In sports betting, a handicap refers to a method used by bookmakers to level the playing field between two teams or competitors of varying abilities. The purpose of a handicap is to offer more balanced and attractive betting odds for both sides of a wager.
There are two types of handicaps commonly used:
1. Point Spread Handicap (Spread):
The Point Spread Handicap is common in sports like basketball and football, where a margin of victory is assigned to level the playing field between two teams of differing strengths. Here's how it works:
- If Team A has a -5.5 point spread, they must win by more than 5.5 points for bets placed on them to win. Essentially, they need to win by at least 6 points for the bet to be successful.
- If Team B has a +5.5 point spread, they can lose by less than 5.5 points, or win the game outright, for bets on them to succeed.
This type of betting is designed to make the matchup more balanced, offering similar odds for both teams.
2. Asian Handicap:
The Asian Handicap is a form of betting popular in Asia, which eliminates the possibility of a draw, leaving only two potential outcomes (win or lose). This betting style assigns a handicap to teams, aiming to equalise the odds. Here's an example of how it works:
- If a team has a -1 Asian Handicap, they must win by more than one goal for bets on them to succeed. If they win by exactly one goal, the bet is considered a push, and the stake is refunded.
- If a team has a +1 Asian Handicap, they can lose by no more than one goal, and the bet still succeeds. If they lose by exactly one goal, the bet is a push, and the stake is returned.