and head-to-head records will give you an edge when making your bet.
Compare odds across different sports books too, so that you can get the best deal on your handicap bet. Doing this could make all the difference when it comes to your return on investment!
