Most Common Types of Handicap Bets in Football Betting

Handicap bets have long been a popular choice among football bettors, as bookmakers frequently offer them across a wide variety of tournaments. So, if you were to place a bet, which type of handicap would you choose? Which handicap betting types are currently favored by most players? Let’s explore the answers with bet win tips below.

Understanding Handicap Betting Basics

Handicap betting is one of the most common bet types in football. Depending on how people refer to it, this bet can go by different names such as “handicap bet,” “Asian handicap,” or simply “handicap.”

While these are just different terms, it’s important to understand the principle behind this betting type. Only when you grasp how handicap betting works can you avoid costly mistakes during wagering.

Essentially, a handicap bet involves goal advantages or disadvantages. In this case, the team perceived as the weaker side (underdog) is given a head start in terms of goals, while the stronger team (favorite) must “cover” that handicap set by the bookmaker.

The outcome of a handicap bet depends on the match score and the specified handicap line. If the bettor wins, they will receive payouts based on the corresponding odds. If they lose, they forfeit the amount wagered.

Depending on the handicap line, the payout amount will vary. For example, there are cases where you only win or lose half your stake, while in others, you win or lose the full amount based on the bookmaker’s odds.

Currently, you can place handicap bets for either the first half or the full match. Despite being separated into two betting periods, reputable bookmakers still offer a wide range of handicap odds for both options.

Most Common Handicap Bet Types in Football

The difficulty level of a handicap bet depends on the specific line offered by the top 5 bookmakers. Not every match will use the same handicap levels. The number of goals given as a handicap depends largely on the performance gap and form of the two teams.

If there is a clear gap in class between the two sides, the handicap will be higher. Conversely, if the two teams are evenly matched, the line may be lower or even set at 0 goals (known as a level-ball handicap).

Below are the most common types of handicap bets you’ll encounter when betting on football. We’ve broken them down in detail so you can better understand them:

Level Ball Handicap (0:0)

Also known as the “draw” or “no handicap” bet, this occurs when the hong kong betting sites rates both teams as evenly matched.

In this scenario, it doesn’t matter whether you bet on the favorite or underdog—both sides have an equal chance. However, if the match ends in a draw, your stake will be refunded.

This type of bet is very common, especially in the first half of tightly contested matches—often between top-ranked teams.

Quarter Ball Handicap (0:1/4)

In this bet, the underdog is given a 0.25 goal head start.

If the match ends in a draw:

The underdog wins half the stake.

The favorite loses half the stake.

To win the full bet on the favorite, they must win by more than one goal. The same principle applies to similar lines like N + 1/4 (where N = 0, 1, 2…); just increase the number of goals accordingly.

Half Ball Handicap (0:1/2)

In a half-ball handicap, the underdog receives a 0.5 goal head start. It’s simple: you either win the full bet or lose the full amount. There’s no refund for a draw here.

If the match ends in a draw, the underdog bet wins. For other handicap lines such as N + 0.5 (N = 0, 1, 2…), the same rules apply—just adjust the number of goals accordingly.

Three-Quarter Ball Handicap (0:3/4)

This is also known as a 0.75 goal handicap. The underdog starts with a 0.75 goal advantage.

If the favorite wins by 2 or more goals → full win for the favorite bettor.

If the favorite wins by exactly 1 goal → only half the stake is won.

If the match ends in a draw → underdog bet wins the full amount.

The same applies to other lines following the N + 3/4 formula. The greater the handicap, the bigger the winning margin the favorite needs to secure a full payout.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve gone through the most common types of handicap bets in football, you’ll likely recognize them often when placing online wagers. Each type requires different considerations. Be sure to analyze the match carefully and make informed betting decisions accordingly. Good luck!