⚽Sports Handicap Betting Explained: A Complete Guide by SBX.com
Whether you're an experienced sports punter or just dipping your toes into the action, handicap betting opens up new ways to find value - and bigger odds - at SBX.com. From basketball and soccer to tennis, golf, and rugby, handicaps are one of the most strategic and popular bet types on the platform.
Let’s break down exactly how it works, what the different types mean, and how you can use handicap betting to boost your sportsbook experience.
⚖️ What Is Handicap Betting?
Handicap betting is all about leveling the playing field. A handicap is a numerical advantage (or disadvantage) given to one side of a matchup before the game begins, changing how bets are settled and creating more competitive odds.
If one team is heavily favored, the sportsbook might apply a handicap to balance things out. This means your bet isn’t just based on who wins, but by how much they win - or how closely the underdog can keep it.
Example:
- Liverpool -1: Liverpool starts with a 1-goal deficit. They need to win by 2+ goals for your bet to win.
- Manchester United +1: United starts with a 1-goal advantage. If they win or draw, you win. If they lose by one goal, your bet is refunded.
🧮 How Handicap Betting Works
Handicaps come in three styles:
- Whole numbers (e.g. -1, +2): Allows for pushes (void/refund) - if the final adjusted score is a draw, your bet is refunded.
- Half numbers (e.g. -1.5, +0.5): No push (void/refund) possible - only win or loss.
- Quarter numbers (e.g. -0.25, +0.75): The bet is split into two smaller bets, one on the lower and one on the higher handicap (e.g., +0.25 = half on 0, half on +0.5).
🌏 Asian vs European Handicap Markets
Asian Handicap
- Eliminates the draw.
- Includes quarter handicaps (e.g. +0.25, -0.75).
- Payouts can be win, loss, half-win, or half-loss.
- Great for experienced bettors who want tight control over risk.
Example: Man United +1.5 means United can win, draw, or even lose by 1 goal - and you still win your bet.
European Handicap
- Traditional 3-way market: Win, Draw, or Lose after the handicap is applied.
- No quarter numbers - only whole number adjustments.
- Includes the option to bet on a draw with handicap, where the final score lands exactly on the handicap line.
Example: Liverpool -1 - if Liverpool wins by exactly 1 goal, it’s a draw in this market.
🧠 Three-Way vs No-Draw Handicap Betting
- Three-Way Handicap: Bet on home win, draw, or away win after the handicap is applied.
- No-Draw Handicap: Also known as Asian handicap, uses half-point spreads to ensure there's always a clear winner.
⚽ Sports You Can Bet on with Handicaps
🏈 Football (American)
Handicap = point spread. Example:
- Cowboys +2.5 vs Bengals -2.5
- Cowboys must avoid losing by 3+ to cover the spread.
⚽ Soccer
Common in high-profile matchups. Example:
- Manchester United +1 = win/draw = win; lose by 1 = push.
- Liverpool -1.5 = must win by 2+ goals to win bet.
🏉 Rugby
Because rugby scores higher than football/soccer, handicaps are often larger (e.g. +13.5). England -13.5 must win by 14+ for the bet to win.
⛳ Golf
Handicap based on strokes. E.g., Thomas +3 must beat his rivals by 3 shots or more.
🎾 Tennis
Handicaps apply to sets or games. E.g., Djokovic -1.5 sets = must win in straight sets in a best-of-three.
🐎 Horse Racing
Horses carry different weights to balance the field. Favorites carry more to their advantage.
And don’t forget - you can place handicap bets on AFL, NRL, Champions League, NHL, NBA and other top leagues at SBX.
📈 Handicap Odds & Payouts
Handicap odds reflect the adjusted challenge in the bet. Backing a favorite with a -2 handicap? You’ll likely get better odds than on a straight win.
Example:
- Bet $100 on Manchester City +1 at $2.50
- City wins 2–0 → Payout = $250 ($150 profit + $100 stake)
Always check live odds at SBX.com, especially during in-play action, as odds can fluctuate fast.
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