A Simple Guide to Betting on the Three-Way Handicap

The three-way handicap is an increasingly popular betting option among football enthusiasts. However, before diving in, it’s essential to understand how this type of bet works. This guide will walk you through the basics of the three-way handicap, while also providing strategies and bet soccer tips for placing effective bets, ensuring you’re prepared to confidently bet on any online sportsbook.

What is the Three-Way Handicap?

In online football betting, reputable bookmakers often offer various types of bets, with the three-way handicap being one of the more sought-after options. Essentially, it’s a “variant” of the standard handicap (also known as the Asian Handicap). However, unlike traditional handicaps with fractional odds such as 0.25 or 0.5 goals, the three-way handicap uses whole-number handicaps (e.g., 1, 2, or 3 goals), creating distinct betting scenarios.

The three-way handicap is sometimes also referred to as the “three-way line” or “three-option Asian Handicap.”

Betting Options within the Three-Way Handicap

On most online football betting platforms, the three-way handicap provides the following options:

Home Win – Betting on the home team to win with the handicap applied.

Away Win – Betting on the away team to win with the handicap applied.

Draw (Tie) – Betting that the match will end in a draw after applying the handicap.

While it may look similar to the 1X2 (European) bet, the three-way handicap is different. Each outcome considers a set handicap that affects the team’s chance of winning.

When to Place Bets on the Three-Way Handicap

A significant advantage of the three-way handicap is that bettors can place bets on one of three options with clear handicaps. These options are available for either the first half (half-time) or the full match (full-time). Additionally, some reputable sportsbooks now offer in-play betting for the three-way handicap, allowing bets to be placed as the game progresses, limited to the official 90 minutes of match time.

Calculating Winnings in the Three-Way Handicap

When placing bets on a three-way handicap, winnings are calculated based on European odds (decimal odds). Here’s how the formula works:

Winnings = Bet Amount x Odds of the Selected Outcome.

If the game is canceled, the sportsbook will refund the full bet amount.

Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners to Bet on the Three-Way Handicap

Let’s break down how to place a three-way handicap bet with an example.

Suppose you want to bet on a Euro 2020 round-of-16 match between Italy and Austria on June 27, 2021. In this case:

Home Team (-1): Italy is the favorite and is set to give a 1-goal handicap to Austria. If you bet on Italy with the -1 handicap:

Italy wins by 2 or more goals → You win the bet.

Italy wins by exactly 1 goal → The bet results in a draw, and you get your stake back.

Italy loses or draws → You lose the bet.

Away Team (+1): Austria, as the underdog, receives a 1-goal advantage. If you bet on Austria with the +1 handicap:

Austria wins or draws → You win the bet.

Austria loses by exactly 1 goal → The bet is a draw, and you get your stake back.

Austria loses by 2 or more goals → You lose the bet.

Draw (Away +1): You bet on a draw, assuming Italy’s handicap of 1 goal is factored in:

Italy wins by exactly 1 goal → You win the bet.

Any other result (e.g., Austria wins, draws, or loses by 2 or more) → You lose the bet.

Key Tips for Betting on the Three-Way Handicap

Winning on the three-way handicap is achievable with the right approach. Here are some tips free soccer to keep in mind:

Analyze Team and Form: Only bet on the three-way handicap after thoroughly analyzing both teams’ current performance. Betting on this type of handicap is most effective when there’s a noticeable skill gap between teams.

Check the Odds Carefully: Pay attention to the odds for each option within the three-way handicap. This will help you assess the potential payout and give you insight into which team is favored.

Develop Strong Handicap Analysis Skills: Knowing how to read football odds is crucial for making the right decisions. If you’re new, consider studying tips from expert sources or investing in betting advice services.

Review Handicap Odds: Consider the handicap margin in each bet carefully. Generally, the greater the handicap, the higher the likelihood of a profitable bet.

Advantages of the Three-Way Handicap

The three-way handicap offers several advantages that make it appealing to both novice and seasoned bettors. Here’s a breakdown of why this betting type is increasingly popular:

Greater Betting Flexibility: With three distinct outcomes to choose from, bettors have more options to align with their predictions and strategies, allowing for a more tailored approach to each game.

Increased Profit Potential: Unlike traditional handicap bets, the three-way handicap often has higher odds due to the specific scoring requirements for each option. This setup can yield larger payouts for bettors who accurately predict the game's outcome.

Reduced Risk of Complete Loss: The three-way handicap often allows for “draw” outcomes, meaning bettors might receive their stake back if their chosen team meets certain conditions. This setup provides a cushion, especially when betting on matches with closer competition between teams.

Clear Indicators for Odds: The odds associated with each outcome can offer valuable insights into which team is favored by the sportsbook. By analyzing these odds, bettors can better gauge the likelihood of each scenario and make more informed decisions.

Conclusion

The three-way handicap bet provides football bettors with an exciting way to wager, especially when there’s a clear favorite. With the insights and strategies gained when you buy premium soccer tips , you should feel more confident in placing three-way handicap bets on any sportsbook platform. Enjoy the betting journey and best of luck!