What is handicap betting? How to calculate winnings and effecti
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When participating in sports betting, especially football betting, you will encounter various types of bets offered by quality soccer tips. Among them, perhaps the most mentioned is handicap betting. So, what is handicap betting and what are the most effective strategies for handicap betting? Let's explore these topics in the following article.
What is handicap betting?
Handicap betting, also known as spread betting, is offered by bookmakers to create balance between the favored team and the underdog. The handicap odds correspond to the number of goals given to the favored team, thus equalizing the playing field between the two teams.
If the handicap odds for a match are higher, it indicates a significant difference in the abilities of the two teams. Conversely, if the teams are evenly matched or have a negligible difference in strength, the handicap odds will be smaller.
In a football match, handicap betting typically comes in two forms: moneyline handicap and goal handicap. Moneyline handicap is used initially, and when the betting amounts for both teams are significantly unbalanced, the bookmaker will switch to goal handicap. This interchange aims to maintain a balance in betting amounts.
The smallest handicap odds offered are usually 1/4. Players can utilize the handicap odds to make their predictions and choices.
Basic types of handicap betting nowadays:
There are many different types of handicap bets. Here are some basic handicap bets commonly seen when participating in online football betting.
Level handicap
The level handicap, also known as the draw handicap, is a type of bet where players only need to correctly predict the winning team. This bet does not consider the score or goal difference of the match.
Usually, the level handicap appears when:
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The bookmaker evaluates both teams as equally matched in form and lineup.
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Strong teams that have recently performed poorly may have their odds reduced by the bookmaker.
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Players who bet on the winning team will receive their corresponding winnings according to the betting odds.
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Those who choose the losing team will lose most of their wagered amount.
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In the event of a draw between the two teams, both players will receive a payout corresponding to their wagered amount.
Half ball handicap
The half ball handicap, also known as the 0.25 handicap, 1/4 handicap, or 0-0.5 handicap, is a type of bet where there is no possibility of a push. When choosing this bet, there are only two outcomes: win or lose. In the event of a draw between the two teams, bettors will either win half of their wager or lose half of it.
With the half ball handicap, if the selected team wins, the bettor will win the full amount of the wager. If the match ends in a draw, bettors who chose the favored team will win half of their wager, while those who chose the underdog will lose half of it. Similarly, handicaps such as 1.25, 2.25, 3.25, etc., are understood and calculated in the same manner.
Quarter ball handicap
The half ball handicap, also known as the 0.5 handicap, is a type of bet where the bookmaker believes the favored team is stronger and will give the underdog a 0.5 goal handicap. The half ball handicap is diverse and often encountered in major tournaments such as the World Cup, Euro, etc. You can easily find the half ball handicap when 1/1 odds analysis or placing live bets. Similar to the half ball level handicap, this type of bet does not result in a push; there are only win or lose outcomes.
If the favored team wins, you will win your bet if you selected the favored team. Conversely, if the match ends in a draw, you will lose your entire wager if you chose the favored team, while those who chose the underdog will win half of their wager. The calculation for handicaps like 1.5, 2.5, 3.5 follows a similar pattern to the half ball handicap.
Three-quarter ball handicap
The three-quarter ball handicap, also known as the 0.75 handicap or 3/4 handicap, operates similarly to the half ball handicap. In this type of bet, the favored team gives the underdog a 0.75 goal handicap. For example, if you choose the favored team, you will win your bet if the favored team wins by a margin of two goals or more. If the favored team only wins by a one-goal margin, you will only win half of your wager.
If the underdog wins or if the match ends in a draw, you will lose your entire wager. This means that you will win your full wager if the underdog draws or wins. Handicaps such as 1.75, 2.75, 3.75, etc., follow a similar calculation method.
One ball handicap
In a one-goal handicap bet, the player will win and receive full winnings if the favored team wins by a margin of two goals or more. If the favored team loses or draws, the player who chose the underdog will win the entire wager, while the one who chose the favored team will lose the entire wager. If the favored team wins by only one goal, both sides will push.
How to calculate winnings for handicap betting
Calculating the payout for handicap bets is always a top concern for players. It's the determining factor for the amount of winnings players will receive after the match ends. The method for determining the payout varies depending on the odds.
However, we can generally outline the calculation for handicap bet payouts as follows:
For a full win:
Winnings = Initial wager x Odds of the chosen team
Total winnings = Initial wager + Winnings
For a half win:
Winnings = Initial wager x Odds of the chosen team / 2
To better understand how handicap bet payouts are calculated, let's look at a few examples:
In the match between Liverpool and Southampton on November 13, 2022, the handicap odds are set at 0.5, with the corresponding odds for Liverpool at 0.97 and for Southampton at 0.92.
If you bet $100 on Liverpool and Liverpool wins, you will receive: $100 * 0.97 = $97.
