Guide to Handicap Betting: How It Works, Strategies, and Bet Types

Handicap betting, also known as “the spread,” is a popular market across all major online sportsbooks. It adjusts the perceived advantage or disadvantage between two teams by adding or subtracting points or goals, making the competition more evenly matched for betting purposes.

In this guide, we’ll explore how handicap betting works, define the concept, provide examples, offer strategies for success, and highlight the top betting sites for this market.

What is a Handicap Bet?

A handicap bet alters the score of a team by adding or subtracting points to level the playing field. The aim is to neutralize any perceived advantage one team has over the other. For instance, if one team is the favorite, points will be deducted from their final score, while points will be added to the underdog’s score to create an equal betting opportunity for both sides.

Here’s an example: in an NBA game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Philadelphia 76ers, the 76ers are heavy favorites with odds of -500, and the Nets are the underdogs with odds of +375. A handicap of 10.5 points might be applied, meaning 10.5 points are added to the Nets’ score and removed from the 76ers’ score. The Nets would need to either win or lose by fewer than 10 points for a bet on them to win, while the 76ers must win by 11 or more points for bets on them to succeed.

Why Do Handicap Bets Exist?

Handicap bets are designed to make games with a clear favorite more competitive from a betting perspective. In some sports, the disparity between the best and worst teams can make the odds for favorites unattractive. By applying a handicap, sportsbooks create more balanced betting markets.

How Are Handicap Lines Calculated?

Handicap lines are set based on the difference in perceived ability between two teams, often derived from the moneyline odds. The larger the odds gap, the larger the handicap. For example, in a game between the Golden State Warriors and the Sacramento Kings, a close moneyline would result in a small spread, like 1.5 points. In contrast, larger gaps in team performance could result in a much larger handicap.

Types of Handicap Bets

There are two main types of handicap bets:

1. 2-Way Handicap Bets: The most common form, typically seen in sports like basketball and football, where there are only two outcomes (win or lose). Points are added or subtracted, and you choose which team you believe will cover the spread.
2. 3-Way Handicap Bets: Common in soccer, where there are three possible outcomes (win, lose, or draw). In this bet, you can wager on either team or the possibility of a draw after adjusting the score based on the handicap.

Whole Number and Half-Number Handicaps

• Whole Number Handicaps: These use round numbers, which can lead to ties. For instance, if you bet on a team with a +2 handicap and they lose by exactly 2 points, the bet is a push, and your stake is returned.
• Half-Number Handicaps: These remove the possibility of a tie, as the final result will always include a half-point margin.

How to Beat the Handicap Spread

To beat the handicap spread, bettors must stay informed and react to market movements. One useful strategy is tracking the opening line and any subsequent changes. Large amounts of money on one side may shift the spread, creating potential value on the other side. Additionally, factors like home advantage, team news, and a history of covering or failing to cover spreads should be considered.

Handicap Betting by Sport

• NFL: Handicap betting is based on points scored. Spreads are wider compared to other sports due to higher scoring games.
• NBA: Due to the high number of points scored, NBA games often have larger spreads. Predicting these can be difficult due to the scoring fluctuations.
• NHL: The standard handicap is +/- 1.5 goals due to the low-scoring nature of the sport. The odds shift significantly based on whether teams are expected to cover this spread.
• MLB: Like hockey, baseball uses a +/- 1.5 run handicap, with odds adjusted accordingly based on the teams’ perceived strengths.
• Soccer: Handicap bets in soccer can include both 2-way and 3-way bets, often involving adjustments of one or more goals depending on team performance.

Handicap Betting Strategies

• Watch Line Movements: Track how betting lines change over time. If large sums of money shift the spread, this can present value opportunities.
• Home Advantage: Home teams often perform better, which can impact handicap outcomes.
• Against the Spread Trends: Some teams consistently cover the spread more often than others, which can be a useful indicator for placing bets.
• Team News: Player injuries or changes to starting lineups can significantly impact a team’s performance and the spread.
• Predict Game Scores: Create plausible score predictions and see how they match with the offered spread, allowing for more informed betting decisions.

Placing a Handicap Bet

Here’s a general process for placing a handicap bet at an online sportsbook:

1. Open an Account: Create an account with a sportsbook, ensuring you provide accurate information for verification purposes.
2. Deposit Funds: Choose a payment method and deposit funds. Most sportsbooks offer welcome bonuses that you can claim at this stage.
3. Choose a Sport: Navigate to the sport you want to bet on, such as the NFL or NBA, and find a game with handicap betting options.
4. Select a Bet: Choose your bet from the listed handicap markets and add it to your bet slip.
5. Confirm the Bet: Enter the amount you wish to wager and confirm your bet.

By employing thoughtful strategies and monitoring handicap lines, you can increase your chances of success when placing bets on these markets.