Handicap betting is a form of sports betting where one team is
given a virtual advantage or disadvantage to level the playing
field, making the odds more even. In this article, we’ll dive into
strategies and tips to help you win with handicap betting in
Nigeria in May 2024.

What is the meaning of
handicap in betting?

Handicap betting is a type of wager where the bookmaker assigns
a virtual advantage or disadvantage to one of the teams or players
involved in the matchup. This is done to make the odds more
balanced and attractive for bettors. For example, if a strong team
is playing against a weaker opponent, the bookmaker might give the
weaker team a virtual head start or handicap to make the game more
even and interesting to bet on.

Example of handicap in
betting

Imagine Manchester United playing against a smaller team,
Sunshine Stars.

• Scenario 1: You bet on Man U with a -2
  handicap. They need to win by 3 or more goals for you to win.
  (Final score: Man U 4 – 0 Sunshine Stars – You win!)
• Scenario 2: You bet on Sunshine Stars with a
  +2 handicap. If they lose by only 1 goal, or tie, or win, you win
  the bet. (Final score: Man U 2 – 1 Sunshine Stars – You win!)

Handicap betting in
football

In football, handicap betting is quite popular, and it’s
presented in different ways:

Goal Handicap

Goal handicap betting is based on the total number of goals
scored in the match. The bookmaker assigns a handicap to the total
goals, and you wager if the actual goals scored will be over or
under the handicap.

3-Way Handicap (-1, 0,
+1)

Each team has a different handicap. -1 means they must win by 2+
goals, 0 is normal win/lose, +1 means they can lose by 1 or
tie/win.

For example, if Chelsea has a -1 handicap against Watford, and
the final score is Chelsea 2-0 Watford, those who bet on Chelsea
with the -1 handicap would win their bet.

First Half
Handicap

This type of handicap betting is based on the first half score
only. The handicap is applied to the first half score, and the bet
is settled based on that result.

Draw Handicap

In this variation, the bookmaker removes the possibility of a
draw by assigning a handicap to one team. If the match ends in a
draw after applying the handicap, the bet is settled as a loss.

Handicap No Draw

Similar to draw handicap, this type of handicap in betting also
eliminates the possibility of a draw. However, if the match ends in
a draw after applying the handicap, the bet is void, and your stake
is returned.

Asian Handicap
betting

Asian handicap betting is a variation that aims to eliminate the
possibility of a draw. Instead of whole numbers, the handicap is
presented in fractions or quarters (e.g., -0.25, +0.75). This type
of handicap betting is popular because it reduces the risk of a
draw, which would otherwise result in a lost bet.

Let’s say you bet on Liverpool with a -0.75 handicap.

• Liverpool wins by 2+ goals: You win the full
  bet.
• Liverpool wins by 1 goal: Half your stake
  wins, half is refunded.
• Liverpool draws or loses: You lose the
  bet.

League Handicap
betting

This is similar to the racing example. Teams start a league
season with different point handicaps based on predicted strength.
This can make bets on weaker teams more exciting if they have a
good start.

Example: Imagine Enyimba FC starts with a +5
handicap. If they finish with 40 points, they are considered to
have 45 for betting purposes.

Best handicap betting
bookmakers in Nigeria

Nigeria is home to several excellent bookmakers that offer
handicap betting options. Here are my favourite bookmakers for
handicap betting:

• Bet9ja: This bookmaker is widely popular in
  Nigeria and offers a wide range of handicap betting options across
  various sports. Bet9ja is
  known for its competitive odds and user-friendly platform.

• Merrybet: With a strong focus on football,
  Merrybet provides excellent handicap betting markets for both local
  and international matches. Their mobile app is particularly
  convenient for handicap betting on the go.
• 1xBet: This international bookmaker has a
  strong presence in Nigeria and offers a comprehensive selection of
  handicap betting markets. 1xbet is
  renowned for its generous bonuses and promotions.
• Nairabet: As one of the pioneers in the
  Nigerian betting industry, Nairabet offers a reliable and
  user-friendly platform for handicap in betting. Their live
  streaming feature is a plus for in-play handicap betting.
• BetKing: BetKing has
  quickly gained popularity in Nigeria due to their extensive
  handicap betting options and attractive odds. Their customer
  support is also highly praised.

If you don’t have an account with any of these bookmakers, I
recommend availing of their welcome bonuses and promotions. Many of
them offer free bets or deposit bonuses when you sign up using a
promo code, which can significantly increase your potential
earnings from handicap betting.

How to win a handicap bet? –
Handicap betting tips from our expert

Winning a handicap bet requires a combination of knowledge,
strategy, and discipline. Here are some tips from our expert to
improve your shot at success:

• Understand the handicap: Ensure you fully
  comprehend how the handicap is applied and the different types of
  handicap bets available. This will help you make informed
  decisions.
• Analyse the teams/players: Conduct thorough
  research on the teams or players involved. Look at their recent
  form, head-to-head records, and any other relevant factors that
  could influence the outcome.
• Manage your bankroll: Set a betting budget and
  stick to it. Handicap betting can be exciting, but it’s essential
  to gamble responsibly and within your means.
• Shop for the best odds: Different bookmakers
  may offer varying odds for the same handicap bet. Take the time to
  compare and find the most favourable odds.
• Consider the value: Look for handicap bets
  that offer value, where the odds are higher than the perceived
  probability of the outcome occurring.
• Avoid emotional betting: Don’t let your
  personal biases or allegiances cloud your judgement. Approach
  handicap betting objectively and rationally.
• Stay disciplined: Have a well-defined betting
  strategy and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses or making impulsive
  bets.

There you have it. So when your sportsbetting newbie friend asks
you “What is the meaning of handicap in betting?”
you can confidently answer the question and provide useful tips.
Remember, handicap betting is a skill that requires practice and
patience. Start with smaller stakes and gradually increase as you
gain more experience and confidence.

What is handicap in betting:
More questions answered

What sports is handicap
betting available on?

You’ll find handicap betting on football (soccer), basketball,
rugby,and even less common sports like darts and volleyball.

What does +1.5 handicap
mean?

The team with the +1.5 starts the match with a 1.5 goal
advantage. They can lose by one goal and you still win the bet.

What does 0.5 handicap
mean?

This eliminates the draw. If the team you bet on wins, you win.
Any other result, you lose.

What does 2 handicap mean in
football?

The team receiving the -2 handicap needs to win by 3 or more
goals for you to win your bet.