Alright, let’s take a closer look at a betting format that sounds fancy but is actually older, simpler, and harsher than its counterpart, the Asian Handicap.
We’re discussing European Handicap betting, the original way to “handicap” a match before the math experts from Asia came in and refined it.
If Asian Handicap is the smooth, calculating Wall Street trader, then European Handicap is his rowdy cousin who still bets beer money on every Premier League game.
Also read: How to make money sports betting without turning into a full time clown
So, What Is European Handicap Betting?
In simple terms, European Handicap betting gives one team a virtual head start (or deficit) before the match begins.
But unlike Asian Handicap, which removes the draw, European Handicap keeps the draw option alive.
That’s right: you still have three outcomes (Win, Draw, Lose), just with a twist.
The goal is to make uneven games feel more balanced and offer bettors better odds when favorites are heavily favored.
The Big Picture: Level the Playing Field
Let’s say Manchester City is playing Burnley. Normally, City is a -500 favorite. Betting on them to win straight up is like buying a lottery ticket with no payout.
So sportsbooks add a handicap like this:
Man City (-1)
Draw (-1)
Burnley (+1)
This means City starts the game one goal down, so they need to win by two or more for your bet to win.
Now suddenly, what was a boring -500 becomes an exciting +120 bet. Same game, much better odds.
How European Handicap Works (The TL;DR Version)
A team is given a virtual head start (+ goals) or disadvantage (- goals).
The final result is adjusted by that handicap.
You choose: Home Win / Draw / Away Win — after the handicap is applied.
Still confused? Don’t worry, we’re about to give you some examples that will make it clear.
Example 1: The Classic -1 Handicap
Match: Arsenal vs. Bournemouth
European Handicap: Arsenal (-1)
Arsenal wins 2–0 → You win (because they “covered” the 1-goal handicap)
Arsenal wins 1–0 → Draw (after handicap)
Arsenal draws or loses → You lose
So, Arsenal must win by 2 or more goals for you to profit. If they only win by 1, it’s a “draw” on the handicap line.
Example 2: The Underdog +1 Handicap
Match: Real Madrid vs. Girona
Handicap: Girona (+1)
Real Madrid wins by 2 or more → Girona loses
Real Madrid wins by 1 → Draw (after handicap)
Girona draws or wins → You win
Now, if Girona only loses by 1, it’s still a draw for betting purposes.
This is how you make underdog bets less risky.
Example 3: The Draw Bet
Let’s keep the same match: Real Madrid (-1) vs. Girona (+1)
You can also bet on the Draw (-1) outcome.
That means:
If Real Madrid wins by exactly one goal, you win.
That’s the hidden trick most bettors don’t know — you can bet that a favorite wins by exactly the handicap margin.
Comparing European vs. Asian Handicap
| Feature | European Handicap | Asian Handicap |
|—————————|—————————————|————————————|
| Number of outcomes | 3 (Win, Draw, Lose) | 2 (Win or Lose, Draw = refund) |
| Can end in a draw? | Yes | No |
| Odds format | Decimal or fractional | Decimal |
| Payouts | Simpler, but less flexible | More complex, fairer |
| Refunds (Pushes) | Nope | Sometimes (on 0 or whole numbers) |
In short:
European Handicap = Old-school, straightforward, more risk.
Asian Handicap = Math-driven, modern, smoother ride.
Example Breakdown — Like You’re 5 Beers Deep but Still Trying to Win
Let’s say you’re betting Liverpool -2 vs. Nottingham Forest.
You’ve got 3 options on your sportsbook:
Liverpool (-2) Win @ 2.20
Draw (-2) @ 3.80
Nottingham Forest (+2) @ 2.90
Now let’s see how your bet plays out depending on the actual result:
Final Score | Adjusted (After Handicap) | Winning Bet |
|——————————–|—————————|———————————–|
| Liverpool 4–0 | Liverpool wins by 2+ | Liverpool (-2) |
| Liverpool 3–1 | Win by 2 goals | Liverpool (-2) |
| Liverpool 2–0 | Win by exactly 2 | Draw (-2) |
| Liverpool 1–0 | Win by 1 | Nottingham (+2) |
| Draw or Loss | Liverpool loses bet | Nottingham (+2) |
So betting the Draw (-2) is basically saying, “Liverpool wins by exactly two goals.” It’s like the Goldilocks zone of betting — not too close, not too far, just right.
Why Bettors Use European Handicap
Because it’s a great way to:
– Get better odds on favorites
– Add value to predictable matches
– Hedge outcomes like “win by 1” or “win by exactly 2”
It’s particularly useful when:
– You expect a blowout (bet the favorite -1 or -2)
– You expect a tight match (bet the underdog +1)
– You want to show off your soccer knowledge and sound like a pro at the bar
It’s a more aggressive form of betting compared to Asian Handicap, but that also means higher payouts when you’re right.
Common Mistakes Bettors Make
Let’s save you from the usual rookie traps:
– Confusing European with Asian Handicap. They sound similar — they’re not. The draw option changes everything.
– Forgetting that a Draw (-1) is a valid option. It often has great odds when a strong team is likely to win by exactly one goal.
– Thinking “+1” means automatic safety. If the team loses by 2, your +1 bet still loses. It’s not a refund-style system.
– Not checking goal difference trends. Some teams always play tightly — others blow out opponents. Know who you’re betting on.
Advanced Strategy: How to Actually Use It Smartly
Look for teams that win but don’t crush.
Example: Atlético Madrid under Simeone — win by 1, defend for 80 minutes. Perfect for Draw (-1) bets.
Bet underdogs who “keep it close.”
Teams like Brentford or Girona love to frustrate bigger clubs — a +1 or +2 handicap makes these bets attractive.
Avoid even handicaps on high-scoring chaotic games.
If it’s Liverpool vs. Spurs, anything can happen. Don’t assume math works in that chaos.
Compare to Asian Handicap odds.
If European offers +0.5 at better odds than Asian +0.5, take it. Sometimes sportsbooks misprice them.
Why It’s Still Popular
Despite Asian Handicap being more “advanced,” European Handicap remains popular in Europe because:
– It’s simple (3 outcomes, easy to understand)
– It’s exciting (you can bet exact margins)
– It’s old-school (what most UK and EU sportsbooks started with)
It may not be the “smartest” system, but it’s fun, offers high rewards, and gives bettors who enjoy exact scorelines a flexible way to play.
Final Thoughts: The OG of Handicaps
European Handicap might not be as modern as its Asian cousin, but it’s still a favorite when used correctly.
It rewards precision, not luck.
It turns boring favorites into profitable bets.
And it gives you the chance to shine when you predict a “2–0 exact” win like some kind of soccer expert.
Just remember:
Learn the math.
Don’t mix it up with Asian lines.
Bet responsibly (and don’t parlay five of these unless you’re prepared for chaos).
So next time you see “Manchester United -1” on your sportsbook, you’ll know exactly what it means — and maybe, just maybe, you’ll be the one smiling when it finishes exactly how you predicted.
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