In Canadian betting, a score handicap bet, also known as a handicap or spread bet, is a type of wager where one team or player is given a virtual deficit or advantage before the start of the event. The purpose of the handicap is to level the playing field between two unevenly matched opponents, thereby creating more balanced betting odds.
In a score handicap bet, the favored team or player is assigned a negative handicap, while the underdog receives a positive handicap. This handicap is represented by a numerical value, which indicates the number of points, goals, or runs that must be added to or subtracted from the team’s or player’s final score for the purposes of the bet.
For example, in a soccer match between Team A and Team B, if Team A is considered the favorite, they may have a handicap of -1.5 goals, while Team B, the underdog, might have a handicap of +1.5 goals. In this scenario, if you bet on Team A to win with a -1.5 goal handicap, they must win by two or more goals for your bet to be successful. Conversely, if you bet on Team B with a +1.5 goal handicap, they can either win the match outright or lose by one goal for your bet to win.
Score handicap bets are popular in sports like soccer, basketball, football, and hockey, where margin of victory plays a significant role. They allow bettors to wager on matches with more competitive odds, providing an opportunity for higher payouts while adding excitement to the betting experience.
