European handicap, also known as 3-way handicap, is a popular betting market in football where one team is given a virtual head start or a deficit to level the playing field. It is different from the traditional Asian handicap as it includes the possibility of a draw. This type of handicap was first introduced in Europe and has gained immense popularity among bettors around the world. But what exactly is European handicap? How does it work? In this comprehensive article, we will dive into the details of European handicap and all that you need to know about it.

History of European Handicap

The concept of handicap betting dates back to the mid-19th century when it was first used in horse racing. It was later adopted in other sports such as football to provide more interesting and competitive options for bettors. European handicap, specifically, was first introduced in the early 1990s in Europe as an alternative to the traditional 1X2 market. The market quickly gained traction and became a popular choice among bettors due to its flexibility and potential for higher returns.

How Does European Handicap Work?

In European handicap, the favored team starts with a negative handicap while the underdog team starts with a positive handicap. This gives the underdog team a virtual head start, making the match more balanced and thus, providing more attractive odds for both teams. The handicap is usually represented in half or quarter goals to eliminate the possibility of a draw. Let’s take a look at an example to understand how European handicap works:

Team A (-1) vs Team B (+1)
In this scenario, Team A is the favorite and is starting with a one-goal deficit, while Team B is the underdog and is starting with a one-goal lead. If the final score is 2-0 in favor of Team A, with the handicap applied, the result would be 1-0, making Team B the winner. Similarly, if the final score is 2-1 in favor of Team A, the result would be a draw with the handicap applied, making it a push or void bet.

Advantages of European Handicap

European handicap has several advantages over traditional betting markets, which have contributed to its increasing popularity among bettors. Some of the major advantages are:

• More competitive odds: As compared to traditional 1X2 markets, European handicap offers more competitive odds for both teams, making it an attractive option for bettors looking for higher returns.
• Three-way bet: Unlike Asian handicap, European handicap includes the possibility of a draw, providing three distinct outcomes to bet on instead of two.
• Eliminates the possibility of a push: With half and quarter goal handicaps, the possibility of a push or void bet is eliminated, ensuring that the bet will always have a clear outcome.

Types of European Handicap

European handicap comes in various forms, each offering different options and strategies for bettors. The most common types of European handicap are:

Single European Handicap

This is the simplest form of European handicap where one team is given a virtual head start or deficit. It is also known as the “level handicap” as the starting point is at level ground.

Double European Handicap

As the name suggests, this type of handicap involves two handicaps applied to the same match. One handicap is applied to the favored team, while the other is applied to the underdog. This provides more options and flexibility for bettors.

Split European Handicap

Split European handicap is a combination of single and double handicap. In this type of handicap, one team is given a single handicap, while the other team is given a double handicap. This type of handicap also offers more options for bettors, making it a popular choice.

How to Bet on European Handicap

Betting on European handicap is relatively straightforward, but it requires some understanding of the odds and handicaps involved. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to bet on European handicap:

Step 1: Choose a Match

The first step is to choose a match that offers the European handicap betting market. Most major bookmakers offer this market for popular football leagues such as the English Premier League, La Liga, and Champions League.

Step 2: Understand the Odds

Once you have selected a match, it is essential to understand the odds offered for each team. The favored team will have negative odds, while the underdog team will have positive odds. The odds represent the likelihood of a team winning with the handicap applied.

Step 3: Place Your Bet

After you have understood the odds and chosen your desired outcome, you can now place your bet. Simply select the team you think will win with the handicap applied, enter your stake, and confirm your bet.

Tips for Betting on European Handicap

Here are some tips to help you make informed decisions while betting on European handicap:

Research the Teams

It is crucial to research the teams playing and their current form before placing a bet. Factors such as recent results, injuries, and head-to-head record can significantly impact the outcome of the match.

Consider Motivation

Motivation plays a vital role in football, and it should also be considered when betting on European handicap. A team fighting for a title or trying to avoid relegation may have higher motivation, which can lead to an unexpected result.

Analyze Home and Away Form

Home and away form can also play a significant role in the outcome of a match. Some teams perform better at home, while others struggle on the road. Take these factors into account before placing your bet.

Best Bookmakers for European Handicap

Most major bookmakers offer European handicap betting, but some stand out for their variety of markets and competitive odds. Here are some of the best bookmakers for European handicap:

1. Bet365

Bet365 is a popular choice among bettors for its extensive range of football markets, including European handicap. The bookmaker offers competitive odds and live betting options for this market.

2. William Hill

William Hill is another renowned bookmaker that offers a wide range of football markets, including European handicap. The bookmaker also provides in-depth statistics and analysis to help bettors make better-informed decisions.

3. 888sport

888sport is known for its generous welcome bonuses and promotions, making it an attractive option for bettors. The bookmaker also offers a good selection of European handicap markets with competitive odds.

Conclusion

European handicap has become a popular choice among football bettors due to its flexibility, competitive odds, and the possibility of a draw. It offers a unique betting experience and can be a profitable market if approached with a well-thought-out strategy. With a better understanding of how European handicap works and some tips in mind, you can enhance your chances of success while betting on this market. As always, remember to gamble responsibly and have fun!