What is handicap in betting?

Handicap betting serves as a way to level the playing field between unmatched teams or individuals. Unlike traditional sports betting - where a bet’s outcome directly aligns with the precise score of the event - handicap markets either add or deduct goals or points depending on the participant’s perceived competitiveness. 

This type of betting is especially prominent in football and rugby, allowing bettors to back underdogs and favourites in equal measure.

How does handicap betting work?

For handicap betting (also known as ‘spread’ or ‘points’ betting) the premise is simple: bookmakers attach a virtual advantage or disadvantage to specific sides in accordance with their purported likelihood to win the event.

Underdogs are typically handed an advantage over stronger opponents, whereas favourites are hit with a deficit. If your chosen team or player beats their opponent with the advantage or disadvantage accounted for, you’ll land a win.

Refer to the below example to see how handicap markets look when betting on football.

• Liverpool (-1) at 1/1. 
• West Ham (+1) at 2/1.

Liverpool, being the stronger team, are brandished with a one-goal deficit to overcome. On the other side of the coin, West Ham have been granted a virtual one-goal lead. In simpler terms: wagers on Liverpool mean the Reds begin the game handicapped by one goal, while bets on West Ham see The Hammers start the match 1-0 up. 

A bet on Liverpool will win if they beat West Ham by two clear goals. Or, should West Ham remain within one goal of the opposing outfit, that selection pays out. 

Notice that the odds tied to either side sit much closer than one would otherwise expect - given Liverpool’s recent dominance and West Ham’s lacklustre domestic campaigns. This is because the one-goal deficit makes bets on Liverpool less likely to win, while West Ham’s advantage increases the London club’s chances of coming out on top.

See the following table for a complete rundown of potential ‘win only’ outcomes. 

By adding or deducting the bookmaker’s handicap to and from the final result, you can ascertain whether certain scorelines will work in your favour.

So, what is a handicap in betting? The answer is straightforward: a customisable betting option that pays out when the handicapped result is achieved upon accounting for the actual scoreline. 

Markets available for handicap betting

Handicap betting is prevalent in goal and points-based sports. Primarily, this is due to the ease at which bookmakers can publish lines – with results clearly defined by whole numbers. 

Football, rugby, NFL and tennis are all prominent in the handicap betting scene, as each sport utilises scoring systems focused on goals or points. For more on specific market options within sports where handicap betting is popular, read below.

Match Result

The most accessible handicap bet type for most users; match result handicap betting focuses on the exact outcome of a fixture. Winning wagers are determined by whether the underdog can maintain its virtual advantage, or if the favourite can outscore its pre-match deficit.

Draw

Handicap ‘draw’ markets follow the same general ruleset put forth by ‘match result’ handicap betting. The sole differentiating factor is that you are no longer backing an individual team to win but, instead, a stalemate. 

Using the earlier example, let’s say that Liverpool beat West Ham 2-1. Bets on ‘draw (-1)’ will win in this circumstance – as deducting one goal from the margin of victory produces a tie.

Just like ‘match result’ handicaps, ‘draw’ handicap betting is as simple as deducting goals from the scoreline or adding further points.

No draw

As the title suggests, ‘no draw’ handicap markets eliminate the potential for a deadlock. Such an outcome is achieved by adding a decimal point (e.g. -0.5, +0.5) to each team’s score. 

In turn, bookmaker listings for football matches will appear as follows:

• Liverpool (-0.5) 
• West Ham (+0.5)

No matter the actual scoreline, the bet cannot settle as a draw. The decimal point ensures that one team will always hold the lead. 

Handicap league betting

Unlike the markets discussed thus far, handicap league betting covers an entire season and not just one game. 

Title-winning favourites are given a handicap of zero - also known as ‘scratch’ (scr) - and all other competing sides are attributed a positive handicap score. Teams deemed to be ‘weak’ attain a greater handicap, while ‘stronger’ forces garner smaller handicaps. 

Pre-season handicap points are applied to the team’s end-of-campaign league points total – and those with the most points finish higher on the bookie’s standings. 

For instance, Manchester City were Sky Bet’s favourites to win the Premier League ahead of 2024/25. Therefore, Pep Guardiola’s side were handed a handicap of zero. On the opposite end of the scale, Southampton were expected to finish the season bottom of the pile; resulting in 50 handicap points (the maximum) heading in the direction of St. Mary’s Stadium.

Nottingham Forest began the campaign with 45 handicap points and racked up 65 Premier League points. Adding those figures together comes to 110 – placing Forest at the top of the UK bookmaker’s handicap table for that year.

Handicap league points and odds may vary depending on the bookie in question – so it’s worth shopping around for the best UK bookmaker odds when it comes to this type of wager.

Types of handicap bets

UK bookmakers support a plethora of handicap bet types, each tailored to individual wagering preferences and sports. 

European handicap

The most common type of handicap in modern sports betting; European handicaps cover three outcomes:

• Win
• Draw
• Loss

UK bookmakers generally drop ‘European’ from the title of this betting option - with it commonly simply dubbed a ‘handicap’ market. 

Essentially, your chosen team must win the game by a defined margin. Alternatively, you can back a ‘draw’ – where the handicap is deducted from the winning team’s score or added to the losing side’s points. If the applied handicap forms a tie, ‘draw’ selections win.

European handicap bets are lost when your chosen outcome does not come to fruition once the handicap has been attributed to the final scoreline.

