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):
- This is prevalent in sports like basketball and football. A point spread is established, indicating the number of points by which the favored team must win or the underdog must lose by. For example, if Team A has a -5.5 point spread, they must win by more than 5.5 points for bets on them to succeed. Conversely, 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 win.
2. Asian Handicap:
- This type of handicap originated in Asia and is designed to eliminate the possibility of a draw, providing only two possible outcomes. It involves assigning a goal or point handicap to the teams, creating a scenario where both sides have close to even odds. For instance, a team with a -1 Asian Handicap must win by more than one goal for bets to succeed, while a team with a +1 Asian Handicap only needs to avoid losing by more than one goal. Here is an example of an Asian handicap table:
Handicaps aim to make the betting market more appealing by offering odds that reflect the perceived difference in strength between the teams. It adds an extra layer of strategy for bettors who must consider not just which team will win but also by how much..