- European Handicap is a betting market which applies a whole number handicap to a team or player to level the playing field.
What Is A European Handicap Bet?
A European Handicap bet is a type of sports betting where a handicap is applied to one of the teams or players to level the playing field. It is a popular form of betting in soccer (football) where the match can often be very one-sided.
In a European Handicap bet, the handicap is expressed in whole numbers, and it works by adding or subtracting goals from the final score. The team with the positive handicap is given a virtual lead, while the team with the negative handicap is handicapped by the same number of goals. The handicap is added to the final score of the match to determine the outcome of the bet.
One of the main differences between European Handicap and Asian Handicap bets is that European Handicap bets use whole numbers, while Asian Handicap bets use half or quarter numbers. This means that there is a possibility to bet on the draw in European Handicap betting, but not in Asian Handicap betting.
European Handicap bets are often used by bettors to increase their chances of winning by reducing the number of possible outcomes in a match. However, they are a little more complicated than other types of bets and require a good understanding of the sport and the teams involved.
Note that in the United States, the term “point spread” is used instead of “handicap”, and no naming distinction exists between European and Asian Handicap markets.
Example
Let’s say that Manchester United is playing against Everton and you place a European Handicap bet on Manchester United with a -1 handicap.
If Manchester United wins the match 2-1, the European Handicap result will be 1-1, as the -1 handicap is subtracted from Manchester United’s score. Therefore:
- If you bet on Manchester United, you would lose the bet.
- If you bet on Everton, you would lose the bet.
- If you bet on the Draw, you would win the bet.
Where to Place European Handicap Bets
I recommend the following bookmakers for placing European Handicap bets:
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What To Look For In European Handicap Bets
When considering a European Handicap bet, there are several factors to consider. Here are some things to look for:
Superiority
In European Handicap betting, the handicap is used to level the playing field by adding or subtracting a certain number of goals from the final score. If a team is considered superior to their opponent, the handicap will be set in their favour, with the expectation that they will win by a comfortable margin.
Therefore, finding superiority is crucial when placing a European Handicap bet as it can help you identify the teams or players that are more likely to win with a significant margin. This can increase your chances of success.
Motivation & Pressure
It’s important to take into account the motivation and pressure that the teams or players may be facing, as this can significantly impact their performance. For instance, a team that is fighting to avoid relegation may be more motivated than a team with no clear objective to play for, potentially leading to a different outcome to normal. This can present a good opportunity to find value.
Form & Statistics
To evaluate the potential outcome of a European Handicap bet, it’s important to analyse the recent form and statistics of the teams or players involved, including their win-loss record, goal-scoring history, and overall performance. By doing so, you can gain valuable insights into how they might perform in the upcoming match.
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