Master the bookmaker handicap bets: A guide to steady profits
Looking for a break from boring bets and low odds that barely pay? This guide will help you master handicap betting, a popular option that adds more thrill to each game. It lets you back a team with better odds, even when one side outmatches the other. Learn the basics of handicap betting online, with easy tips to help you earn steady profits. With Sportsbet.io’s crypto-friendly setup and wide sports markets, you can enjoy smooth betting anywhere. If you're ready to step up your game, keep reading to learn how to maximise Sportsbet.io handicap bets and raise your chances for success.
What is handicap betting in sports betting?
Handicap betting, also known as point spread, is an option that evens the game by giving one team a head start or a disadvantage. Bookmakers like Sportsbet.io add or subtract points or goals to a team’s score before the match starts.
For example, in an NBA game, the underdog might get +5 points, while the favourite starts with -5 points. This format gives the underdog an advantage in the score, while the favourite or stronger team must win by more than that margin.
How does handicap betting differ from other betting options?
Handicap balances the wagering fields and makes betting more exciting since you can get a payout even if your team doesn’t win the game. Unlike outright bets that depend on the final result, you're simply wagering on the adjusted score. You must predict whether a team will win by more than the handicap or the underdog will lose by less than the set amount.
This option adds twists like draws or close finishes, giving you more ways to win. Understanding this can help you spot valuable odds, learn smart strategies, and make informed choices beyond simple win-or-lose bets.
Bookmaker handicap types
Handicap betting comes in two main types: Asian and European. Each type changes how the match result counts and how your bet can win or lose. Knowing the differences helps you pick smart bets on Sportsbet.io and find the best odds.
Here’s how each type shapes the outcome and your betting moves:
Asian handicap
Asian Handicap gives one team a virtual goal or point advantage or disadvantage before the game starts. It removes the draw option, so your possible bets settle in five ways: win, half-win, void, half-loss, or loss.
For example, if Team A gets a -1.5 goal handicap, they must win by two or more goals for you to win. If they only win by 1 goal, you lose.
How does the Asian handicap work?
Asian Handicap evens the odds and makes betting fairer when one team is stronger. It removes the draw and adds more strategy, giving you the chance to win fully, win half, lose half, lose all or get a full refund.
To make it easier to understand, here’s how Asian Handicap works in basketball, using a match between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder:
Handicap shown:
- Pacers (+6) at 1.90
- Thunder (–6) at 1.90.
These numbers use a whole-number Asian handicap. It creates the chance for a push, where the final score ends in a tie after applying the handicap. When this happens, Sportsbet.io refunds your full stake. You don’t win, but you don’t lose money either. This is a key feature of Asian Handicaps that the European option doesn’t offer.
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers start with a virtual +6 point advantage before the game begins. Here’s how that affects your bet:
- Your bet wins: The Pacers must win the actual game, draw, or lose by 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 points. Even if they lose by 5, the +6 handicap pushes them ahead by 1 point, so the bet still wins.
- Push: If the Pacers lose by exactly 6 points, the adjusted score creates a tie, and Sportsbet.io refunds your stake.
- Example: You bet 100 USDT, and the final score is Indiana Pacers 100 - 106 Oklahoma City Thunder.
- After the handicap: Pacers (100 + 6) = 106, Thunder = 106. The result is a tie, so you get your 100 USDT back.
- Your bet loses: If the Pacers lose by 7 points or more.
- Example: The final score is Indiana Pacers 100 - 107 Oklahoma City Thunder.
- After the handicap: Pacers (100 + 6) = 106, Thunder = 107. Thunder still leads, so you lose your 100 USDT bet.
OKC Thunder
The OKC Thunder start with a virtual -6 point deficit. They need to win by a huge margin to cover this gap. Here’s how your bet plays out:
- Your bet wins: OKC must win by 7 points or more.
- Example: The final score is OKC Thunder 107 - 100 Indiana Pacers.
- After the handicap: OKC (107 - 6) = 101, Pacers = 100. OKC still leads, so your bet wins.
- Push: If OKC wins by exactly 6 points, Sportsbet.io refunds your stake.
- Example: The final score is OKC Thunder 106 - 100 Indiana Pacers.
- After the handicap: OKC (106 - 6) = 100, Pacers = 100. Scores are tied, so you get your money back.
