What is European Handicap?
The European handicap is a popular market in online football betting. In contrast to the Asian handicap, which eliminates the possibility of a draw, the European handicap retains the 1×2 betting options. This means bettors can choose between a win, a loss, or a draw after applying the handicap.
Updated on:
- October 30, 2025
Offer of the month
welcome bonus
Get
100%
Deposit Bonus
OVERVIEW OF THE BEST BOOKMAKERS FOR EUROPEAN HANDICAP BETTING
Bookmaker
Rating
Bonus
Crypto
Advantage
Payouts
App
Link
What is European Handicap Betting?
European handicap betting is widely available at numerous online bookmakers as it is an extremely popular option. Each site offers unique advantages in terms of odds, promotions, and betting options. Some online platforms focus on large markets, while others offer exclusive bonuses suited to handicap bettors.
The betting option of the European handicap refers to a betting market that gives a team a virtual advantage or disadvantage before the start of the match. Unlike the Asian handicap, which completely removes the option of a draw, the European handicap retains three possible outcomes – a home win, the draw, and an away win. Its key features include:
- Fixed whole number handicaps (e.g. -1, -2, +1, +2).
- No refunds (pushes) in cases where bets are either won or lost.
- Higher odds on favourites compared to traditional 1×2 bets
- More strategic betting, as it provides the opportunity to bet on stronger teams with improved odds or to bet on underdogs with a margin of safety.
- Ideal for big favourites as a handicap gives a strong team better value.
- No half-goal handicaps. Unlike the Asian handicap, which includes half-goal increments (e.g., -0.5, +1.5), European handicaps strictly use whole numbers.
For example, if the bettor places his wager on a team with a handicap of -2, they must win by at least three goals to make the bet winning. If the team wins by only two goals, the bet is lost. Similarly, betting on an underdog with a +1 handicap means the bet wins, even if the actual match ends in a draw.
5 Examples to Explain European Handicaps
HOW EUROPEAN HANDICAP BETS WORK
European handicap betting is a pretty simple betting strategy and offers opportunities for bettors to maximise their returns. European handicap markets provide bettors with enhanced odds, making them attractive for those aiming for bigger payouts. These bets add excitement by offering different winning possibilities based on adjusted scorelines. Here’s how they work:
- Apply the Handicap: Before the match starts, a goal advantage or disadvantage is given to a team based on their strength. This adjustment affects the final result of the bet.
- Winning or Losing the Bet: Since there is no possibility of a push (stake refund), the bet is either won or lost. A team given a -1 handicap must win by two or more goals for a successful bet. A team given a +1 handicap wins the bet even if they draw.
- Betting on Draw Handicap: One unique aspect of the European handicap is the ability to bet on a draw. If a favourite is given a -1 handicap, betting on a draw means they must win by exactly one goal for the bet to succeed.
Pros
- Better odds: Since handicaps balance the competition, they often provide more favourable odds compared to traditional 1X2 bets.
- Great for betting on favourites: If you expect a strong team to win comfortably, European handicap betting increases the potential payout.
- Simple structure: Unlike the Asian handicap, which includes quarter-goal and half-goal increments, European handicaps uses whole numbers, making them easier to understand.
- Retains the draw option: This offers additional betting flexibility compared to Asian handicap markets, where draws are eliminated.
- More value for underdogs: If you believe an underdog can put up a strong fight, European handicaps provide better payout options.
Cons
- Higher risk: Unlike Asian handicap, there are no stake refunds (pushes), meaning bets are fully won or lost.
- Less flexibility: European handicaps lack the half-goal and quarter-goal options found in Asian handicaps, which gives space for more betting strategies.
- May not be ideal for close games: Since handicaps are applied in whole numbers, closely matched games may not offer as much betting value as other markets.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN EUROPEAN HANDICAPS & ASIAN HANDICAPS
European handicap and Asian handicap are both popular betting options, but they cater to different types of bettors. The main difference lies in how the handicaps are structured. European handicap retains the traditional 1X2 format, meaning that bets can still result in a win, draw, or loss. In contrast, Asian Handicap removes the possibility of a draw, creating a two-way market where bets are either won, lost, or refunded in certain cases.
- European handicap: Uses whole-number handicaps (-1, +2), meaning no refunds. If a team with a -1 handicap wins by one goal, the bet is lost.
- Asian handicap: Features half and quarter-goal increments, allowing for more flexibility and potential stake refunds, reducing overall betting risks.
- European handicap is best for bettors who prefer predicting exact margins and want a more straightforward system.
- Asian handicap is ideal for those looking for lower-risk options, as it offers money-back scenarios on certain results.
- European handicap provides higher odds for clear favourites, making it an appealing choice for those expecting dominant performances.
- Asian handicap focuses on levelling the playing field, making matches more competitive by reducing extreme betting disparities.
FAQS
What does European Handicap mean?
In a European handicap, you either give goals to an underdog or take goals from a favourite. The bet is then a standard 1X2 except you are betting on whether a team can overcome the handicap given to them.
How is a European Handicap different from traditional betting?
Unlike standard 1X2 betting, where you bet on a simple win, loss, or draw, a European handicap modifies the score by applying a handicap, making odds more competitive. You are then betting on whether the match will be a win, loss, or draw with the handicap applied.
Can I win if I bet on a team with a -1 handicap and they win by one goal?
No, a team with a -1 handicap must win by at least two goals for the bet to be successful.
Why should I choose European Handicap over Asian Handicap?
The European handicap retains the draw option and follows a simpler structure, making it more suitable for bettors who prefer straightforward betting options.
Is European Handicap available in live betting?
Yes, many bookmakers offer live European handicap markets, allowing bettors to place bets while the match is in progress.