Find out the meaning of soccer handicap betting, how it works and the different types of soccer handicap betting markets available at Pinnacle. Continue reading to become a handicap betting expert.

1. Goal Handicap 16
2. Goal Handicap (-1)
3. Goal Handicap 18
4. 10 Goal Handicap Players

In soccer as is an all competitive sports there is normally a difference in perceived quality of the opposing teams; the size of that difference varies depending on a complex range of influences ranging from historical dominance and financial backing to situational factors such as home field advantage or player injuries/availability. Soccer betting interprets these factors and represent them as chances of success for each side in the form of odds.

A handicap race in horse racing is a race in which horses carry different weights, allocated by the handicapper. A better horse will carry a heavier weight, to give him or her a disadvantage when racing against slower horses. The handicapper's goal in assigning handicap weights is to enable all the horses to finish together (in a dead heat). FC Goa played out their 10th draw against Hyderabad FC on Sunday to make it to the semi-finals of the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL). Credit must be given to the coach of the Goan side, Juan. Looking at driving distance by handicap level, you see that hitting it longer off the tee is a scoring advantage. Finally, here is a look at out driving distance changes by age: Arccos Average Driving Distance Report. Similar to Shot Scope, Arccos has had the benefit of tracking millions of real shots amongst golfers at all levels. Single Handicap. A single Handicap occurs when there is a perceived difference in abilities between Team X and Team Y. The alleged superior team will be given an appropriate goal handicap to level the playing field for betting purposes i.e.0.5 goal, -1 goal, -1.5 goals etc.

Handicap betting explained

Where the perceived difference in abilities is significant the betting odds on the favourite will be so small that it provides minimal returns and therefore little incentive for bettors.

A numerical figure set by the bookmaker to counter the perceived bias in abilities of opponents - this provides more balanced odds.

To counter the perceived bias in abilities, and to provide more balanced and appealing odds, bookmakers offer what is known as handicap betting. In the context of soccer, the Handicap odds level the playing-field by accounting for difference in perceived strength of the participants by literally applying a goal handicap - positive and negative - to each side. This gives bettors the opportunity to find more value than when backing a heavy Favourite in traditional 1X2 bet - the most common way to bet on soccer.

The handicap is applied to the actual outcome of the game in order to grade (result) the bet. There are three types of Handicap bets you need to be aware of before betting:

Level Handicap

A level Handicap is where there is no perceived difference in abilities between Team X and Team Y, so no Handicap bias is assigned and both teams start with 0 goals.

To win a bet, the bettor must identify the team which they think will score more goals than their opponent. This type of handicap isn't relevant for one-sided encounters but is useful in that it eliminates the draw; if the game ends in a tie all bets are refunded because on a zero handicap neither team has any advantage.

Single Handicap

A single Handicap occurs when there is a perceived difference in abilities between Team X and Team Y.

The alleged superior team will be given an appropriate goal handicap to level the playing field for betting purposes i.e. -0.5 goal, -1 goal, -1.5 goals etc.

For example, if you bet on Team X with a handicap of -1 goal, they must win by more than one goal to cover their handicap and win you your bet.

If they only win by one goal, the result with the handicap applied is a draw for betting purposes, so your bet is refunded. If Team Y draw or win, you will lose your bet on Team X.

Split Handicap

A split Handicap occurs when the difference between the two teams’ abilities is small; allowing you to spilt your stake over two handicaps.

A split Handicap occurs when the difference between the two teams’ abilities is small; allowing you to spilt your stake over two handicaps.

For example, Team X might be offered at (0 & -0.5). If you bet on Team X and they lose, you will lose both bets, as they did not cover either handicap.

If the match ends in a draw, half of your stake at (0) will be refunded, and the other half at (-0.5) will lose. If Team X wins however, both handicaps will be covered, so both bets win.

If you’re stuck in the past slavishly following three-way fixed odds betting, the chances are you’re not getting a decent return on your investment, and your betting might benefit from the fresh perspective that soccer handicap betting provides.

Now that you know how handicap betting can be used to increase your profits, don't miss out on our number one most popular article - Staking: One method to improve your betting.

Handicap betting video explainer

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Goal Handicap 16

Asian Handicap video explainer

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FC Goa played out their 10th draw against Hyderabad FC on Sunday to make it to the semi-finals of the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL).

Credit must be given to the coach of the Goan side, Juan Ferrando, for managing his squad efficiently this season. To an extent, there's always been someone who has stepped up when it mattered the most.

In what initially started with Igor Angulo dominating the goalscoring department, others such as Jorge Ortiz slotted in with six strikes as did Ishan Pandita who scored four late equalisers, building a reputation as a super sub. Devendra Murgaonkar, Alexander Romario, Alberto Noguera, Redeem Tlang, Ivan Gonzalez (2) all contributed as well.

Editors' Picks

Goal Handicap (-1)

What will Goa be missing on Friday?

However, the pair of Noguera and Gonzalez, who have been pivotal figures in the Guars' race to the play-offs, are set to miss their side's semi-final first leg clash against Mumbai City on Friday.

Noguera initially had to battle for his place in the first 11 but started in Goa's last 10 straight games as the duo or Ortiz and Brandon Fernandes faced injury concerns. But Noguera saw red in the goalless draw against Hyderabad. While Gonzalez accumulated four yellow cards after making one of the most crucial goalmouth interceptions in injury time in the same game.

Involved in nine goals this season, Noguera currently leads the assists chart (8) - some of which contributed towards late equalisers and winners such as in the 2-1 win over Hyderabad in the reverse fixture and in the 2-2 draw against Chennaiyin FC earlier in February. He is also the top 10 with 91 tackles and is one of the 15 midfielders with over a thousand (1,143) touches that signifies the impact he has had so far.

At the back, Ivan has been a key figure, leading the Goa backline efficiently. He also doubled up on the flanks in the last couple of games, in the absence of Seriton Fernandes who is also a doubt for the next game.

Goal Handicap 18

Seriton has also been instrumental whenever Ferrando's men have looked to counter from the flanks. Missing the likes of Noguera, Ivan and Seriton will be a handicap for the Goan outfit against a potent Mumbai City team.

Further reading:

10 Goal Handicap Players