- Your bet loses: OKC wins by 1 to 5 points, the game ends in a draw, or OKC loses outright.
- Example: The final score is OKC Thunder 105 - 100 Indiana Pacers.
- After the handicap: OKC (105 - 6) = 99, Pacers = 100. OKC falls behind after the adjustment, so your bet loses.
Asian handicap adds strategy since you can win part of your bet or get a refund if the result falls in between. It's popular on Sportsbet.io as it offers clear chances and sharp odds, helping you bet smarter.
European handicap
European Handicap, also called 3-way Handicap, lets you bet on three results: Team A wins, the match ends in a draw, or Team B wins. For example, if Team A gets a +1 goal handicap against Team B, but loses by 1 goal, your bet on Team A still wins since the handicap adds a goal to their score. This type works well for uneven games where a draw can happen.
How does the European handicap work?
European handicap offers three possible outcomes, which can create higher odds for specific margins, but often results in less balanced risk compared to Asian handicap betting. Here’s a clear example using Paris Saint-Germain vs. Atlético Madrid in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup:
- Paris Saint-Germain: -1
- Draw/handicap tie: Effectively -1
- Atlético Madrid: +1
Assume Paris Saint-Germain wins 2–1 against Atlético Madrid. With a -1 handicap, PSG’s score drops to 1. Atlético’s score stays the same at 1. That makes the adjusted result a draw. So, a bet on PSG to win loses since they didn’t win by more than one goal.
A bet on the handicap draw wins as PSG’s one-goal margin matches the exact handicap. In this case, a bet on Atlético Madrid with a +1 handicap also loses, since the adjusted score results in a draw, not an outright win for Atlético. Only a bet placed specifically on the handicap draw wins.
Note that betting on the handicap draw means you’re backing the exact winning margin. PSG must win by exactly one goal—like 1–0, 2–1, or 3–2—for your bet to win.
Sports where you can bet on handicap
Handicap betting fits many sports where skill or score gaps make bets one-sided. This makes the game more exciting and evens out the odds.
Here are the top sports where handicap bets boost your chances of winning:
Basketball
Basketball is a fast-paced game where two teams try to score by shooting the ball through the hoop. Points add up quickly, making it easy for one team to get far ahead. Handicaps range from a few points to larger spreads based on team strength.
A stronger team often gets a minus handicap, meaning they must win by more points. Fans enjoy betting on NBA games like Lakers vs. Celtics or Warriors vs. Bulls since these matches offer great action for handicap bets.
Football
Football, or soccer, features two teams trying to score by kicking the ball into the other team’s goal. The game lasts 90 minutes, split into two halves. Scores are often low, so one goal can decide the match.
For handicap betting, Sportsbet.io gives one team a goal advantage to balance the odds. Popular matches for handicap betting include the Champions League and FIFA World Cup, where unexpected results happen often.
Tennis
Tennis features two players (singles) or two teams of two (doubles). They hit the ball over a net and try to score by landing it on the other side’s court. Matches can get intense and go on for hours. While the score can shift quickly, matches often become one-sided, especially when a top-ranked player dominates.
In handicap bets, a stronger player like Iga Swiatek or Novak Djokovic may start with a set or game disadvantage when facing a lower-ranked opponent. Grand Slam tournaments like Wimbledon and the US Open draw strong interest in handicap betting.
Merits of handicap betting
Handicap markets offer more than the usual win/lose picks. New and experienced bettors use them to make bets that match their playstyle and risks. Still, many players lose money by picking the wrong line or misreading the odds. That’s why it’s crucial to know how it works before placing your bet.
Here are the benefits of handicap betting and how this option gives you more ways to win smarter:
Fairer odds
Handicap betting evens out one-sided games. When one team holds a clear edge, traditional odds offer little value. A handicap gives the weaker team a points or goals boost, which levels the field.
This shift makes bets more balanced and worth taking. It also adds uncertainty to each outcome, making the action harder to call and more fun to follow.
Better payouts
Handicap betting boosts your payout by offering better odds. In regular markets, betting on a strong team often pays little. A handicap changes that by requiring the team to win by a set number of goals or points. This adds risk but increases the reward.
