In handicap betting, one selection is given a handicap to overcome and win in an event. This form of betting is largely popular especially when popular teams are playing. Rather than placing a match bet at short odds, bettors place bets at longer odds with a 1 or 2 goal start (in football), or -12 point for instance.
How does handicap betting work?
In handicap betting, the bookmaker sets a numerical handicap to compensate for any potential biases in the abilities of rival teams. As any result can occur in sports, handicap betting gives the bettor odds that are more evenly distributed.
Because the implied probability is not allowed to determine the bet, this is more attractive to punters and generates greater interest and insight into the outcome of the game and the bets placed.
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By choosing handicap betting, you are placing a wager on your choice while accounting for the handicap, which means your wager must overcome the handicap in order to win.
In football, handicap betting hand a team with a goal disadvantage (-0.5, -1, or 1.5 for example). This makes a match with a superior team more equal and interesting to place bets on. To win a bet, a team must score one more goal than their handicap.
Handicap betting is an alternative to traditional betting on certain events. A professional 100-meter sprinter, for instance, would be expected to win every time if he lined up against a regular individual. Thus, bettors would never be able to get attractive odds on such a bet, and would make the entire process somewhat dull.
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When using handicap bets for betting on football, you can make use of a handicap bet, which is a three-way handicap or sometimes known as an Asian handicap betting. The latter can be complex, thus it is important to understand it before deciding to use it as part of your sports betting strategy.
Traditional handicap is when one bets on a handicap market on football, the team that is less likely to win is awarded a goal or the favourite is given handicap points before the match even starts. Hence, the team considered favourites will begin the match with a handicap of -1, -2, -3, and so on.
On the other hand, three-way handicap betting allows bettors to bet on the handicap tie option. In this betting type, bettors must select the handicap tie option considering the handicap for the final score.
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For instance, Team 1 starts with a -2 handicap because they are the favourite to win, but Team 2 has lower odds and the handicap awards points to balance the odds thus Team 2 starts with a +2. The handicap tie must be -2 in order to employ the third option properly. In essence, you are placing a wager on the team with the given winning margin.
When using handicap betting, you should understand everything about it and how it works. You need thorough understanding of the way handicap betting functions and also have knowledge on the ins and outs of the particular sport that you are planning to place your bets on.
Compared to other sports, cricket handicap betting operates a little differently. If we take football as an example, the team with the most goals wins. Similar rules apply to other sports where points decide games, like basketball and American football.
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Cricket matches can be won in one of two ways: either by runs scored or by wickets left in hand. As a result, there are two approaches to handicap betting in cricket.
Handicap betting tips
When betting on handicap markets, consider the form of the teams and any injuries or suspensions that could play a role in the outcome of the match. Also, choose a reputable bookmaker that offers fair odds and a wide range of handicap markets. However, do note that there is no assured way of winning handicap bets as it is a form of gambling. That said, let’s look at some of the basic handicap betting tips to increase your chances of winning:
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Research: Before you place a handicap bet, research the teams, their recent form, and any injuries or suspensions that could directly or indirectly affect the match.
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The handicap is crucial: Make sure you understand the handicap offered by the bookmaker. Understand which team is receiving the handicap and what their advantage or disadvantage is.
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Understanding odds: Handicap betting offers better odds than traditional match betting. However, compare the odds offered by different bookmakers to find the best value.
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Right market selection: Handicap betting can be used for various markets such as the match result, total goals, or even individual player stats. Select the market that makes you feel most confident and offers the highest value.
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Maintain discipline: Bet with discipline and never bet more than you can afford to lose. Set a budget for your betting and stick to it.
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Monitor live betting: Live betting on handicap markets can be a great way to take advantage of changing odds and circumstances during a match. However, avoid chasing losses or making impulsive bets based on emotion.
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Promotions are important: Many bookmakers offer promotions and bonuses on handicap betting. Check them out before you place your bet.
Benefits of handicap betting
Handicap betting can be largely advantageous for bettors thanks to the numerous features it offers. Handicap betting often offers better odds than traditional match betting, as the handicap evens out the playing field and creates more competitive odds.
It offers more flexibility than traditional match betting, as there are several handicap markets to choose from, such as the match result, total goals, individual player stats, and more.
