Handicap betting, also known as “point betting” or “line betting,” is a method used in sports betting to make a match between two teams more balanced. The stronger team gets a disadvantage, while the weaker team gets an advantage. This makes betting more interesting and gives fair chances to both sides.

If there were no handicaps, the stronger team would likely win easily, making the bet predictable. However, with a handicap in place, the weaker team starts with a virtual lead, making the competition more exciting, especially when placing your bets on a platform like Sbobet88.

How Handicap Betting Works

Handicaps are shown in brackets next to a team’s name. For example, if Leicester City is playing against Manchester United and the bookmaker sets a handicap of 1.5, it would look like this:

Leicester City (1.5) vs. Manchester United (-1.5)

Leicester City starts the match with a 1.5-goal advantage.

There cannot be a draw because the handicap is not a whole number.

If you bet on Manchester United, they need to win by at least two goals for your bet to be successful.

If you bet on Leicester City, they must either win, draw, or lose by just one goal for your bet to win.

No Draw Handicap Bet

A no draw handicap bet happens when the handicap is a decimal number. This removes the possibility of a draw because teams cannot score half-goals in real matches.

For example, if West Ham plays against Newcastle with a handicap of 2, it would look like this:

West Ham (2) vs. Newcastle (-2)

If you bet on Newcastle, they must win by at least three goals for your bet to win.

If you bet on West Ham, your bet wins if they lose by just one goal.

If West Ham loses by exactly two goals, your bet is void, and you get your money back.

Since there is no decimal in this case, a tie results in your money being refunded.

Handicap League Betting

Handicap league betting is similar but applies to an entire season instead of a single match. Before the season starts, each team is given different odds. The best teams get no advantage (marked as SCR or 0), while weaker teams receive a handicap.

The key difference between regular handicap betting and league handicap betting is that the handicap applies to all teams in the league rather than just one match.

Final Thoughts

Handicap betting is a popular way to make sports betting fairer and more exciting. It allows players to bet on matches where one team is much stronger than the other while still having a chance to win. Whether for a single match or an entire season, handicap betting gives you more ways to enjoy football and other sports.