Ever wondered what a handicap means in betting? Having the football betting handicap explained is vital so that you can partake in this popular bet type. It’s also known as spread betting – more so in the US!
Spread betting is a very popular form of betting in the US. Sportsbooks love to offer handicap betting opportunities for NFL games. As such, there’s a lot of options at your disposal as you bet on football markets. Read on to find out more about the football betting handicap explained guide!
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Our latest guide - football betting handicap explained
Before we delve into the inner-workings of handicap betting in football, it’s important to clarify something. Our latest football betting handicap explained guide has been written for all types of bettors – new and old. Regardless of whether you are a newcomer or not, this guide will play a pivotal role in your next
live betting
endeavor.
As a newcomer, spread betting can seem rather confusing. However, our football betting handicap explained guide will put all of your confusion to bed. We have outlined exactly how this works and what you should consider before you make the most of spread betting on the top sportsbooks. For experienced bettors, our guide will bring to your attention new-and-improved tips as well as where you can find the best spread betting markets online in the US! There is no need to ever feel that our guides will exclude you. Our experts know a thing or two about the betting market or
live betting NFL football markets
and make sure that all of you are able to pick up a golden nugget of wisdom, or two.
What is handicap betting in football? Get to know the spread
Handicap betting might sound like a strange term the first time you come across it. Simply put, it is a way for sportsbooks to level the playing field – so to speak. Handicap betting, or spread betting as it is known in the US, is simply a system whereby one team is given a points advantage – the underdog. This makes things more even and adds to the excitement of betting on a game (even if the two teams playing one another are a mismatch) or taking advantage of
betting deals. Of course, this brings things closer to even money for both teams.
Handicap betting, as the name suggests, ‘handicaps’ the favorite in a fixture. This team will be at a points disadvantage. In order for a wager on the favorite to be successful, the team must win by more than the spread (points posted by the sportsbook). The underdog can still lose a fixture but if it loses by less than the spread, anyone who bet on the underdog will have a winning wager. It’s best explained with an example!
An example of handicap (spread) betting
Our example assumes that the Cincinnati Bengals are playing the Green Bay Packers. The following odds and spread are offered by a reputable online sportsbook:
Bengals: -7.5 (-110)
Packers: +7.5 (-110)
In this example, you’ll note that you need to wager $110 to win $100. The sportsbook feels that the playing field is even. However, the Bengals are favorites and have a handicap of -7.5 points. The Packers are underdogs and have a 7.5 point advantage.
If you think that the Bengals will run riot and win by more than 7.5 points, you’ll place a wager on them. If the score ends 38 - 30, then your wager will win. However, if the score ends up being 27 - 24 to the Bengals, your wager will lose.
If you feel that the Packers have experienced a recent uptick in form and have a chance of winning, then you would bet on the Packers. Even if you feel that they might lose, but by less than 7.5 points, then you would bet on the Packers in that scenario. It’s clear that you can bet on a losing team and still win your bet (as long as they beat the spread).
The best sportsbook for handicap betting - betting on football
As you have realized in our football betting handicap explained guide, spread betting is extremely popular when it comes to football. As such, you won’t be short on sportsbooks that offer handicaps on football betting. What is important is to consider where you get the top odds and spreads. It’s never the same and odds and spreads are updated regularly to match the most accurate of predictions.
What we can tell you is that Caesars and BetMGM offer a range of enticing football handicap markets. You will come to find that there are regular
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There are a fair number of tips that you can make use of when betting on the spread. Of course, the internet is jam-packed with these tips. However, you should make sure that you have a reliable source where you can find insightful tips. Fortunately, there is no need for you to look any further!
Make use of bonuses
It’s possible to make use of a fantastic bonus when you sign up with new sportsbooks online. Moreover, you will come to find those exciting promotions provide you with added impetus when betting on the spread. However, it’s the
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bonus that really gives you bang for your buck. With boosted funds, you’ll be able to put your knowledge to the test and wager on enticing spread bets. More specifically, you won’t necessarily be losing real money in some cases as you can use free bets or matched deposit bonuses!
