Handicap betting (also known as line betting, spread betting, or margin betting) is a sports betting market where a bookmaker gives a virtual points advantage or disadvantage to a team to even out an unequal contest.
If you bet on the favourite, they must win by more than the set handicap margin. If you bet on the underdog, your bet wins if they win the match outright OR lose by less than the handicap margin.
It is highly popular for backing underdogs without needing them to win the actual game.
Key Questions Answered in This Handicap Betting Guide
What does a handicap mean in betting?
A handicap is a specific points margin set by the bookmaker to balance a lopsided matchup. It requires the heavily favoured team to overcome a virtual points deficit, providing more competitive odds for punters on both sides of the market.
How does handicap betting work?
To determine if your handicap bet is a winner, you simply add or subtract the handicap margin from your chosen team's final score and compare it to the opposition's score.
(Example: If the Warriors have a +10.5 handicap and lose the actual game by only 6 points, your handicap bet on the Warriors still wins because their adjusted score is higher).
Is handicap betting the same as line betting?
Yes. Depending on where you are betting, handicap betting is frequently referred to interchangeably as line betting, spread betting, or margin betting.
What is a 3-Way Handicap Bet?
A 3-way handicap bet functions identically to a standard handicap bet but introduces a third possible outcome to wager on: the "Handicap Draw" (where the final score, after the handicap is applied, results in an exact tie).
Does handicap betting include overtime?
Yes. In most major sports, handicap betting markets include all time played, including extra time or overtime. The only factor that dictates the outcome of the bet is the final adjusted scoreline.
Why do handicap lines change?
Handicap margins fluctuate in the lead-up to a match based on changing circumstances, such as late injuries to key players, weather conditions, or heavy betting volume on one side of the market.
Depending on location, handicap betting can often be referred to by a number of different names. These include spread betting, margin betting and line betting.
Now that you know the top line of what handicap betting is let’s dive into the details further with a breakdown of how handicap betting works.