Understanding all kinds of basketball bets are important for making smart betting. One of the most common types of basketball gambling is handicap betting. You must first understand what handicapping is and how it works if you want to get into further detail in basketball betting strategies. This type of betting can provide better odds and level the playing field between two teams resulting in excitement and value even in seemingly one-sided games.
Handicap betting is a form of sports betting that aims to level the odds between two teams. In basketball where skill, ability and form are often mismatched, a stronger team is expected to win easily. To make betting on both teams more competitive, sportsbooks give the underdog a handicap or points advantage and the favorite a points shortfall.
For example, in a basketball game where Team A is much stronger than Team B, the sportsbook might give Team B a +10-point advantage and Team A a -10-point disadvantage. This means that for betting purposes, Team A must win by more than 10 points for a bet on them to be successful while Team B can either win outright or lose by less than 10 points for a bet on them to win.
This style of betting adds an extra layer of strategy and challenge as it’s not just about predicting who will win but by how much they will win or lose.
Handicap meaning refers to the points advantage or disadvantage given to a team by the sportsbook. This system is widely used in games where one team is significantly stronger than the other. By assigning a handicap, bookmakers attempt to balance out the odds and make betting on both teams more attractive for bettors.
For instance, let’s say Team A is heavily favored over Team B in a game. Instead of just betting on who will win the sportsbook might apply a -8.5 handicap to Team A. This means that Team A needs to win by at least 9 points for the bet to pay out. On the other hand, if you bet on Team B with a +8.5 handicap, you win if Team B either wins the game outright or loses by less than 9 points.
This form of betting is great for adding more value to games where there is a clear favorite. It can also give bettors more options to consider when placing their wagers.
Now that you understand the handicap meaning in basketball, let’s explore how it works in practice.
Understanding the Spread: In handicap betting, the term spread is used to refer to the number of points added or subtracted from a team's final score.
For example, if the Lakers are playing the Celtics and the sportsbook gives the Lakers a -6.5 handicap, this means that the Lakers must win by at least 7 points for your bet to win. If the final score is 100-94 in favor of the Lakers, they have covered the spread, and your bet wins. If they only win by 6 points or fewer, your bet loses.
Point spread betting is the most common form of handicap betting in basketball. The sportsbook assigns a margin (spread) to even out the betting odds between the favorite and the underdog.
This type of bet is popular because it creates a more competitive environment for bettors, even in one-sided matchups.
Asian handicap is a more advanced version of point spread betting that eliminates the possibility of a draw (push). It uses quarter-goal (.25) or half-goal (.5) increments, meaning you can win, lose, or get a partial win/loss depending on the final score.
This bet type is popular among experienced bettors because it minimizes risk and offers more flexible betting options.
In Over/Under handicap betting, the sportsbook sets a predicted total number of points for a game, and bettors wager on whether the actual total will be over or under that number.
This type of betting is useful when you're unsure of a winner but have a strong prediction of the pace and scoring style of a game.
In Moneyline handicap betting, instead of betting on a point spread, you bet on a team to win outright but with adjusted odds.
This type of bet offers higher potential payouts and is a favorite for bettors who want to avoid traditional spreads but still get better odds than standard Moneyline bets.
Understanding handicap odds is crucial for making smart bets. Handicap betting odds can be displayed in three formats:
Handicap betting is really popular in basketball because it levels the playing field between mismatched teams, making even the most lopsided games exciting and potentially profitable. Some reasons why basketball bettors prefer handicap betting include:
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Handicap betting is an exciting way to wager on basketball, especially when one team is heavily favored over the other. Understanding the handicap meaning in basketball will help you make more strategic bets and increase your chances of winning. Whether you’re betting on the favorite to cover the spread or the underdog to keep the game close, handicap betting opens up a whole new world of possibilities.
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A +1.5 handicap gives the underdog a 1.5-point advantage. Your bet wins if they win outright or lose by 1 point. If they lose by 2 or more, your bet loses.
Handicap betting evens the odds by giving the underdog extra points (+X) and deducting points from the favorite (-X). The favorite must win by more than the handicap, while the underdog can lose within the spread or win outright.
A +7.5 handicap means the underdog gets a 7.5-point head start. Your bet wins if they win outright or lose by 7 or fewer. If they lose by 8 or more, your bet loses.
A +8.5 handicap gives the underdog an 8.5-point advantage. Your bet wins if they win outright or lose by 8 or fewer. If they lose by 9 or more, your bet loses.