Asian handicap

Our guide to Asian handicap betting covers it in more detail, but like ‘no draw’ handicaps, Asian handicaps eliminate the possibility of an impasse. However, the method by which certain outcomes are paid out is different compared to traditional European handicap markets.

Here, there is an opportunity to gain your stake back if the handicap result is a draw. For example, imagine that you back Liverpool (-1) to beat West Ham. If the game ends 1-0 in Liverpool’s favour, the handicap applied to Liverpool transforms the scoreline to 0-0. 

This outcome means the bet settles as a ‘push’ and your stake is returned.

Asian handicaps also serve a wider net of players - as three main options are available: whole number, half number and split/quarter. Let’s break each vertical down into easily digestible sections. 

• Whole number: Uses whole numbers (e.g. -1, +1, -2) to settle results; wins, losses and push bets possible.
• Half-number: Uses half-numbers (e.g. -0.5, +1.5, +2.5) to determine outcomes; win and loss results only. 
• Split/quarter: Bets are placed on decimal-based lines (e.g. -0.25, +0.75) and the stake is divided between two outcomes. Full wins, full losses, half wins and half losses are possible. 

‘Split/quarter’ handicaps (also known as split handicaps) are a little more complex compared to whole and half-number Asian handicaps. Follow the next section for a closer review of the market. 

Split handicaps

This type of Asian handicap slices your bet into two pieces. The first half of the wager is attributed to the nearest whole number (e.g. 0, -1, +2) and the second portion is handed to the nearest halfway decimal point (e.g. -0.5, +1.5). 

Your goal is to bet on a positive or negative quarter number (e.g. -0.25, +1.75) and earn a ‘full win’. For instance, let’s say you bet £5 on Liverpool (-0.75) to beat West Ham.

In this scenario, half of your stake (£2.50) goes towards -0.5 and the remaining half (£2.50) is given to -1. 

Here are your potential outcomes for a -0.75 bet on Liverpool to beat West Ham using a split/quarter handicap.

A full win is awarded when both outcomes go your way, while ‘half wins’ are paid when one segment of the selection comes good. If your picks fail across the board – the bookmaker counts the wager as a loss and keeps your entire stake.

Handicap betting tips

Handicap betting stands as one of the most malleable, easy-to-use and rewarding wagering options at UK bookmakers. Its accessibility allows for a broad range of tips and strategies to come good - and you can find helpful guidance on how to make the most of handicap sports betting markets, right here. 

When to use European and Asian handicaps

Asian handicaps - particularly whole number markets - are ideal for instances where you see a clear winner but remain wary of a tight result, as a handicap draw will see your stake returned to you. This type of selection provides a handy buffer when stalemates are likely.

Half-number Asian handicaps should be reserved for occasions where you’re content with only winning or losing, as a draw is not on the table. It’s most notably effective when minnows take on ‘better’ sides – as you could snatch a win if the scoreline remains close.

Split/quarter Asian handicap bets are perfect when you can see a fixture going a couple of different ways. This betting option supplies value for those satisfied with landing half wins and half losses. Moreover, the jeopardy of a full loss is minimised. 

European handicaps are optimal in events contested between evenly matched outfits. This is due to the added value derived from betting on ‘draw’ outcomes - an element unavailable in Asian handicap markets. 

Consider taking advantage of European handicaps to pocket more lucrative odds in meetings comprising significant favourites, too. If you expect one team to vastly outperform and outscore the opposition, this selection is ideal. 

Analyse patterns

Revise recent scorelines to uncover trends associated with all teams within your handicap bet. Some sides perform better on the road, while others tend to shine in front of their home support. 

Evaluate expected goals, scoring statistics, chances created and head-to-head history to get a feel for the most likely outcomes before deciding on a pick. This information will outline whether a team is best suited to -0.5, +2 or any other handicap betting option.

Track bookmaker handicap odds

Bookmakers throughout the country constantly vie for your custom - leading to certain operators presiding over more valuable odds than their counterparts. Don’t be afraid to swerve from the usual fare as you weigh up potential handicap bets, as many of the UK’s best bookies publish high-value odds all year long.

Be prepared to shop around for rewarding odds – sticking with one bookie will often leave you shorthanded. 

We house a curated selection of bookmaker reviews comparing prices, welcome offers, and more to help players establish which platform is most suitable. Use these tools to guide you on your way to rewarding handicap-based bets.

Responsible gambling with FIRST

You must be 18+ to gamble. Gambling is a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. Our tips and advice help you enjoy gambling, but there is always a chance a bet or casino game can lose.

Never bet more than you can afford to lose. Stop betting if you are angry, emotional or under the influence of alcohol.

Warning signs of problem gambling: chasing losses, betting money needed for bills, or feeling unable to stop.

Need help? Visit our responsible sports betting page or our responsible casino gambling page, or contact the support organisations listed below if you're struggling to control your gambling:

Gamblers Anonymous UK

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Handicap betting FAQs 

What are the benefits of handicap betting?

Handicap betting allows for increased flexibility across all sports – with players free to choose outcomes that directly match risk tolerances.

What is the difference between European and Asian handicaps?

European handicap markets integrate ‘draw’ as a potential outcome, whereas Asian handicaps relinquish such a result. Asian handicaps also provide additional customisation in terms of splitting bets and mitigating risk.

Is handicap betting beginner-friendly?

Handicap markets are slightly more complex than traditional wagers - but beginners will learn and benefit from the improved versatility of this betting option.