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Additionally, handicap betting provides a level playing field for bettors, as the handicap evens out the advantage or disadvantage of a team over another. This means that bettors have a higher chance of winning their bet, despite whichever team they place their bets on.
One more advantage of handicap betting is that it offers a reduced risk, since it provides bettors a form of safety net. For example, if a punter bets on a team with a +1.5 goal handicap, their bet will still win even if the team loses by just one goal.
Lastly, this form of betting offers more opportunities to bet, as there are several handicap markets that one can choose from. As a result, this makes it possible for bettors to find the market that suits their betting style and personal preference. All in all, handicap betting is ideal for punters looking to maximize profits while taking minimal risks.
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What is spread betting?
Spread betting involves placing a bet on whether a particular outcome will be higher or lower than a bookmaker’s spread. This particular spread involves possible outcomes that the bookmaker predicts for a particular event, including the number of goals scored in a football match or the number of runs scored in a cricket match.
With spread betting, a bettor does not simply bet on whether a particular outcome will occur, but on if it will be higher or lower than the spread of what the bookmaker predicted. The bettor will choose whether to buy or sell the spread, depending on whether they feel the outcome will end up being higher or lower than the bookmaker’s spread.
Let’s take for example a football match, where the bookmaker sets a spread of 2.5 goals. If the punter fees that there will be more than 2.5 goals scored in the said match, they can buy the spread. However, if they believe that there will be fewer than 2.5 goals scored, they can choose to sell the spread. As a result, the punter wins or loses money depending on how much higher or lower the outcome is than the bookmaker’s spread.
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A major advantage of spread betting is the potential it offers for large profits with small stakes. Since the bettor is betting on the difference between the actual outcome and the bookmaker’s spread, they can either win or lose their original stake multiple times.
However, spread betting also carries a higher level of risk when compared to traditional betting. Losses can also be much greater than the original stake. It is important for spread punters to understand of the market and manage their risks carefully.
Spread betting has become quite popular in football, basketball, and cricket, along with financial markets, such as stocks and commodities. We advise bettors to research the market and understand the spread before they decide to place a spread bet.
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Best sports betting exchanges
There is a wide selection of the best sports betting exchanges for punters to choose from. That said, let’s look at the best sports betting exchanges at present:
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Indibet: Indibet has been a popular betting exchange choice in India as it is reliable, secure, and fully authorised. Indibet has a Curacao gaming licence, allowing Indian gamblers to register on it with a few simpl steps.
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Betfair: Betfair is a popular exchange that offers a wide selection of markets and aggressive odds.
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Matchbook: Matchbook is a fairly new exchange, but has already established itself thanks to its easy-to-use interface and low commissions.
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Smarkets: Smarkets has an intuitive interface and offers high liquidity. Through this exchange, bettors can place bets on all major sports events while availing the best odds and a low commission.
Different types of punters could choose from a wide range of exchanges depending on various aspects, including the markets and sports offered, and fee schedules, along with the usability of the platform. It is advised search for the best sports betting exchanges and weigh the advantages that various exchanges have to offer before placing a bet.
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Handicap betting FAQs
Q. What is handicap betting?
Ans. Handicap betting is a sports bet where a team or player’s advantage or disadvantage is balanced by applying a handicap. The handicap is a virtual run or goal advantage or disadvantage given to one of the teams to create balance and competitiveness in a game.
Q. How does handicap betting function?
Ans. With handicap betting, a virtual point or goal advantage or disadvantage is assigned to a team or player. This is then added or subtracted from the final score to determine the outcome of the bet.
Q. How many types of handicap bets are there?
Ans. The most common types of handicap bets are Asian Handicap and European Handicap. Asian Handicap is a two-way market where the draw is eliminated, while European Handicap is a three-way market that includes the draw as a possible outcome.
Q. Are there benefits with handicap betting?
Ans. Handicap betting offers a number of benefits, including better odds, higher flexibility, increased winning chances, and reduced risk, along with more opportunities to bet.
Q. What are the sports played in handicap betting?
Ans. Handicap betting is popular in football, basketball, cricket, and rugby, as well as other markets such as horse racing and tennis.
Q. Are there any risks with handicap betting?
Ans. Handicap betting does carry a level of risk if one does not play their cards right. Bettors should have thorough understanding of the market and carefully manage their risks. Bettors must be aware of the potential for losses if they are not familiar with the handicap market.
