Are you interested in the world of football betting but find the concept of handicap betting somewhat perplexing? If so, you’re not alone.

Handicap betting is a unique and complex betting market that can be difficult to understand, especially for those new to sports betting.

That’s why we have created this comprehensive guide to demystify handicap betting in football and empower you with all the knowledge you need to start wagering with confidence.

In this article, we will walk you through the ins and outs of handicap betting, step by step.

We will explain how it works, the different types of handicap betting available, and provide practical examples to help you grasp the concept.

By the end of this guide, you will be equipped with the necessary skills to make informed betting decisions, take advantage of the odds, and potentially increase your chances of winning.

Whether you’re a seasoned bettor looking to widen your betting strategy or a newcomer eager to learn the ropes, this comprehensive guide on handicap betting in football is an essential resource for anyone looking to enhance their football betting experience.

Let’s get started!

 

What is handicap betting in football?

Handicap betting is a form of wagering that levels the playing field between two teams of varying strengths by adding a virtual advantage or disadvantage to the underdog or favourite, respectively.

This type of betting is particularly popular in football, where there can be significant differences in skill levels between teams.

 

How does handicap betting work?

In handicap betting, the bookmaker assigns a virtual handicap to each team.

This handicap is represented by a positive (+) or negative (-) value, indicating the number of goals added or deducted from the final score.

The purpose of the handicap is to give bettors more flexibility – either by making a market more equal where there is a strong favourite, or allowing punters to back a side with a handicap against them if they think that side is going to win comfortably. 

We will take a look at some examples now of how handicap betting works in practice.

 

Example: +1 Handicap Bet

To better understand handicap betting, let’s consider a basic example from the Euro Qualifiers in which England are playing Italy.

In the standard match odds, England are clear favourites at 1.67:

With handicap betting however, there is the option to back a side with a one-goal headstart. 

So for example there is a market where Italy are given a one goal headstart. This is known as the Italy +1 handicap market. 

The odds on Italy with a one goal headstart are 2.46, versus 6.8 in the match odds without a one goal headstart.

With a one goal headstart, it means if the game finishes in a draw, the bet on Italy +1 would win. 

If they lose the game however, the +1 goal headstart is not enough, the Italy +1 would still lose.

Obviously if Italy win the game, the Italy +1 also wins, comfortably. 

Here is a summary of backing the Italy +1 option in table format:

 

Match Result	Italy Win	Draw	England Win
Result if backing Italy +1	Win Bet	Win Bet	Lose Bet

 

There are different ways you can play this handicap market of course. 

You might feel that England are going to win by two or more goals, in which case you would back England -1 at odds of 2.96. 

Backing this means that England have a one goal handicap against them at the start of the game. 

So whatever the final score in the game, you would deduct one goal from England. 

If England win the game 2-0, 3-1, 3-0 etc then backing England -1 is a winning bet, because they have overcome the one goal handicap. 

Or finally, if you think England are going to win the game by exactly one goal, you would back the draw in the above handicap market at odds of 3.75.

That’s because this market is giving Italy a one goal headstart, so for the draw bet to land in this market, England would have to win by one goal. 

In the end, England won the game 3-1, meaning a -1 handicap bet on England at odds of 2.96 would have been successful. 

https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1714381149449953734

+1 England Handicap Example

Although handicaps are generally thought of as a means to create a more balanced betting market by giving a headstart to the underdog, they can also give a headstart to the favourite.

For example, in the same England v Italy match, there is also a +1 England market:

With a one goal headstart, England are very strong favourites at odds of 1.17. 

Just as in the example above, with a +1 goal handicap, it means that if the game finishes in a draw then the England +1 wins. 

Italy, with a -1 handicap are big outsiders at odds of 22, whilst the draw (which in effect is for Italy to win the game by exactly one goal) is priced at 9.6.

You might be wondering why anyone would bet on England +1 at such short odds, but it does given an additional level of insurance, as even if the game finishes in a draw, the bet would still win. 

Bets like this can still be value, even if the odds are very low. 

There may also be people who use this market for trading, for example in the late stages of the game when odds swings can be large. 

 

Check out our list of the Best Football Tipsters here

 

+2 Handicap Bet

There are also +2 handicap bets available, which give teams a two-goal headstart.

This obviously gives teams a significant advantage and the odds for this handicap will tend to be short. 

