What Is a 3 Way Handicap Bet? Football Handicap Betting Explained
Football betting terms can be confusing, especially with options like handicap bets on offer from most bookmakers. If you are new to these markets, understanding terms such as “3 way handicap” helps before placing any wagers.
This blog post explains what a 3 way handicap bet is, how handicap betting works in football, how odds and lines are displayed, and how bets are settled. It also compares 3 way handicap to Asian handicap betting, shows which markets typically offer them, and uses simple scorelines to make everything clear.
Read on to learn more.
What Does a Handicap Mean In Football Betting?
A handicap in football betting is a way for bookmakers to balance a match by giving one team a virtual head start or deficit before the game begins. It is applied only for settling the bet and does not affect the actual result.
If one team is much stronger, a handicap might be added to the weaker team’s total or subtracted from the stronger team’s total. For example, if Team A is -1, they start the bet one goal behind. The adjusted, or “handicapped”, score can lead to a different betting outcome than the real match score.
Once that idea is clear, the next step is to see how the 3 way version uses this adjustment to create three possible results.
How Does a 3 Way Handicap Bet Work?
A 3 way handicap bet offers three outcomes after the handicap is applied: Team A win, Draw, or Team B win.
One team receives a virtual advantage or disadvantage, which means goals are added to or subtracted from their actual total for settlement. If a team has a -1 handicap, they need to win by at least two goals for “Team A win” to be correct. If they win by exactly one goal, the “Draw” option wins on the handicap, because the adjusted score is level.
Bookmakers usually display each selection with its corresponding handicap so you can see the result needed for your choice to be settled as a winner. With the mechanics in place, it helps to know how to read the lines and prices you will see on screen.
How Do You Read Handicap Lines And Odds?
Handicap lines appear as numbers with a plus (+) or minus (−) sign beside each team. A minus number, such as -1, means that team starts the bet with that many goals subtracted. A plus number, such as +1, means that many goals are added for settlement.
For 3 way handicaps, you will see three options: Home Win with the handicap, Draw with the handicap, and Away Win with the handicap. The odds next to each selection show the potential return on a winning stake. Odds may be displayed in fractional or decimal format, but in either case they reflect the same underlying probability and payout.
Once you are comfortable with the line and price, settlement becomes straightforward.
How Are 3 Way Handicap Bets Settled?
A 3 way handicap bet is settled by first applying the stated handicap to the actual score, then grading the result as Team A, Draw, or Team B on that adjusted score. If Team A is -1, one goal is taken off their total before determining the outcome. If the adjusted score is level, the “Draw” selection wins.
Unless a market says otherwise, settlement is based on the standard 90 minutes plus injury time, excluding extra time and penalties. Bookmakers show the final settlement in your bet history, and support teams can clarify any queries.
With settlement rules in mind, it is easier to understand how the common lines change what you need to win.
Common Betting Lines Explained
In football handicap betting, common lines include -1, 0, and +1. These represent how many goals are removed from or added to a team’s total for the purposes of the bet.
- A -1 handicap means the team must win by at least two goals for the “win” option on that side to land.
- A 0 handicap (often called “scratch”) means nothing is added or removed, so the team needs to win the match for that selection to be settled as a winner.
- A +1 handicap gives a team a one-goal head start, so a selection on that team is settled as a winner if they win or draw the actual match. If they lose by one, the adjusted score becomes level and the “Draw” selection would be the winner.
Some matches are priced with larger lines such as -2 or +2 when there is a strong favourite. Each step on the line shifts the score you need for your selection to be paid.
Examples With Simple Match Scores
To make this concrete, here are a few quick examples using basic scorelines.
Example 1:
Team A vs Team B
Handicap: Team A -1
Actual match score: Team A 2–1 Team B
Adjusted score: Team A 1–1 Team B
Winning selection: Draw on the handicap.
Example 2:
Team A vs Team B
Handicap: Team A -1
Actual match score: Team A 3–1 Team B
Adjusted score: Team A 2–1 Team B
Winning selection: Team A win on the handicap.
Example 3:
Team A vs Team B
Handicap: Team B +1
Actual match score: Team A 0–0 Team B
Adjusted score: Team A 0–1 Team B
Winning selection: Team B win on the handicap.
Seeing how a line changes the score helps you judge whether the selection matches your view of the likely margin.
How Is a 3 Way Handicap Different From Asian Handicap?
The key difference is the number of outcomes. A 3 way handicap includes a “Draw” option after the handicap is applied, so there are three possible results.
Asian handicap markets remove the draw as a selection. Depending on the line, the bet is either graded as a win for one side or, if the adjusted score is level, stakes are returned. Asian handicaps also use half or quarter goals, such as +0.5 or -1.25, which are designed to reduce pushes or split your stake across two neighbouring lines.
If you prefer having a draw as a distinct outcome, the 3 way handicap provides that choice. If you prefer two-way outcomes with the possibility of a stake return, Asian lines may be a better fit.
Which Markets Offer 3 Way Handicap Bets?
3 way handicap bets are most common in football markets, particularly where there is a clear favourite and underdog. You will usually find them listed as “Handicap,” “3 Way Handicap,” or sometimes “Alternative Handicap.”
They are widely available pre-match and may also appear in-play. Availability varies by event and operator, so it is worth checking the market menu for each fixture you are interested in.
When Is a 3 Way Handicap Useful For Punters?
A 3 way handicap can be useful when there is a noticeable gap in quality between two teams. By adjusting the starting score, prices can become more balanced, which helps if the main match odds are very short on one side.
It also gives a specific draw outcome after the handicap is applied. That can suit punters who have a view on the margin of victory rather than just the winner, for example backing a strong side at -1 if you think they will win by more than one.
As with any bet, set spend limits that fit your circumstances. If gambling starts to affect your well-being or finances, seek support early. Independent organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware provide free, confidential help.
Used thoughtfully, 3 way handicaps offer a clear, structured way to express a view on how a football match might play out on the scoreboard.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
