In soccer betting, the term “handicap” refers to a situation where one team is given an advantage over the other. This either results in odds that are more favorable to the team that is handicapped or in a draw being more likely. In this article, we will take a closer look at this type of betting and how it can affect your soccer bets.
What is Handicap Betting?
When you bet on the handicap markets in soccer, you are essentially giving one team a virtual head start on the other. This is expressed as either a positive or negative figure, which is then applied to the final scoreline of the game.
For example, let’s say that you fancy Arsenal to beat Tottenham Hotspur, but you think it will be a close game. You might opt to bet on Arsenal with a -1 handicap, which means they must win by two clear goals for your bet to win.
If Arsenal wins the match 1-0, then your bet loses as they only won by one goal when accounting for the handicap. However, if Arsenal wins 2-0 or 3-1, then your bet would be successful as they have overcome the set against them.
This can be an excellent way to get value from betting on heavily favored teams, as you can often find attractive odds on them winning by a bigger margin than you might think. It can also add an extra layer of intrigue to close games, as even if one team is expected to win, they still need to overcome the handicap for your bet to succeed.
The Benefits
This type of betting is a great way to even the playing field when betting on soccer. By giving one team a handicap, you are effectively increasing their chances of winning, which in turn increases your chances of winning your bet.
There are many benefits:
-Evens out the playing field
-Gives you better odds
-Is a great way to make money from soccer betting
The Drawbacks
There are a few potential drawbacks that you should be aware of before getting started. First, if the team you bet on falls behind by the handicap amount, your bet will lose even if they go on to win the match. This can be frustrating if you feel confident about a team’s chances but they get off to a slow start.
Another potential downside is that soccer matches can often be decided by slim margins, so it can be difficult to predict which team will cover the handicap. This makes it a bit of a risky proposition, especially if you’re putting down a large wager.
Finally, because handicap betting is not as popular as some other types of soccer betting, you may not have as many options when it comes to finding good lines and odds. This can make it tougher to find value in your bets.
Despite these potential drawbacks, it can be a great way to add some excitement to your soccer viewing experience. If you’re careful with your picks and do your research, you can find some great opportunities to win big.
Legal Aspects of Handicap Betting Strategies
Sometimes, to achieve fair game principles, regulators may prohibit or regulate certain types of bets. Most often, this is done to exclude the possibility of usage of match-fixing, system vulnerabilities, or some insights. Therefore, when playing in a country of a certain jurisdiction, be sure to study the current laws and T&C on the websites of the bookmakers themselves.
In the USA, after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, many states have legalized sports betting. And some online sportsbooks may offer handicap betting options.
In the UK handicap betting is quite common and is offered by numerous licensed bookmakers. However, since UK gambling licensing is known to be one of the toughest on the market, many players prefer foreign web resources where they can bet on non Gamestop soccer betting without undue bureaucratic red tape.
And on the other hand, in Turkey, only the state-owned sports betting company, IDDAA, can offer limited types of bets, which do not include handicap betting.
How to Make a Profit From This Type of Betting
When it comes to soccer betting, one of the most popular ways to bet is through the handicap system. This system assigns a virtual advantage or disadvantage to each team, leveling the playing field and giving bettors more options when it comes to placing their bets.
This can be a great way to make a profit, but only if you know how to properly handicap the teams involved. In this article, we’ll give you a few tips on how to make money with this method.
First, you need to understand how the handicap system works. The most common type of handicap is the Asian one, which gives one team a goal advantage while giving the other team a goal disadvantage. For example, in an Asian handicap bet on a game between Chelsea and Manchester United, Chelsea may be given a -1 goal while Manchester United may be given a +1 goal handicap.
This means that if Chelsea wins the match 2-1, then all bettors who placed a wager on Chelsea will win their bet, while those who bet on Manchester United will lose. However, if Manchester United manages to draw or win the match, then all bettors who placed a wager on them will win their bet.
The key to making a profit by doing this method is to correctly predict which team will overcome the handicap and win the match. This can be a difficult task, but there are a few things that you can look at to help you make your decision.
First, take a look at the recent form of both teams. Has one team been playing exceptionally well while the other has been struggling? If so, then this may be an indication that the team with the better form will be able to overcome the handicap and win the match.
You should also consider the head-to-head record of both teams. Has one team consistently beaten the other in recent meetings? If so, then this may give you an indication of which team is more likely to win when they face each other again.
Finally, take a look at the odds being offered by different bookmakers. The odds can give you an indication of how confident the bookmakers are in each team’s chances of winning. If the odds are very close, then this may mean that it is a close match and either team could win. However, if one team has significantly lower odds than the other, then this may indicate that the bookmakers are very confident in that team’s chances of winning and you should consider betting on them.
By following these tips, you should be able to make a profit in no time. Just remember to do your research and bet responsibly.
Conclusion
Understanding what handicap betting in soccer entails is crucial to profit from it. While there may be some confusion as to what the term actually means, once you know how it works, it’s not difficult to see why this is so popular.
Handicap bet adds an extra level of excitement to soccer matches, and with a little research, you can give yourself a real advantage when placing your bets.
