What is a Handicap Bet in Football? Popular Types of Handicap Bets
As we know, in football betting, bookmakers set odds for both teams in a match. Among these, handicap betting is one of the most popular types of bets. So, what exactly is a handicap bet? How do you read these bets, and what strategies can you use to win? Let’s explore these aspects with Wintips.
What is a Handicap Bet in Football?
A handicap bet, also known as an Asian Handicap, is a type of bet used when two teams have different levels of strength. Bookmakers, like VN88, use this betting system to balance the odds by adjusting the goal difference or betting amounts.
There are two main forms of handicap bets:
Goal Handicap: One team gives the other a goal advantage.
Money Handicap: If the odds between the stronger and weaker teams differ significantly, the bookmaker ratings may adjust the bet to a goal handicap to balance the odds. The basic unit of goal handicaps starts at 1/4 goal (0.25).
Popular Types of Handicap Bets
0 Handicap (Draw No Bet - DNB)
Also called a level ball bet, this means:
If you bet on Team A and they win, you win the bet.
If Team A loses, you lose the bet.
If the match ends in a draw, the bet is refunded (no winner or loser).
This bet appears in two cases:
A stronger team experiences a drop in form, leading the bookmaker to set the odds at zero.
The match has no clear favorite from the beginning, so the bookmaker rates both teams as equal.
0.5 Handicap (Half-Goal Handicap)
Also known as a 0.5 bet, in this case:
Bet on the favored team: You win if they win the match.
Bet on the underdog: You win if they win or draw.
If the favored team wins by just 1 goal, your bet wins fully.
This same principle applies to 1.5, 2.5, 3.5 handicaps, where the stronger team must exceed the specified goal difference to win the bet.
0.75 Handicap (Half-One, ¾ Bet)
Also called 0.75 (¾) bet, this works as follows:
If the favored team wins by 2 or more goals, your bet wins fully.
If the match ends in a draw or the underdog wins, the underdog bet wins.
If the favored team wins by only 1 goal, half of the bet is won, and half is refunded.
This rule also applies to 1.75, 2.75, 3.75 handicaps.
1 Goal Handicap
In this case:
If the favored team wins by 2 or more goals, you win the bet.
If the underdog wins or the match ends in a draw, the underdog bet wins.
If the favored team wins by exactly 1 goal, the bet is refunded.
This same logic applies to 2-goal, 3-goal, and 4-goal handicaps, where a push (refund) happens if the margin is exactly the handicap amount.
Tips for Betting on Handicap Matches
Football betting is a form of entertainment, but having strategies and betting knowledge can help increase your chances of winning. Here are some key low risk football prediction tips:
Analyze match statistics before placing bets. Collect information about team form, injuries, and past performances.
Monitor odds movements: Bookmakers adjust odds based on betting patterns, so understanding these changes can provide insights into potential match outcomes.
Compare multiple bookmakers: Different betting sites may offer slightly different handicap odds. Choosing the most favorable one can maximize your chances of winning.
Through this article, you now have a better understanding of what a handicap bet is and how to read and place these bets effectively. We hope these betting tips help you make smarter decisions and improve your betting success. Good luck!