Handicap Betting: What It Is, Types, and How to Use It!

If you're the type of bettor who likes to wager on favorites but feels limited by lower odds, this article is for you. Handicap betting is a market designed to increase the range of possibilities in matches with a clear difference in skill — a perfect fit for sports betting enthusiasts.

While it’s not the simplest betting format to use, Handicap betting allows bettors to improve their winning potential without needing to root for the underdog — and of course, it adds even more unpredictability and suspense to the outcome!

Since Handicap betting can be relatively complex, we’ve prepared this article to explain everything you need to know. Let’s dive in!

What Is Handicap Betting?

Handicap, as translated from English, means disadvantage or obstacle. In the betting world, the term is used to “handicap” the favorite — in other words, to make them start the match with a virtual disadvantage, meaning they need to win by a larger margin for your bet to be successful.

This market is particularly useful in matchups where one team is a clear favorite, resulting in low odds for a straight win — and, therefore, smaller returns. To balance the scales and make the betting experience more exciting, Handicap betting offers more attractive Odds even when backing Goliath instead of David.

For example, in a FIFA Club World Cup match between Manchester City and Wydad Casablanca, the English team is heavily favored in the standard 1x2 market: odds of 1.09 versus the Moroccan team's 30.0. If you want to bet on City to win, you can use Handicap betting to get odds of 1.32, 1.86, or even 5.40 — in the respective -1.5, -2.5, and -5 markets.

The catch is that Manchester City must win by more than 2, 3, or 6 goals. If they do, you'll enjoy a payout based on the odds you selected. But if they win by a smaller margin, the bet loses. This adds more excitement to every goal and allows for more creative betting strategies with higher potential returns.

What Are the Types of Handicap Bets?

You read that right — there’s more than one type of Handicap bet, which allows for different strategies depending on the context. These types are based on formats used in European and Asian sportsbooks — and yes, they are distinct from moneyline betting.

Despite offering different levels of risk and complexity, all Handicap models share the same goal: to level the playing field between teams and make betting more competitive and fun.

European Handicap

European Handicap is the most straightforward and traditional format. It uses whole numbers to give an advantage or disadvantage to a team. The favorite must win by more than the assigned handicap, while the underdog starts with a virtual lead.

Draws are also a possible outcome in this format, since the lines aren’t split or rounded. This format is ideal for bettors who prefer simple rules and a clear challenge.

For example, if Liverpool has a Handicap of -2, they must win by at least three goals for the bet to be successful.

Asian Handicap

Asian Handicap is more complex but offers greater flexibility — and eliminates the possibility of a draw. In this format, the handicap may include half or quarter goals (e.g., +0.5, -1.5), creating multiple scenarios.

Depending on the outcome, your bet may be split, partially refunded, or lost entirely, which helps reduce the risk of a complete loss.

This type of Handicap is great for bettors who want more control and lower risk, as it allows for partial refunds in certain situations — for example, when the result falls within a specific goal margin.

How Does Handicap Betting Work?

Handicap betting is designed to level the playing field between teams of different strengths. It favors the underdog by giving them a head start, while placing extra challenges on the favorite, who must win by a larger margin.

The core idea behind Handicap betting is to make wagers more competitive, even when one team is clearly superior. The use of "+" and "–" signs is straightforward:

• A “–” sign indicates the favorite starts with a disadvantage. For example, if a team has a -1 Handicap, it must win by two or more goals for the bet to be successful.
• A “+” sign gives the underdog an advantage. If a team has a +1 Handicap, it can even lose by one goal and the bet will still be a winner.

In the case of Asian Handicap, things get even more interesting. As mentioned earlier, this format includes fractional handicaps like -0.5 or +1.5, allowing for more outcomes. It also introduces the possibility of partial or full refunds.

This happens when the final result falls within a margin that doesn’t result in a clear win or loss — like when the favorite wins, but not by enough goals. Asian Handicap reduces the risk of full losses and offers better control over your wager.

Which Handicap Bet Is Better?

Choosing between European and Asian Handicap depends on your betting style and preferences. Here are three key criteria to help you decide:

Complexity

If you’re new to sports betting or prefer something more straightforward, European Handicap is ideal. It uses whole numbers and offers three outcomes: win, loss, or draw. Asian Handicap is more complex, involving decimals and multiple scenarios, requiring closer attention.

Potential Return

Generally, European Handicap offers more predictable odds — you know exactly what needs to happen to win. However, Asian Handicap may provide more varied odds and a higher potential payout, especially in well-calculated risk scenarios.

Risk

If minimizing losses is your priority, Asian Handicap is the safer path. It allows for partial or full refunds in some cases, reducing the risk of total loss. European Handicap is more definitive — you either win, lose, or draw.

In summary, if you want simplicity and clear outcomes, go for European Handicap. If you prefer greater control and more betting flexibility, Asian Handicap offers more room for strategy and potential returns.

How to Convert European Handicap to Asian Handicap

While European and Asian Handicap are distinct formats, knowing how to convert one to the other can be useful — especially if you're on a platform that only offers one of them (though that’s not the case with Blaze!).

The main differences involve the use of decimals in Asian Handicap and the elimination of the draw as a possible outcome. This gives more flexibility and makes refund scenarios possible, depending on the match result.

Here are some practical examples:

• An European Handicap of -1 on West Ham is equivalent to an Asian Handicap of -1.5. In this case, West Ham must win by at least two goals.
• An European Handicap of -1 on a draw has no direct Asian equivalent, as draws aren’t part of the Asian format.
• An European Handicap of +1 on Fiorentina matches an Asian Handicap of +0.5. Here, Fiorentina can lose by one goal and still have partial protection on the bet.

The key difference lies in refund potential. With European Handicap, a -1 bet on a draw is voided. With Asian Handicap, part of the stake may be returned depending on the outcome, which reduces risk.

So, when converting between them, always consider the odds and refund possibilities to optimize your betting strategy.

Bet Responsibly at Blaze!

Now that you understand Handicap betting, it’s time to put your knowledge to work and place your picks on Blaze’s Sports Betting page!

Frequently Asked Questions About Handicap Bets

What does Handicap mean in sports betting?

Handicap betting is a way to balance the odds between two teams with different skill levels. The favorite starts with a disadvantage and must win by a larger margin, while the underdog gets a head start. This creates more betting options and makes the matches more exciting with better odds.

How do I choose the best Handicap?

That depends on your experience level and risk tolerance. If you prefer something simple and easy to understand, European Handicap is ideal, offering three outcomes: win, loss, or draw. Asian Handicap offers more flexibility and less risk, as it removes the draw and can refund part of your stake in some cases.

What’s the difference between Asian and European Handicap?

The main difference lies in complexity and possible outcomes. European Handicap uses whole numbers and includes the draw, while Asian Handicap uses decimal points, excludes the draw, and offers the chance of partial or full refunds depending on the result.

How does Handicap work on Blaze?

On Blaze, you’ll find both European and Asian Handicap markets, giving you the flexibility to choose your strategy. The system is user-friendly, and the odds are clearly displayed, allowing you to compare both formats and decide which best suits your betting style. Our platform makes it easy to explore and take full advantage of Handicap betting!