Handicap betting is one of the most popular types of football bets today. To be able to play this type of bet, you must know how to read handicap odds. If you don't understand how to read the odds, you won't be able to calculate your winnings or losses. But don't worry if you're unfamiliar with reading odds because we will provide you with the most detailed guide below.
What is Handicap Betting?
Before we guide you on how to read handicap odds, let's introduce this type of bet. Handicap betting, also known as Asian handicap, is a major betting market. With handicap betting, the top online bookmakers will compare the strengths of the two teams and then provide a handicap (or advantage) for the underdog team.
When playing handicap bets, you only need to rely on the handicap and predict which team will win the match. Of course, this type of bet is only applicable during the official playing time of the match. Moreover, each match will have a different handicap based on the strengths of the two teams. Therefore, you need to understand how to read handicap odds to make the most of this type of bet.
The Most Accurate Way to Read Handicap Odds
Currently, there are various handicap odds available, and each odd has its own way of reading. That's why we will introduce you to the most common odds and how to read them. This will help you apply and play handicap bets in any match.
Level Handicap (0)
The level handicap is given when the two teams have equal strength. Therefore, there is no advantage given to either team in the match. The reading of this odds is quite simple:
If the team you bet on wins, you will win the bet; if it loses, you will lose the bet.
If the match ends in a draw, your bet will be a push, and you will get your stake back.
Quarter Ball Handicap (±0.25)
To understand what this handicap is, we will explain the 0.25 ball handicap. This is an odd in which the underdog team is given a quarter goal advantage. The reading is as follows:
If the underdog team wins, you win the bet; if the favorite team loses, you lose the bet.
If the match ends in a draw, you will win half of your stake if you bet on the underdog and lose half if you bet on the favorite.
Half Ball Handicap (±0.5)
Next, we'll explain how to read the ±0.5 handicap. With this handicap, the favorite team is given a half goal disadvantage. The reading is as follows:
If the favorite team wins by any margin, you win the bet; if the underdog team wins or the match ends in a draw, you lose the bet.
If the match ends with the favorite team winning by a half-goal margin (e.g., 1-0, 2-1), your bet is a push, and you get your stake back.
Three-Quarter Ball Handicap (±0.75)
The 0.75 handicap is also quite common in football matches today. To read this handicap, you should do the following:
If the favorite team wins by a one-goal margin (e.g., 1-0, 2-1), you win half of your stake if you bet on the favorite team and lose half if you bet on the underdog.
If the favorite team wins by a two-goal margin or more (e.g., 2-0, 3-0), you win the bet if you bet on the favorite team and lose the full stake if you bet on the underdog.
If the match ends in a draw or the underdog team wins, you win the bet if you bet on the underdog and lose the full stake if you bet on the favorite team.
One Ball Handicap (±1)
Reading the ±1 handicap is also quite simple:
If the favorite team wins by a one-goal margin, the bet is a push, and you get your stake back regardless of which team you bet on.
If the favorite team wins by a two-goal margin or more, you win the bet if you bet on the favorite team and lose the full stake if you bet on the underdog.
If the underdog team wins or the match ends in a draw, you win the bet if you bet on the underdog and lose the full stake if you bet on the favorite team.
With this article, you now know what Handicap betting is and have learned the most accurate way to read handicap odds. This will enable you to read these odds and participate in betting in any match you desire.
