What is a handicap bet?

Take a Handicap of 0:1 as an example: this means Team 2 is credited with a one-goal lead before kickoff. When the match ends, this virtual goal is added to their actual score to determine the final outcome of the bet.

This flexible betting option, with various adjustable handicaps, is applicable to almost all sporting events.

Here is a practical look at how handicap betting works in soccer:

You bet on Bayern Munich vs. Eintracht Frankfurt with a handicap of 0:1, which means Eintracht Frankfurt receives a one-goal head start. This head start must be added to the actual final result – this gives you the correct outcome of the handicap bet.

Further examples:

• If the game ends 2:0, a bet on HC1 wins because the adjusted score becomes 2:1.

• If the game ends 1:0, a bet on HCX (draw) wins because the adjusted score is 1:1.

• If the game ends 1:1, a bet on HC2 wins because the adjusted score is 1:2.

• If the game ends 1:2, a bet on HC2 wins because the adjusted score is 1:3.

HC betting options:

• HC1 means Team 1 is the winner once the handicap is applied to the final result.

• HC2 means Team 2 comes out on top after the handicap has been factored in.

• HCX means that the match results in a tie after the handicap is added.

An example:

Imagine a matchup between Schalke (-0.5) and Dortmund (+0.5) with odds of 1.90 for both. Here, Schalke is the favorite and starts with a penalty of half a goal, while Dortmund, the underdog, starts with a half-goal lead.
In this case, Schalke is the favorite against Dortmund and receives a half-goal handicap (-0.5). Dortmund, as the underdog, gets a half-goal head start (+0.5).

Let's say you place a €10 wager on Schalke with the (-0.5) handicap at odds of 1.90.

• Should Schalke win the game, your bet is successful, and you'll receive a total payout of €19 (€10 × 1.90).

• However, if the game ends in a tie or Dortmund wins, the bet is lost.

At MERKUR BETS, Asian Handicaps aren't limited to 0.5; you can also find options for 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5.