European Handicap Meaning In Betting Explained

Betting can be thrilling, but understanding different types of bets is key. One popular type is the European Handicap, which might seem confusing at first. 

In essence, the European Handicap is a way to even out the playing field when one team is much stronger than the other. It lets the stronger team start with a disadvantage, making the bet more interesting. 

This type of bet is common in sports like football but can be used in many other sports, too. 

In this blog post, we’ll break down exactly what a European Handicap is, how it works, and how it can impact your bets. By the end, you should have a clear understanding that will help you to navigate these types of bets if you come across them. 

What Does European Handicap Mean?

A European Handicap, sometimes called a “three-way handicap“, is a type of sports bet that gives one team a head start or a slight advantage. This helps balance the odds when one team is clearly stronger. 

In a European Handicap, you’ll see three betting options: the favourite to win after the handicap is applied, the underdog to win after the handicap is applied, and a draw. 

For example, if Team A is much stronger than Team B, a European Handicap might start Team B with a +1 goal advantage. If you bet on Team A to win, they need to win by more than one goal for you to win your bet. 

If you bet on Team B, they can either win or draw for you to win. Betting on a draw means Team A must win by exactly one goal for the bet to be successful. 

This type of bet adds an extra layer of excitement and strategy, making matches more engaging and bets more intriguing by levelling the playing field. 

Types of European Handicap

There are a few main types of European Handicap bets. These make things interesting by offering different advantages or disadvantages to teams. 

Level Handicap

In a Level Handicap, no team gets an initial advantage. Both teams start at 0. Your bet simply predicts which team will win the match outright. 

Single Handicap

A Single Handicap gives one team an advantage or disadvantage, usually by a single goal. For instance, if Team A is given a -1 handicap, they need to win by more than one goal for a bet on them to win to be successful. 

Conversely, if Team B has a +1 handicap, they can draw or win outright for your bet on them to be successful. 

Split Handicap

Though less common, a Split Handicap involves dividing your bet between two different handicaps. For example, you might give Team A a -1 and -1.5 goal advantage. This means your bet is split: half at -1 and half at -1.5 goals. 

Each type offers a unique way to bet, catering to different strategies and potentially making the matches more engaging. Understanding these types can help you make more informed bets in future. 

European Handicap Example

Let’s look at a football match between Team A and Team B to understand how a European Handicap works. 

Setting the Scene

Team A is much stronger and expected to win. To make the betting more interesting, a European Handicap is applied. 

Suppose the bookmaker sets a handicap of -1 for Team A and +1 for Team B. 

What This Means

If you bet on Team A to win, they need to win by more than one goal for your bet to pay off. For instance, if the final score is 2-0 to Team A, you win because Team A won by two goals, and the score adjusted with the handicap would still be 1-0 to Team A. 

If the score is only 1-0, your bet loses because, with the -1 handicap, the adjusted score is 0-0. 

Betting on Team B

If you bet on Team B to win, they can draw or win outright for your bet to be successful. For example, if the score ends at 0-0, your bet still wins because, with the +1 handicap, the adjusted score is 1-0 to Team B. 

Betting on a Draw

If you bet on a draw, then Team A must win by exactly one goal for your bet to pay off. So, a 1-0 win for Team A would mean a successful bet because the adjusted score with the handicap is 1-1. 

This example shows how European Handicaps can make betting more balanced and exciting. 

European Handicap Betting Tips

European Handicaps can make betting more interesting, but it’s important to approach them wisely. Here are some simple tips to help you get started: 

Do Your Research

Before placing any bets, look up the teams or players involved. Check their recent performance, injuries, and head-to-head records. The more you know, the better informed your decisions will be. 

Understand the Handicap

Make sure you understand what the handicap means for each team. For example, a -1 handicap means the team must win by more than one goal for your bet to be successful. Knowing this can help you set realistic expectations. 

Consider Home Advantage

Teams often perform better at home. This can be a significant factor when considering a European Handicap. A home team might overcome a handicap more easily than an away team. 

Look for Value

Sometimes, the odds can offer good value. If you spot a match where the handicap seems too generous or too harsh, it might be worth placing a bet. Always consider how the potential payout matches up to the actual odds of an outcome. 

Stay Responsible

Bet within your limits. Only bet what you can afford to lose, and avoid chasing losses. Betting should be entertaining, not stressful. If you are losing more money than expected or not enjoying the experience, then it is a sign to stop and walk away. 

By following these tips, you can make more informed and enjoyable European Handicap bets in a responsible manner. 

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Join Bet442 for an unbeatable online betting experience. Remember to always gamble responsibly and within your means. Please note that this article is for educational purposes and is not to be taken as gambling advice. Always do your own research and consider your budget before placing bets of any kind.