In this example, Inter Miami are 2.8 in the match odds but as short as 1.23 in the +2 handicap market:

In this case, if Inter Miami win, draw or lose the game by just one goal, the +2 handicap bet on them will be successful. 

The +2 handicap market is not available for all matches – usually just the big leagues and those matches that are televised. 

 

Handicaps in other markets

It’s important to note that handicap betting can also be applied to other outcomes in football matches, such as the number of corners, cards, or goals scored by individual players.

The principles remain the same, but instead of applying the handicap to the final score, it is applied to the specific outcome being wagered on.

 

What are Asian Handicaps?

A variation on handicap betting you may have head of is Asian handicap betting. 

In essence, the Asian handicap is a way to remove the draw as a possible outcome and reduce betting to just two potential outcomes.

The handicap can vary from a fraction of a goal through to several goals.

You can read more about how the Asian Handicap works in our detailed guide here.

 

Conclusion – Handicap Betting in Football

In conclusion, handicap betting in football is a multifaceted and intriguing betting market that can both challenge and reward bettors.

While it may seem perplexing at first, this comprehensive guide has shed light on its intricacies, providing you with the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate this unique form of wagering.

The essence of handicap betting lies in its ability to level the playing field, making matches between teams of varying strengths more competitive and exciting.

By assigning virtual advantages or disadvantages to the underdog and favourite, it offers a broader spectrum of betting options that go beyond the standard match result.

We explored practical examples of handicap betting, including scenarios where a team is given a goal headstart or a goal handicap against them.

We’ve seen how this betting type can be used to your advantage, whether you want to back a strong favorite at better odds, hedge your bets for increased security, or explore diverse betting markets, such as corners, cards, and player goals.

So, with your newfound knowledge, it’s time to dive into the world of handicap betting and elevate your football wagering experience. Good luck and please remember to always gamble responsibly!

 

 

 

.

If you’re a rugby fan who loves the thrill of betting, then you’ve come to the right place. Our expert recommendations on the best rugby betting sites are here to help you win.

With our extensive knowledge and experience, we’ve carefully selected the top sites that offer an outstanding betting experience for rugby enthusiasts.

Whether you’re a seasoned punter or just starting out, our recommended betting sites provide a wealth of analysis, in-depth previews and most importantly of all, well-thought out picks. 

These days there are an array of betting options for international rugby tournaments and leagues, with bookies offering live betting, enabling you to place wagers in real-time as the game unfolds.

So, get ready to take your rugby betting experience to the next level with our expert recommendations on the best rugby betting sites.

 

The rise of online rugby betting

Online rugby betting has become increasingly popular in recent years, with rugby fans from around the world placing wagers on their favorite teams and players.

The convenience of being able to bet from the comfort of your own home, as well as the availability of a vast range of markets, has made online rugby betting a popular pastime for many.

One of the main advantages of online rugby betting is the ability to access a wealth of information and statistics at the touch of a button.

With the vast amount of data available, it’s easier than ever to make informed decisions and place well-informed bets.

Additionally, online rugby betting sites offer a range of features, including live streams and real-time updates, allowing you to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and make informed decisions.

However, with so many online rugby betting sites to choose from, it can be challenging to know where to start. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best rugby betting sites to help you get started.

 

Factors to consider when choosing a rugby betting site

When choosing a rugby betting site, there are several factors that you should consider. Firstly, it’s essential to ensure that the site is reputable and trustworthy.

Additionally, you should consider the long-term betting record and whether the tipsters in question have been able to consistently generate a profit over the long term. 

It’s also important to look for high quality analysis, that looks beyond the obvious for value opportunities where profit may be made from going “against the crowd.” 

In-depth match previews should accompany the tips and demonstrate the tipster’s knowledge and expertise regarding rugby betting. 

Taking these factors together should give you a good sense of whether a site is worth following or not. 

 

The Best Rugby Betting Sites

Okay let’s take a look at the best rugby sites out there. These are the top tipsters we have found on rugby through our extensive research and testing. 

4. The Rugby Tipster

A site devoted to all things rugby betting, The Rugby Tipster produces previews, trends, tips and articles about the world of rugby union. 

They cover events ranging from the Six Nations to the Gallagher Premiership and the World Cup. 

