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- Handicap Bet Explained
Handicap Bet Explained: Meaning, Types and ZAR Examples
A handicap bet can often provide better value than a regular win market on low-scoring football/rugby matches, as it encourages the punter to evaluate the margin of victory instead of just the outright result. Essentially, you're adding or subtracting goals or points from the final score before it settles. For example, if you bet on a favourite at -1 for R100 and they win 2-0, the score adjusts to 1-0 and you win. However, if they only win 1-0, the score is considered “even” at 0-0 and you lose. Continue reading this guide to learn more about how handicap bets work.
Linebet
In online sports betting, a handicap bet is settled based on the adjusted score, not the final score "as-played." Negative numbers represent a deficit that is added onto the favourite's final score. For example, a -1 line means the favourite must win by 2 or more runs for betting on them to payout. Positive numbers represent a headstart that is added onto the underdog's final score.
For example, on a +1.5 line, the underdog can lose by 1 run and the bet would still win. As the line moves in either direction, narrowing the margin of victory for each side, the odds get closer to evenly matched (50/50) which is why deeper handicaps have longer prices.
The table below applies a ZAR100 stake across three common lines on a fixture that finishes 1-0 to the home side.
| Line Backed | Raw Score | Adjusted Score | ZAR100 Result |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Home -1 |
1-0 |
0-0 (level) |
Stake refunded on some lines, lost on whole -1 push handling |
|
Away +1.5 |
1-0 |
1.5-0 to home, away covers |
Wins |
|
Level Ball (0) |
1-0 |
1-0 |
Home wins, away loses |
Remember the whole line push: On Home -1 at 1-0, the adjusted score is tied, and the stake is returned (not lost).
Asian, European and Three Way Handicap Markets
Top-rated bookmakers for South African bettors offer 3 variations of handicap. They each handle the draw/playback/refund scenario differently. Pick wisely, it's as important as the line itself.
| Market Type | Draw Option | Push Possible | Typical Use Case | Settlement Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Asian Handicap |
Removed |
Yes, on whole lines |
Two-way value on tight fixtures |
Adjusted score, refunds and split stakes |
|
European Handicap |
Retained |
No |
Backing a specific adjusted result including a draw |
Three outcomes: home, draw, away |
|
Three Way Handicap |
Retained |
No |
Fixed win, draw or lose after a set head start |
Single fixed adjusted result |
Asian handicaps can remove the possibility of a draw and, for quarter lines, divide a stake between two different outcomes. European and three way handicaps maintain the draw as a "live" possibility, so if a -1 European line finishes with the adjusted score tied by one goal, the draw selection wins instead of pushing.
What Common Handicap Lines Mean: Plus 0.5, Plus 1, Plus 2, 0:2 and 1:0
Each handicap line sets a virtual headstart before the start of play. Misreading the handicap board is by far the most common reason people get confused with handicap settlements.
- +0.5: The team you pick must win outright to win. No push is possible; half a line cannot end tied.
- +1: The team you pick must win or tie to win, but your stake is returned if they lose by 1 goal.
- +2: The team you pick can lose by one goal and still win; if they lose by 2 goals your stake is returned.
- Handicap 0:2: The away or visiting team receives a two goal headstart, so you could consider the score at kickoff to be 0-2.
- Handicap 1:0 or match handicap 2: The home team receives a one goal headstart, already added to the score.
Handicap Betting in Action: Football and Rugby Examples
- Football: You bet on a Premier Soccer League underdog to win at +1 for ZAR150. They lose 2-1, so the score is adjusted to 2-2 (the spread); a push, and you get your stake back.
- Rugby: You bet on a team at +7.5 points for ZAR200. They lose 24-18. Six points is within the spread, so the adjusted score is a win of five and a half points, and you win the bet.
Whole, Half, and Quarter Lines: How They Actually Pay Out
Whole, half and quarter lines act differently, with the quarter line being where punters often get the payout wrong. Here’s how each one pays out.
| Line Type | Example | How It Settles |
|---|---|---|
|
Whole Ball |
-1 |
A favourite winning by exactly one goal gives a level adjusted score (push) and a full refund; winning by 2+ goals means the bet wins outright. |
|
Half Ball |
+0.5, -1.5 |
There is never a refund possible, because adjusted score will never end on level |
|
Quarter Ball |
+0.25 |
Stake is split 50/50 between 0 and +0.5 - so you would bet ZAR100 = ZAR50 each way; if the match ends in a draw, the +0.5 half of the bet would win outright and the level half would be refunded for a half win |
|
Quarter Ball |
-0.75 |
The stake is split between -0.5 and -1; winning by 1 goal pays out a half win because the -0.5 wins and the -1 side gets a refund |
- Worked example: ZAR100 on -0.75 with score 1-0. The -0.5 side would win at the posted odds on ZAR50, and the -1 side would refund ZAR50. That is half your stake back, not a full payout. Players often think they win more here.
