What does European Handicap +3/-3 Mean?

A European handicap +/-3 is a bet that starts off the favourite team on a deficit of 3 goals 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 three goals. This handicap is used to eliminate the difference in value in a matchup where one team is significantly stronger.

Here’s an example for context:

Imagine a game between France vs South Korea. Considering France as the better team, bookmakers could give them a starting disadvantage of -3 goals, while South Korea starts with an advantage of +3 goals. France has to win by at least four goals, while SK has to lose by less than three 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 France wins by exactly three goals. This would be the same as South Korea losing by exactly three goals.

What does -3 European Handicap Mean?

The handicap with the negative coefficient is the favourite team. A bet on European handicap -3 for France means:

• If the team wins by 4 or more, your bet wins.
• If the team wins by 3 or less, draws or loses, your bet loses.

What does +3 European Handicap Mean?

The handicap with the positive coefficient is the underdog team. A bet on European handicap +3 for South Korea means:

• If the team wins or draws, or loses by 2 or less, your bet wins.
• If the team loses by 3 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 France wins by 3 goals, the draw wins
• If South Korea loses by 3, the draw wins
• Any other outcome, the draw loses

Here’s an overview extracted from the European handicap chart:

Outcomes for European handicap 3 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 3 European Handicap

We’ve detailed all that the European handicap 3 entails, and with the chart extract, punters can easily begin betting on this option at the sportsbook. Like the Asian handicap markets, the 3 European Handicap offers great value and a higher chance of return on investment over time.