A handicap bet in football is a type of wager that involves giving an advantage or disadvantage to one of the teams, usually the underdog or the favorite, respectively.

The handicap is expressed as a number of goals that are added or subtracted from the team’s actual score to determine the bet’s outcome.

Types of handicap bets

There are several types of handicap bets that you can choose from, depending on the sport, the bookmaker, and the odds. Here are some of the most common ones:

European handicap

This is the simplest form of handicap betting, where the bookmaker gives a goal or point advantage or disadvantage to one of the teams or players. The handicap is expressed as a whole number, such as +1, -1, +2, -2, etc.

The outcome of the bet is determined by adding or subtracting the handicap from the actual score.

For example, if Team A has a -1 handicap and wins the game by 2-0, the handicap score would be 1-0, resulting in a win for Team A. However, if Team A wins by 1-0, the handicap score would be 0-0, resulting in a draw for the bet.

Asian Handicap

This is a more complex form of handicap betting, where the bookmaker eliminates the possibility of a draw by using half-, quarter-, or zero goals or points. Asian handicap is expressed as a decimal number, such as +0.5, -0.5, +1.25, -1.25, etc.

The outcome of the bet is determined by adding or subtracting the handicap from the actual score. For example, if Team A has a -0.5 handicap and wins the game by 1-0, the handicap score would be 0.5-0, resulting in a win for Team A.

 However, if the game ends in a draw, the handicap score would be -0.5-0, resulting in a loss for Team A.

3-way handicap

This is a variation of the European handicap, where the bookmaker offers three possible outcomes: a win for the home team, a win for the away team, or a draw. The handicap is expressed as a whole number, such as +1, -1, +2, -2, etc.

The outcome of the bet is determined by adding or subtracting the handicap from the actual score. For example, if Team A has a -1 handicap and wins the game by 2-0, the handicap score would be 1-0, resulting in a win for Team A.

However, if Team A wins by 1-0, the handicap score would be 0-0, resulting in a win for the draw.

How does bet9ja interpret and implement Handicap bet

Bet9ja interprets handicap betting as a way of giving an advantage or disadvantage to one of the teams, usually the underdog or the favorite, respectively.

Handicap betting at Bet9ja is similar to other reputable sports betting operators. However, there is no mention of common names such as European handicap betting types. But it is, in fact, the only type of handicap on offer at Bet9ja.

How to place handicap bet in Bet9ja

To place a handicap bet in Bet9ja, you need to follow these steps:

• Log in to your Bet9ja account and make a deposit.
• Navigate to the sports section, and select the sport and match you want to bet.

• Scroll down to ‘HANDICAP’ tab to see the available handicap options and odds for the match.

• Click on the odds of the handicap outcome you want to bet on. The bet will be added to your betting slip at the bottom of the screen.

• Enter the amount you want to wager and click the ‘BET’ button to confirm your bet.

When is the best time to use the Handicap bet?

Different bettors may have different preferences and strategies regarding handicap betting. However, some possible scenarios when handicap betting can be useful are:

To squeeze profit from a favorite

Handicap betting is commonly used in football to get something out of big favorites. The idea is simple: apply a goal disadvantage to a firm favorite and hope they win by a fair few. In doing so, you get better odds.

To back an underdog with a chance

Handicap betting can also be used to support an underdog you think has a chance of causing an upset or at least keeping the game close.

You increase their chances of winning or drawing the bet by giving them a goal advantage, even if they lose the match.

To hedge your bets

Handicap betting can also be a way of hedging your bets, meaning you reduce your risk of losing by placing bets on different outcomes.

For example, you can bet on the favorite to win with a handicap and the underdog to win or draw with a different handicap. This way, you can cover more possibilities and minimize your losses.

Is handicap betting riskier or safer?

Handicap betting can be riskier or safer depending on the type of handicap, the odds, and the teams involved.

Generally speaking, handicap betting can be riskier than moneyline betting, as you are betting on the margin of victory and not just the outcome.

However, handicap betting can also be safer than point spread betting, as you can reduce your losses by choosing a smaller handicap or increase your winnings by choosing a larger handicap.

Some factors that can affect the risk and safety of handicap betting are:

The type of handicap

European, Asian, or 3-way handicap. Each of them has different rules and variations, which can affect the probability and payout of your bet.

The odds

The odds reflect the implied probability of each outcome and the potential return of your bet. You should compare the odds different betting sites offer and look for the best value.

The teams

The teams’ performance, form, motivation, injuries, and other factors can influence the match’s outcome and the margin of victory. You should do your research and analysis before placing your bet.

Handicap betting can be a rewarding and exciting way of betting on sports, but it also requires careful consideration and strategy. You should always bet responsibly and within your budget.

Pros and Cons of handicap betting

Handicap betting has pros and cons you should know before placing your bets. Here are some of them:

Pros:

• Handicap betting can make the game more exciting and offer better odds for the bettors.
• Handicap betting can help you squeeze profit from a favorite and back an underdog with a chance.
• Handicap betting can eliminate the possibility of a draw, which increases your chances of winning.

Cons:

• Handicap betting can be riskier than moneyline betting, as you are betting on the margin of victory and not just the outcome.
• Handicap betting can be harder than point spread betting, as you may need to predict the exact score or the number of goals to win your bet.

Handicap betting can make the game more exciting and offer better odds for the bettors, reducing the team gap and creating more possible outcomes. Read more about Bet9ja here.

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• Source: https://sportsbettingtricks.com/what-does-handicap-mean-on-bet9ja/