With over two decades of experience within the rugby industry, The Rugby Tipster team is uniquely positioned to provide exclusive insights into both international and club rugby on a global scale.

They thoroughly evaluate the betting markets, closely examine team updates and strategic approaches, and share their expert betting tips, pinpointing where they believe the most favorable opportunities exist.

The Rugby Tipster website also features articles related to betting, serving as a valuable resource for rugby enthusiasts, equipping them with comprehensive information to enhance their enjoyment and profitability throughout the week.

Their resources, including the restart form guide, in-depth home and away analysis, and historical data pertaining to the leading try-scorers in the Gallagher Premiership, have all contributed significant value for anyone looking to place rugby bets.

 

3. Racing Post – Rugby

The Racing Post is well known as a source of horse racing news, racecards and results but it is not as well known that they also feature rugby tips.

They have in-depth previews of big matches from competitions such as the Gallagher Premiership and World Cup, with Graham Woods providing the expert advice.

In addition they also offer details of free bets and the latest odds, so you are getting a fairly comprehensive picture of the latest position in rugby markets.

Their tips come in markets including the match odds, over/under points and handicaps.

Whilst an overall tipping record is not provided by the Racing Post, there is usually good logic and research behind their tips so it is a resource worth keeping an eye on. 

2. Sporting Life – Rugby

Much in the same vein as the Racing Post is the Sporting Life Rugby section. Another long-running UK publication, the Sporting Life was also mainly thought of as a racing publication but as the name suggests, did include other sports too in its news and analysis. 

The rugby tips are primarily provided by Jon Newcombe and are accompanied by detailed write-ups. Competitions covered include the Rugby World Cup, Six Nations, Autumn Internationals, Tri-Nations, Premiership and more. 

The markets covered include points totals (over/under), handicaps and match odds. 

Overall the Sporting Life has an excellent tipping record with over 4,000 points profit made since inception in 2003, although there is not a specific breakdown for their rugby tips so it may be best to consider backing them as part of the whole package of tips from the Sporting Life rather than on their own. 

 

1. Love Winners – Elite Rugby Tips

There are very few really top rugby betting services out there but fortunately there is one that shines out above the rest – Love Winners Elite Rugby Tips. 

Their record of profit is second to none, generating over £41,500 in winnings from £50 bets with a remarkable 10% return on investment (ROI).

Subscribers receive Rugby Union and Rugby League tips delivered via both email and Whatsapp.

The service caters to both high and low-stakes punters, as they provide tips on market-average lines rather than exceptional odds. Their recommendations are made later in the game when bookmakers are more willing to accept larger wagers in liquid markets.

To ensure favorable odds are consistently available to the members, Love Winners maintain a strict limit on membership. Spots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Their rugby union tips come from leagues across the world, including Six Nations, the Rugby World Cup, Champions Cup & more.

The rugby league tips are perhaps the most notable however with the last three seasons having produced over £15,000 profit (at £50 per point stakes) with over 20% return on investment. The Super League tips in particular have produced a 36% ROI in that time.

In terms of longevity and consistency the Elite Rugby Tips can’t really be beaten as they have been going for over 12 years now and have made a profit in all but one of those years. 

So there can be little doubt that Love Winners Elite Rugby Tips deserves its place atop our list of the Best Rugby Betting Sites.

 

Responsible gambling and setting limits

When betting on rugby, it’s important to practice responsible gambling and set limits on your betting activity. This includes setting a budget for your betting, as well as setting limits on the amount of time you spend betting.

Additionally, it’s important to avoid chasing losses and to take breaks from betting when needed. By practicing responsible gambling, you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable rugby betting experience without risking significant financial losses.

 

Conclusion – The Best Rugby Betting Sites

The rise of online rugby betting has provided fans with unparalleled convenience and access to a wealth of information, making it an increasingly popular pastime.

When choosing a rugby betting site, it’s crucial to prioritize reputation, quality of information and tipping record.

Our list of top rugby betting resources includes The Rugby Tipster, Racing Post, Sporting Life, and Love Winners Elite Rugby Tips, each offering valuable insights and tips for enthusiasts looking to make informed bets.

As you embark on your rugby betting journey, always remember the importance of responsible gambling. Setting limits on your betting activity, both in terms of budget and time, is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Avoid chasing losses and take breaks when necessary to maintain a healthy relationship with rugby betting.

Good luck and happy betting!