Handicap is one of the most popular and complex types of sports betting. This strategy allows you to make your bet more interesting and risky, giving you the opportunity to win even in matches where the clear favourite meets the underdog. In this article, we will look in detail at what a handicap is, how it works, and what types of handicaps exist.

What is a handicap in sports betting?

A handicap is a type of bet in which the outcome of a match is adjusted due to the initial advantage or disadvantage given to one of the teams. This allows for a more balanced bet on the Melbet website, as the underdog gets a chance to win and the favourite must win by a certain margin. A handicap can be positive (plus) or negative (minus).

For example, if in a football match between teams A and B, team A is considered the favourite, the bookmaker may offer a -1.5 handicap for team A. This means that team A must win by two or more goals in order for the -1.5 handicap bet to be accepted. Correspondingly, team B gets a 1.5 handicap, and for the bet to go through it is enough not to lose with a difference of two goals.

Types of betting on a handicap

1. An integer handicap is a handicap that is expressed as an integer. For example, a -2 for Team A means that Team A must win by three goals or more. If Team A wins by two goals, the bet is a loss. If Team A wins by three goals or more, the bet is a win.
2. A half time handicap is a handicap that is expressed as a fractional number, for example -1.5 or 2.5. The main advantage of such a handicap is that there is no possibility of a draw. For example, if team A has a -1.5 handicap, they must win by two or more goals. If team A wins by one goal, the bet is considered a loss. If Team A wins by two goals, the bet is considered a win.
3. A handicap with a quarter is a handicap that is expressed as a number with a quarter, e.g. -1.25 or 2.75. It is used to balance bets more accurately. For example, a -1.25 for Team A means that the bet will be split into two parts: -1 и -1.5. If Team A wins by one goal, one part of the bet (on -1) is considered a win and the other part (on -1.5) is considered a loss. If Team A wins by two goals, both parts of the bet are considered a win.
4. An Asian handicap is a type of handicap that allows you to bet on half of the handicap. For example, 0.0/0.5 means that the bet will be split into two parts: 0 and 0.5. If the match ends in a draw, one part of the bet (on 0) is returned and the other part (on 0.5) is considered a loss. If Team A wins, both parts of the bet are considered a win. Asian betting is particularly popular in Asian countries and allows punters to minimise risk.

Conclusion

Handicap in sports betting is a powerful tool that allows you to make betting more interesting and profitable. Understanding the different types of forfeits and their peculiarities will help punters make more informed decisions and increase their chances of success. Don't forget to analyse statistics, team form and other factors affecting the outcome of the match to make the most accurate predictions.