If you bet $100 on Southampton and Southampton wins, you will receive: $100 * 0.92 = $92.
In the event of a draw, choosing Liverpool will result in a loss of the entire wager, while choosing Southampton will result in a half win, meaning $46.
Why should you bet on handicap in football at reputable bookmakers?
When participating in sports betting, especially online football betting, one of the foremost concerns for everyone is finding a reputable bookmaker. Once you've selected a reliable platform, you can bet with peace of mind and avoid potential risks. Reputable bookmakers are known for their established brands and large user bases. Moreover, they offer a wide range of betting options for various tournaments, allowing you to easily place bets on your favorite teams.
Furthermore, major and reputable bookmakers typically have dedicated teams to manage and update data promptly. As a result, the handicap odds provided by reputable bookmakers are more accurate compared to smaller ones.
For instance, if you engage in football betting with a reputable bookmaker, you'll find that all information regarding handicap odds is presented in a detailed and comprehensive manner. You'll only need to invest your money to place bets on the given handicaps.
Is handicap betting in football easy to play?
Handicap betting is a popular form of wagering in football, and you may find it challenging when you first start playing. However, with a little time and effort to understand, you can grasp the fundamentals of placing handicap bets in football.
Many people engage in football betting without taking the time to understand, which can make it unfamiliar when they start betting on handicaps. Each type of bet has its own characteristics, so to become proficient, you need to be diligent in learning and exploring.
It's essential to learn how to play handicap betting quickly. In other words, when it comes to handicap betting, you'll learn about the overall betting odds.
Effective handicap betting strategies
Football betting is one of the sports that requires a lot of time to study and experience if you want to win. If you rely on luck and think that luck can bring you victory and make money for you, then you are truly mistaken. Below are some experiences in analyzing handicap betting shared by veterans, online sports betting experts:
Strategies for analyzing handicap odds
First, you need to understand how to read the odds and the different types of odds scenarios. At the same time, evaluate the form, class, head-to-head record of the two teams. Along with that, you also need to grasp the form of the stars, the starting lineups of both sides, as well as adjacent factors such as match time, weather, etc. These are important factors that help you analyze the match and potentially win.
Here are some important pieces of information you need to know for the most accurate assessment:
The current position of the teams in the league standings
Points on the international ranking table, etc.
Overview of the playing history of both teams
The goal-scoring ability of a player, the ability to predict the goalkeeper's direction.
Recent form of the team.
Objective factors such as weather, venue, etc.
Additionally, you need to refer to the assessments of experts and experienced veterans. Experts will provide reasonable advice, football win tips with high accuracy rates. You need to understand the situation of both teams before placing a bet.
Tips for choosing the betting side
First, you need to carefully observe all the odds of the matches throughout the day, preferably 3 to 4 hours before the official kickoff. Then, 30 minutes to an hour after the match, revisit and check the handicap odds movements to choose the appropriate bet for either the home or away team.
In some special cases, players can bet on the handicap based on a combination of tips from experts.
Choose the team with the handicap when one of the teams is a high-level team but has to play away. When the odds are between 0.5 to 1, you should choose the underdog.
If the two teams are evenly matched, choose the away team.
Observe the handicap odds; if both the odds and the payout odds decrease or increase together, you should choose the other team. This is usually a trap bet, designed to lure inexperienced players to bet in favor of the bookmakers' desired outcome. You need to avoid these situations. If you're not confident, look for another battle that you feel is safer.
If your handicap odds decrease by 0.25 but your bet increases accordingly before the game, you should choose the lower-rated team as the bookmakers rate them highly in this match.
In cases where the handicap odds are initially 1 but drop to 0.75 and the payout odds increase, this could also be a trap bet. You should choose the underdog to ensure safety.
When the odds are between 0.5 to 1, you should choose the underdog.
If the European odds remain unchanged or change slightly, but the handicap odds decrease, you may consider selecting the away team.
If the European odds are increasing and the Asian odds are not changing much, you should choose the home team.
The handicap points decrease and the bets decrease 30 minutes before the match starts. Choose the remaining teams.
If the European odds are stable while the Asian market slightly increases, the bookmakers rate the lowest-rated teams too highly, so they bet on the lowest-rated teams.
Handicap betting isn't too difficult to choose; you just need to pay attention to the situation of both teams to make the most appropriate decisions. Also, pay close attention to the offensive and defensive positions of both teams; this can also be a determining factor in your success or failure. Through this article, hopefully, you have a clearer understanding of handicap betting and how to play it in football. Analyze the handicap rules carefully and think carefully before placing your bet. And don't forget to choose reputable bookmakers to trust. Read more: 1x2 soccer tips – Offering Tips from the Premier 100 Websites Worldwide
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