Handicap betting, also called “spread betting,” is a way for sportsbooks to balance the competition between two teams. It involves adding or removing points to create a more even betting field, which you can easily participate in when using a platform like Sbobet88.

Why Use Handicap Betting?

Handicap betting is useful when one team is much stronger than the other. In normal betting (moneyline), odds for the favourite may be too low to be profitable. A handicap bet balances the chances and offers better odds.

How is the Handicap Set?

Sportsbooks decide handicaps based on factors like team strength, past performance, injuries, and betting trends. The bigger the difference between teams, the larger the handicap.

Types of Handicap Bets

1. Two-Way Handicap: Common in sports like basketball and baseball. You bet on one of two teams to win with the handicap applied.
2. Three-Way Handicap: Common in soccer. It includes a “draw” option. If a team gets a +1 handicap and loses by one goal, the bet is a draw and wins.
3. Whole Number Handicap: Uses whole numbers (e.g., +2, -2). If the final adjusted score is a tie, the bet is refunded.
4. Half-Number Handicap: Uses decimal values (e.g., +1.5, -1.5). This prevents ties, ensuring a clear winner.

Examples in Different Sports

• NBA: Because basketball games have high scores, handicaps are larger. A team may have a -4.5 spread, meaning they must win by 5 or more.
• NFL: Football handicaps vary based on the teams’ strengths. A close Super Bowl game might have a small handicap of +/- 1.5 points.
• NHL & MLB: Hockey and baseball usually have a standard +/-1.5 spread due to lower scoring.
• Soccer: Handicaps range from simple +1 or -1 to complex Asian handicaps, where bets may be split across multiple lines.

How to Place a Handicap Bet

1. Choose a Sportsbook: Register on a betting site.
2. Deposit Funds: Add money to your account.
3. Select a Sport: Navigate to the handicap betting section.
4. Pick a Game & Bet: Choose the spread and place your bet.

Strategies for Winning Handicap Bets

1. Monitor Line Movements: If odds shift, it indicates heavy betting on one side. This can reveal better value bets.
2. Consider Home Advantage: Home teams often perform better, impacting handicap odds.
3. Check Team Trends: Some teams consistently cover the spread more than others.
4. Follow Team News: Player injuries and lineup changes can affect the handicap.
5. Predict Possible Scores: Compare expected scores with the given handicap to spot good bets.

Alternative Handicap Bets

Many sportsbooks offer adjusted handicap lines. For example, instead of the standard -1.5, you might bet on -3.5 for higher odds. You can also bet on handicaps for specific periods, like just the first half of a game.

Conclusion

Handicap betting makes betting more exciting and fair by balancing strong and weak teams. Understanding how spreads work and using smart strategies can improve your chances of success.