What is Handicap Betting?

Handicap betting, sometimes referred to as spread betting, is designed to level the playing field between uneven opponents. One selection is given a virtual disadvantage known as a handicap, while the other receives a virtual head start. Once the event has finished, the handicap is applied to your chosen selection’s final score to determine the result. If your selection’s adjusted score is higher than their opponent’s, your bet is settled as a winner.

At BetWright, handicap markets are mainly used to create more balanced betting opportunities, especially when one team or player is considered much stronger than the other. When both competitors are viewed as evenly matched, you may see the term scratch or scr. This means no handicap is applied and the bet is settled on the outright result, including the draw if it is available.

On rare occasions, the selection seen as the outsider may receive the handicap deficit rather than the head start. This is usually reflected in the odds, but if you are ever unsure, our team is always happy to help clarify a market.

Types of handicap betting

There are many different options when it comes to handicap betting. Some of the most popular include:

Handicap match betting

In handicap match betting, one team or player starts with a virtual deficit, while the opponent receives a virtual advantage. You are betting on which selection will win once the handicap has been applied to your chosen side.

This market may also include a handicap tie option. Backing the handicap tie means you are predicting that the team with the handicap deficit will win by the exact margin shown.

For example, if a football match ends 3 to 1 and the handicap market is set at Liverpool (-1), the adjusted score becomes 2 to 1 in Liverpool’s favour. Liverpool (-1) would be a winning bet. Manchester United (+1) would lose, as their adjusted score does not exceed Liverpool’s actual total. The handicap tie would only win if Liverpool had won by exactly one goal.

It is important to remember that the handicap is only applied to your selected team, not both sides.

Asian handicaps

Asian handicap betting is a popular variation of handicap match betting, particularly in football betting. It works in a similar way but uses smaller handicap increments due to the lower scoring nature of the sport.

Asian handicap bets are settled at full time and odds are always displayed in decimal format. These bets are singles only.

Half and whole handicaps

Handicaps can be set using whole or half numbers. With half handicaps, such as -1.5 or +0.5, a draw after the handicap is applied is not possible. With whole number handicaps, such as -1 or +2, a draw can occur and stakes are returned if the adjusted scores are level.

Split handicaps

Split handicaps divide your stake across two handicap lines, one whole and one half. For example, a bet on -1 and -1.5 splits your stake evenly between the two outcomes. This can result in full wins, half wins, half losses, or full losses depending on the final score.

No draw handicap betting

No draw handicap markets remove the possibility of a tie by using a half point handicap. This is common in sports like rugby league, where points are added to your chosen team’s final score. If a no draw handicap is offered on an event that finishes level, all stakes are returned.

Handicap league betting

Handicap league betting runs across an entire season. The team considered most likely to win starts on scratch, while other teams receive virtual points based on their perceived strength. At the end of the season, handicaps are added to all teams’ actual points totals. The team with the highest adjusted total wins the market, with each way places paid based on final standings. Dead heat rules apply where relevant.

Handicap betting at BetWright offers a flexible way to approach markets, especially when favourites dominate. As always, it is important to understand how each handicap works before placing your bet and to gamble responsibly.