In gambling terms, “handicap” refers to a system used to level the playing field between two competitors or teams that have different skill levels or abilities. The handicap is typically applied in sports betting, but it can also be used in other forms of gambling.
There are two main types of handicaps in gambling:
1. Point Spread:
This is the most common type of handicap in sports betting. The point spread is a margin of points that the favored team must win by to cover the spread. For example, if Team A is favored by 7 points over Team B, Team A must win by more than 7 points for bets on Team A to win. If Team A wins by exactly 7 points, the bet is a push, and bets are refunded.
2. Money Line:
This type of handicap is used in sports where scoring is not based on points, such as baseball or hockey. The money line is a odds-based handicap that reflects the perceived strength of each team. For example, if Team A is favored at -150, a bettor must wager $150 to win $100. If Team B is an underdog at +130, a bettor can win $130 by wagering $100.
The purpose of the handicap is to make the betting more competitive and to attract bets on both sides. It also helps to balance the bookmaker’s risk by ensuring that they have a roughly equal amount of money bet on each side.
Disclaimer: This content was assisted by AI and reviewed by humans.
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