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What does European Handicap +1/-1 Mean?
A European handicap +/-1 is a bet that starts off the favourite team on a deficit of 1 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 one goal. This handicap is used to eliminate the difference in value in a matchup where one team is relatively stronger.
Here’s an example for context:
Imagine a game between Manchester United vs Middlesbrough. Considering Man U as the better team, bookmakers could give the red devils a starting disadvantage of -1 goal, while the away team starts with an advantage of +1 goal. Man U has to win by at least two goals, while Middlesbrough has to lose by less than one goal 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 Man U wins by exactly one goal. This would be the same as Middlesbrough losing by exactly one goal.
What does -1 European Handicap Mean?
The handicap with the negative coefficient is the favourite team. A bet on European handicap -1 for Manchester United means:
- If the team wins by 2 or more, your bet wins.
- If the team wins by 1, draws or loses, your bet loses.
What does +1 European Handicap Mean?
The handicap with the positive coefficient is the underdog team. A bet on European handicap +1 for Middlesbrough means:
- If the team wins or draws, your bet wins.
- If the team loses by 1 or more, your bet loses.
What does European Handicap Draw Mean?
The coefficient for the draw can be given as a negative or positive:
- If Man U wins by 1 goal, the draw wins
- If Middlesbrough loses by 1, the draw wins
- Any other outcome, the draw loses
Here’s an overview extracted from the European handicap chart:
| Line | Win by 2 or more | Win by 1 | Draw | Lose by 1 | Lose by 2 or more |
| EH (-1) | Win | Lose | Lose | Lose | Lose |
| EH (+1) | Win | Win | Win | Lose | Lose |
| EH Draw | Lose | Win | Lose | Win | Lose |
European Handicap Calculator +1/-1
Outcomes for European handicap 1 Explained
There are three possible outcomes with these bets:
- Win: Selected team covers the score line.
- Draw: Outcome is right on the goal margin.
- Loss: Selected team doesn’t cover the score line.
Start Betting on 1 European Handicap
We’ve detailed all that the European handicap 1 entails, and with the chart extract, punters can easily begin betting on this option at the sportsbook. Like the Asian handicap markets, the 1 European Handicap offers great value and a higher chance of return on investment over time.
