Football Handicap Bet - Exploring the Different Types of Handicap Bets

Football Handicap Bet - Exploring the Different Types of Handicap Bets
Handicap betting is a cornerstone of football wagering, offering a dynamic and strategic way to place your bets. With teams varying greatly in skill and style, handicap bets help level the playing field—making every match more competitive from a betting perspective. This type of bet is especially popular in online football betting communities. But what exactly does a handicap bet mean? And what are the different types you should know about? Join win betting tips as we break it all down in the article below.
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What is a football handicap bet?
In a football season, there are many teams, and not all of them are evenly matched. Some matches are between strong and weak teams, making the betting experience more thrilling due to the imbalance.
To address this, handicaps are applied to level the playing field. Bookmakers assess the difference in strength between the two teams and set an appropriate handicap. The aim is to create a more balanced and fair competition. The basic unit for handicaps is 0.25 goals (i.e., 1/4 goal).
What is a football handicap?
Popular Types of Handicap Bets in Football
There are various handicap terms used in football betting. Depending on the match, players can choose different handicap bets. Below are some of the most common types of handicap bets that bettors often choose. Let’s go over them to better understand each one, so you can make smarter choices with higher chances of winning.
Level Ball Handicap (0 Handicap)
Also known as “draw no bet.” You win if your chosen team wins, and lose if they lose. Typically used when:
The bookmaker ratings both teams to be equally matched in terms of squad and form.
A strong team is currently in poor form, and the odds are adjusted accordingly.
0/0.5 or 1/4 Handicap (Quarter Ball Handicap)
Also displayed as 1/4, 0.25, or 0-0.5:
If the favored team wins, those who bet on them win.
If the match ends in a draw, those who bet on the favored team lose half their stake.
0.5 or 1/2 Handicap (Half Ball Handicap)
This means the favored team is giving away 0.5 goals.
If the favored team wins, the bettor wins.
If the match ends in a draw or the favored team loses, the bettor loses the entire stake.
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0.5/1 or 3/4 or 0.75 Handicap (Three-Quarter Ball Handicap)
Often shown as 0.75 or 3/4:
If the favored team wins by 2 or more goals, the bettor wins in full.
If they win by just 1 goal, the bettor wins half the stake.
If they draw or lose, the bettor loses.
0:1 Handicap (One Goal Handicap)
If the favored team wins by 2 or more goals, the bettor wins.
If they win by exactly 1 goal, the stake is refunded.
If they draw or lose, the bettor loses.
1/1.5 or 1-1/4 or 1.25 Handicap (One and a Quarter Goal Handicap)
If the favored team wins by 2 or more goals, the bettor wins.
If they win by 1 goal, the bettor loses half the stake.
If they draw or lose, the underdog bettor wins.
1.5 or 1-1/2 Handicap (One and a Half Goal Handicap)
The favored team must win by 2 or more goals to win the bet.
If they win by only 1 goal, the bettor loses.
If they draw or lose, the underdog bettor wins.
1.5/2 or 1-3/4 or 1.75 Handicap (One and Three-Quarter Goal Handicap)
If the favored team wins by 3+ goals, the bettor wins in full.
If they win by 2 goals, the bettor wins half.
If they win by 1 goal or draw/lose, the bettor loses.
0:2 Handicap (Two Goal Handicap)
If the favored team wins by 3+ goals, the bettor wins.
If they win by exactly 2 goals, it's a draw (stake returned).
If they win by 1 goal, draw, or lose, the underdog bettor wins.