With Asian handicaps, backing the underdog can protect your wager even if the team loses narrowly, as certain outcomes may result in a win or refund.It gives you better value than a simple win or lose bet.
Adds more ways to bet
Handicap betting pushes you to research and plan your strategy for each game. You’re not only betting on who wins but also on how much or if the weaker team can stay close.
This adds more depth to your picks and gives you more control over each bet. With several handicap lines, you can tailor your bet to how you expect the game to go.
Things to consider when betting on handicaps
Handicap betting can add excitement and new chances to win, but also demands smart choices. One wrong pick or a missed detail can cost you money.
Check out these handicap betting tips before placing your bets:
- Different types of handicaps: Asian and European handicaps work in different ways. Sportsbet.io uses the Asian format more often than the other.
- Handicaps vary by sport: Handicaps have different names and rules depending on the sport. In basketball betting, it’s called a point spread; in baseball, it’s a run line. Each sport has its way of setting the handicap, so learn the terms and rules for the sport you choose.
- Shifting odds: At Sportsbet.io, odds can shift fast in handicap markets. These changes often reflect key updates like team lineups, momentum shifts, or in-game goals. Watch the odds and lock in your pick when the numbers work for you.
- Timing in live betting: When you bet live, timing plays a big role. For Asian handicaps, the line starts once you place your bet. Meanwhile, European handicap starts from the game’s kickoff. Ensure you know the timing so your bet matches the action.
How to bet on handicap at Sportsbet.io
Sportsbet.io uses a simple, clean design that makes betting easy for everyone. It guides you smoothly from signing up to cashing out your winnings.
Here’s how to get started and make the most of the platform:
- Go to Sportsbet.io’s official website: Open your browser, such as Chrome, Safari, or Opera. Type ‘https://sportsbet.io’ into the address bar and press ‘Enter’ to load the website.
- Create an account: Click the ‘Sign In’ button in the top right corner. This opens a form where you enter your full name, email, username, and birthday.
- Read and agree to the site’s terms: Read the full terms and conditions to understand your rights and responsibilities as a player. Then, click the small box to agree and continue.
- Deposit: Before playing, fund your account using fiat or cryptocurrency.
- Open the sports section: After setting up your account, go to the sports section.
- Pick a sports match and place your handicap bets: Choose the sport and match you want to bet on. Look for the ‘HCP’ or ‘Handicap’ label above the odds. Click the one you want to back, then confirm your bet.
Aim for victory with sports betting handicaps! Start betting now on Sportsbet.io
Sportsbet.io gives you a smooth and fast way to place handicap bets. The platform covers many matches, so the options stay fresh and exciting. It also supports crypto payments like Bitcoin and Tether, letting you fund your account and withdraw in a few minutes.
With its secure system and strong privacy measures, you can trust your money and data to stay safe. Plus, Sportsbet.io’s mobile version lets you check handicap betting odds and place bets anytime, anywhere. This seamless experience makes it the perfect platform for handicap betting.
Improve your odds and place smart bookmaker handicap bets today
Sportsbet.io handicap betting opens up smart ways to make your wagers more exciting and rewarding. You get a smooth platform, plenty of sports markets, and fast crypto payments—all designed to help you bet with confidence. Place your handicap bets today and elevate your sports betting sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What is handicap betting?
Handicap betting evens the game by giving one team a virtual head start or disadvantage. It adjusts the final score with points or goals to balance the chances.
What is the difference between Asian and European Handicap?
Asian Handicap has five outcomes: win, lose, half-win, half-lose, or refund. European Handicap includes a draw as a possible result, so you can bet on either team to win or on a draw.
Which sports support handicap betting on Sportsbet.io?
Sportsbet.io offers handicap betting on basketball, football (soccer), and tennis, among other sports where score gaps matter.
Is handicap betting suitable for beginners?
Yes, beginners can use handicap betting, but they must understand how it works and study the odds to avoid losses.
How do I place a handicap bet on Sportsbet.io?
Find matches marked ‘HCP’ or ‘Handicap’ above the odds to pick your bets.
What happens if a handicap bet ends in a draw?
In Asian Handicap, a draw means you get your stake refunded. Meanwhile, in European Handicap, a draw counts as a possible outcome. Bets on a draw win, while bets on either team lose unless they beat the handicap.
