What does European Handicap +2/-2 Mean?

A European handicap +/-2 is a bet that starts off the favourite team on a deficit of 2 goal and the underdog on a surplus of the same number of goals. In the usual fashion, the bookie sets a score line or margin, which both teams have to cover for a bet on either side to win. In this case, the margin is two goals. This handicap is used to eliminate the difference in value in a matchup where one team is relatively stronger.

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Here’s an example for context:

Imagine a game between Serie A teams Juventus vs Cagliari. Considering Juventus as the better team, bookmakers could give them a starting disadvantage of -2 goals, while the opponent starts with an advantage of +2 goal. Juventus has to win by at least three goals, while Cagliari has to lose by less than two goals to win.

Unlike the two-way Asian handicap, the European variant allows three possible outcomes, with the third being a draw. Typically, at the sportsbook, the options in this market are given as:

• EH 1 (handicap)
• EH X (handicap)
• EH 2 (handicap)

An EH draw does not refer to a draw in the match outcome but a draw respective to the score line. Basically, a draw occurs when the number of goals scored or conceded is right on the score line.

So based on the above example, the draw bet wins when Juventus wins by exactly two goals. This would be the same as Cagliari losing by exactly one goal.

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