European Handicap Betting Tips & Predictions

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European Handicap - what is it?

European handicap is a three-way bet in which a number of goals is subtracted from the favorite and added to the underdog. Your bet is a winner or a loser depending on whether the handicap sums up to the final outcome.

In most cases, bookmakers offer it in two different formats; for example, the home team -1 (plus/minus option) or the 0:1 (score option). For low-scoring sports like football, the 3-way handicap can increase the price value of your bets by backing a heavyweight favourite with a negative handicap. On the other hand, it's a 3-way market with the possibility of a draw, which will affect your chances of winning.

Using our European Handicap Explained section, you will have a better understanding of the EH and can calculate your bets more efficiently. You want to create new options in betting, but it seems complicated to you? If you're interested in learning more about EH and think you can make money from it, here is a detailed guide to help you.

Definition of European Handicap

As a win-draw-win bet, the European handicap involves placing a whole number on the underdog with a positive (+) symbol in order to balance the scales with the favourite, and the same number with a minus (-) symbol on the opponent with the best chances. Knowing EH begins with understanding how bookmakers identify it.

For example, let us consider betting on Barcelona vs Real Madrid for the LaLiga. Odds for 1X2 are 2.25 - 3.54 - 3.38. Both the favourite and underdog will have an adjusted number of goals based on the European handicap. Based on the host or guest team, bookmakers can present bets in two different forms. A plus or minus option (+1, -1, +2, -2, etc.).

Let's look at the example of the +1 handicap and find out what it means for the European handicap:

Barcelona -1: If Barcelona wins by two or more goals, the bet wins.

Draw -1: If Barcelona wins by exactly one goal margin, the bet wins.

Real Madrid +1: If Real Madrid draws or wins the match, the bet comes through.

Example of EH for Higher Lines

Here is one more example to ensure that you fully understand the European handicap. By using higher lines and integer number 2, we will explain how the odds are affected.

Barcelona -2: If Barcelona wins by three or more goals, the bet wins at 12.00 odds.

Draw -2: If Barcelona wins by exactly two goals margin, the bet wins at 7.00 odds.

Real Madrid +2: If Real Madrid draws, wins or even if it loses by just one goal, the bet wins at 1.24 odds.

⍰ European Handicap FAQs

The purpose of handicap betting is quite simply to even out the odds between two mismatched teams.

A positive handicap is usually given to the weaker team in a match. In this scenario, the handicap gives the weaker team a +1 advantage, which must be matched and surpassed by the stronger team. As a result, it helps to cancel out the outright favourite tag in a game.

Yes, you can. Depending on your pick, you can bet on up to three different outcomes, including win, lose, or draw.

The Asian handicap eliminates the draw, so it isn't a three-way handicap. Furthermore, Asian handicaps use decimal numbers while European handicaps use whole numbers.

In fact, this is the same wager, only named differently.