Handicap Bet Markets in Top Sports in South Afric
Handicap betting lines apply best to the sports most bet by South African punters, although ideal line size will vary depending on frequency of scoring within each sport.
Essentially, the difference is frequency of scores. A rugby handicap of +7.5 affects very little of the outright game, while a football +0.5 line reverses the entire outcome with one goal. The more points scored in a game, the higher spreads can be without volatility.
Football
PL matches, World Cup qualifiers and Champions League matches usually have very small handicaps between -1 and +2. This is due to the low scoring nature of these matches. One goal can change the result of a handicap completely. As such, even quarter goals are taken into more consideration than they are with higher scoring sports.
Rugby
Points spread in the United Rugby Championship and Test rugby may be 15 points or more. Margins can fluctuate wildly and outright favourites are common. As tries and conversions are worth many points, a big handicap can be erased late in the game.
Cricket
Handicaps can be run or wicket spreads. Variances can differ greatly depending on the format. A T20 run handicap is vastly different to that of a Test match spread, as there is less time for runs to be scored and for a line to be erased.
Basketball
The NBA has high point totals because points are put on the board so often. With blowouts always a possibility in this league, it's very possible to cover or go through a double-digit spread way before halftime, so keep an eye on late-game speed.
Handicap Bet vs Draw No Bet vs Double Chance
Handicap, draw no bet and double chance are all examples of risk-managed sports markets. They all provide protection in slightly different ways, however, and here’s how they stack up when backing the favourite.
| Market | How It Settles | Trade-Off |
|---|---|---|
|
Draw No Bet |
Refunds the stake on a draw, settles on the winner otherwise; removes one outcome entirely |
Simple downside protection without the complexity of a spread |
|
Double Chance |
Covers two of the three results in a single selection |
Simplest and safest coverage, but almost always the shortest price |
|
Handicap (+0 / Level Ball) |
Behaves like draw no bet; refunds on a draw |
Same protection as draw no bet, dressed up as an Asian line |
|
Handicap (-0.5) |
Requires an outright win, no refund possible |
Pays longer than double chance covering home-or-draw, but demands a genuine win |
Closing Takeaway: How To Read a Handicap Bet Correctly
Always read a handicap bet in the same sequence and errors will likely be reduced. First, check what type of market is being offered as an Asian, European and three way handicap settle the line differently. Next, read the sign of the handicap: a negative number indicates a goal deficit on the favourite and a positive number credits the underdog with a headstart. Finally, reconcile the adjusted score against the raw result before you stake your money. Whole lines can push or refund, half lines can only be winners or losers, and 0:2 doesn't mean score nil against two goals but rather an artificial two goal advantage. Compare each operator's market rules and settlement wording before committing to a handicap bet, as quarter-line and push rules can differ between bookmakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does +1.5 Handicap Mean?
A +1.5 handicap awards the team you pick with a 1.5 goal/point advantage prior to kick-off. The wager will pay out if your team wins outright or loses by exactly one goal since the adjusted score cannot tie.
What Does +2 Handicap Mean?
With a +2 handicap the selection starts the game two goals ahead, therefore the bet will win if the selection wins, loses or draws. Losing by exactly 2 means a push on Asian lines and your stake will be refunded. European or three way markets use the adjusted score to determine the result.
What is +0.5 Handicap?
A +0.5 handicap eliminates the draw as a loss for that play. The bet either wins if the team wins the raw game or ties, and there is no push because half a line cannot settle even.
How Do Handicap 0:2 And 1:0 Markets Work?
These notations indicate that a virtual score starts before kick-off. One side starts with a goal advantage. Handicap 0:2 means the listed side starts two goals ahead. 1:0 means the home side starts one goal ahead. Settled by adjusted score.
Is a Handicap Bet Better Than Draw No Bet On Football?
That depends on how you read the match. Handicap markets will often price longer but you need a view on the winning margin. Draw no bet provides simpler protection by refunding your stake if it's a draw.
