A handicap in sports betting is a popular bet that is used to level the playing field between two teams or players if one of them is the favourite. The idea behind a handicap is to create a more level playing field for both sides, increasing interest in the bet and improving the odds on the match. The handicap is always available in the list of markets on the Malbet website.
This form of betting is widely used in sports such as football, basketball, tennis and many others. With a handicap, punters can bet on a weaker team or player, giving them a certain advantage, or on a stronger side given its predetermined disadvantage.
Handicap: term, types and features
The term comes from the English word ‘handicap’, which means ‘handicap’ or ‘handicap’. In sports betting, it means that one of the participants in a competition is assigned an extra advantage and the other a disadvantage in order to equalise the chances of winning.
There are several types of handicaps, each with its own characteristics:
- An integer handicap is when one team or player is given an advantage or disadvantage in the form of an integer (e.g. 1, -2). In this case, the result is determined according to how strong the team or player is and what handicap has been given. For example, if team A has a handicap of 1 in a match against team B, they must either win or draw in order for the bet to be a winner.
- Ahalf handicap is a bet that uses a fractional number (e.g. 0.5, -1.5). This gives more flexibility in betting, as the result will not depend on the full number, but only on whether the team was able to win or lose based on the handicap. For example, if team A has a handicap of 0.5, they may lose by the narrowest of margins, but either way the bet will win if the team draws or wins.
- European Handicap is a betting option where you can bet on a win, draw or defeat with a handicap. For example, Team A may start with a minus handicap and need to win by a margin greater than that handicap to win the bet.
- Asian Handicap is a more complex system that divides the handicap into two parts, giving punters more betting options. For example, a bet on team A with a handicap of 0.75 is split into two parts: one with a handicap of 0.5 and one with a handicap of 1. If the team wins, both parts of the bet win, but if it loses, both parts are lost.
Handicaps help bookmakers to balance the odds between teams with different levels of experience. It also makes betting more exciting and interesting, as it allows punters to bet not only on favourites, but also on outsiders with an advantage.