Don’t underestimate home advantage
Many bettors fail to consider home advantage in various game scenarios. It’s always easy to get caught up with road favorites who seem to have the upper-hand as they visit underdogs. However, home ground advantage plays a significant role in the matter. Therefore, you should keep track of how teams are playing, as well as who plays well at home or on the road, and factor this in when you bet on football spreads.
Don’t chase losses
It is vital that you don’t chase losses when you bet on the spread. You might feel that you are just one bet away from getting it right. However, betting the spread isn’t always a clear-cut outcome. You need to stick to your budget and ensure that you bet according to your approach. This will ensure that you don’t overextend your hand simply because you are trying to recoup losses.
Follow teams closely
If you are a true football fan, then we’re sure that you know the ins-and-outs of all major teams in the NFL. With spread betting, you should take into account the strengths and weaknesses of different teams. For instance, if two teams are strong defensively, then you can typically expect a low-scoring game. However, if both teams have in-form quarterbacks and great running backs, then chances are that games might have much higher scores.
Bet with your head not your heart
It is easy to get caught up and continue to pack your favorite team. However, we must urge you to always bet with your head. Keep the emotion out of it. We completely understand that it’s easy to get caught up and simply back your gut and hope that your hometown team manages to pull through. However, it is always vital that you keep a clear mind and make use of the statistics at your disposal. Plus, as a football fan, we have no doubt that you will have certain gut feelings which go against betting on your team. Either way, we recommend that you keep sticking to a betting approach.
Raft of alternative betting resources
In addition to our football betting handicap explained guide, we offer fantastic guides, reviews, and much more. You can find out all you need to know about whatever it is that you wish to learn. If you are looking for a new sportsbook or
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Conclusion - football handicap betting explained
We hope that you have found our latest football betting handicap explained guide to be helpful. There are a myriad of enticing handicap betting markets on football in the US. Remember, spread betting is the same as handicap betting – the former is the common term in the US. You can bet with the spread or against the spread. Be sure to weigh up the different factors that might influence the actual outcome of a game.
Check in with us if ever you feel the need to find out something new when it comes to sports betting. For instance, we’ve tailored a guide on
betting payouts explained
so you know how the process works. This will ensure that you keep your expectations in check and bet according to what seems most viable. For now, we wish you all the best with handicap betting on football!
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Handicap betting, commonly known as spread betting in the US, is one of the main bet types you will come across. It’s important that you know precisely what handicap betting entails so that you are able to make the most of these markets. US sportsbooks love to offer spread betting as it's very popular. Take the time to read our latest football betting handicap explained guide and
sportsbook reviews
right here so that you are ready to make the most of handicap betting in the US.
❓Is handicap in football betting difficult to understand?
It’s important for you to take into account that handicap betting isn’t that difficult to understand. However, it is more complex than moneyline bets. This is especially true at face value. As such, we recommend that you do take the time to read our latest guide. We bring you a comprehensive football betting handicap explained guide which will be sure to offer you a practical overview of handicap, or spread, betting on US sportsbooks in 2025. Once you understand how this works, you’ll be set to bet on all your favorite football markets with the utmost confidence.
✅What are the top tips for handicap betting in football?
There are definitely a fair number of tips which you can utilize as you attempt to take on exciting football handicap betting markets. Once you have a football betting handicap explained, puting the latest tips into action will be the next step. We have included a number of insightful tips in our latest football betting handicap explained guide. Take the time to read our coverage and you will be able to set your sights on football markets online.
💥Do football handicap markets offer value?
It’s always a good idea to look for markets and bet types which offer you value. There’s little point in betting on something that doesn’t provide you with a genuine chance of realizing winnings. Spread betting is very popular and it offers you the chance to capitalize on some great betting opportunities. All you need to do is have a football betting handicap explained to you. Afterwards, you’ll be ready to enjoy spread betting online!
💯Is handicap betting popular when it comes to football?
There are certain bet types and markets which are simply more popular than others. It’s clear that sportsbooks capitalize on these as it brings in bettors and subsequent wagers. Handicap betting is one of the three main bet types and there’s a reason for this. Football markets include handicap betting, or spread betting, options by the truckload. As such, having a football betting handicap explained to you is vital. Check in with our latest guide to find out more.
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