Handicap Betting Market: A Comprehensive Guide with Detailed Examples
The Handicap Betting Market in darts is a popular option that levels the playing field between mismatched opponents. It creates a balanced betting opportunity by giving the favourite a disadvantage or the underdog an advantage. This guide will delve deeper into how handicap betting works, provide practical examples, and explore strategies to help you make informed bets.
What Is Handicap Betting in Darts?
Handicap betting assigns a “handicap” to one or both players in a match. This creates a virtual advantage or disadvantage to even the odds, making the betting market more appealing and dynamic.
- Positive Handicap (+): The underdog starts with a lead.
- Negative Handicap (-): The favourite starts with a deficit.
Example of Handicap Betting
Imagine a match between Michael van Gerwen (favourite) and Joe Cullen (underdog).
Without a handicap, betting odds might look like this:
- Michael van Gerwen to win: 1.20 (short odds)
- Joe Cullen to win: 4.50 (long odds)
With a handicap applied:
- Michael van Gerwen -3.5: 1.85 (He must win by 4 legs or more for your bet to win.)
- Joe Cullen +3.5: 1.85 (He must lose by fewer than 4 legs or win outright for your bet to win.)
This market creates a more balanced betting experience and increases the range of outcomes you can bet on.
Why Choose Handicap Betting?
Handicap betting is a favourite among darts bettors because it:
- Adds Value to Favourites: In one-sided matches, betting on the favourite outright often offers low odds. Handicap betting enhances value by requiring them to win by a larger margin.
- Levels the Playing Field: Back underdogs with a positive handicap for better chances of a winning bet.
- Encourages Strategic Betting: Requires deeper analysis of player form, match length, and throw order.
How Handicap Betting Works: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Understand the Matchup
Analyse the skill gap between players. For example:
- Gerwyn Price has been in top form, regularly hitting high averages.
- Nathan Aspinall has been inconsistent but shows resilience in longer matches.
Step 2: Identify the Handicap
Handicap values typically range between -1.5 and -5.5 for legs or sets, depending on the match format.
Leg Handicap: Applied to the number of legs won.
Example: In a best-of-13 match, Gerwyn Price -2.5 handicap means he must win 7–4 or better.Set Handicap: Applied to the number of sets won.
Example: In a best-of-7 set match, Michael Smith -1.5 means he must win by at least 2 sets.
Step 3: Evaluate Player Performance
Look at factors like:
- Throw Advantage: The player throwing first has an edge, especially in shorter formats.
- Player Form: Recent performances and scoring averages.
- Head-to-Head History: Past results between the two players.
Step 4: Place Your Bet
Select the handicap market that aligns with your analysis. For instance:
- Gerwyn Price -3.5: He must win by at least 4 legs.
- Joe Cullen +3.5: He can lose by up to 3 legs and your bet still wins.
Detailed Examples of Handicap Betting
Example 1: Michael Smith vs. Rob Cross
Match Format: Best of 19 legs.
Handicap Market:
- Michael Smith -2.5: 2.00
- Rob Cross +2.5: 1.80
Interpretation:
- Bet on Smith -2.5 if you believe he will dominate and win 10–7 or better.
- Bet on Cross +2.5 if you think the match will be close or he will win outright.
Example 2: Peter Wright vs. Dirk van Duijvenbode
Match Format: Best of 31 legs.
Handicap Market:
- Peter Wright -4.5: 2.10
- Dirk van Duijvenbode +4.5: 1.75
Scenario:
- If Wright wins 16–11, a bet on Wright -4.5 wins.
- If Dirk keeps the score within 4 legs, a bet on +4.5 wins.
Advanced Strategies for Handicap Betting
1. Back Underdogs in Short Matches
Short formats (e.g., best-of-11 legs) can favour underdogs with positive handicaps because fewer legs make surprises more likely.
Example: In a best-of-11 match:
- Player A (-2.5 handicap) must win 6–3 or better.
- Player B (+2.5 handicap) only needs to lose by fewer than 3 legs.
2. Use Handicap Markets for Favourites in Long Matches
Longer formats (e.g., best-of-31 legs) give favourites more time to dominate and cover larger handicaps.
Example: In a best-of-31 match:
- Michael van Gerwen (-5.5) is more likely to win 16–10 or better.
3. Analyse Throw Order and Pressure
The player throwing first has an advantage in early legs. However, pressure in knockout matches can lead to unexpected performances.
Tools and Resources for Handicap Betting
1. Player Performance Stats
- Use stats on scoring averages, 180s, and checkout percentages to assess player form.
2. Handicap Calculators
- Online calculators help determine expected outcomes and profitability.
3. Live Betting Tools
- Platforms like Bet365 and Unibet provide real-time stats to adjust your handicap bets during matches.
FAQs About Handicap Betting in Darts
1. What does a +3.5 handicap mean in darts betting?
It means the underdog starts with a 3.5-leg advantage. They can lose by up to 3 legs, or win outright, for your bet to succeed.
2. Are handicaps better for long or short matches?
Handicaps are more predictable in long matches but offer more variability and excitement in shorter formats.
3. Can I bet on set handicaps instead of legs?
Yes, many bookmakers offer set handicap markets, especially for longer tournaments.
4. What happens in Asian handicap betting?
Asian handicaps eliminate draws by using half-point spreads, offering more precise betting options.
5. Which bookmakers offer the best handicap markets?
Top choices include Bet365, Unibet, Ladbrokes, and Paddy Power.
The Final Throw
The Handicap Betting Market in darts provides a versatile and engaging way to bet on matches, especially when there’s a clear skill gap between players. By understanding how handicaps work, analysing stats, and using the right strategies, you can maximise your chances of success. Whether you’re backing a dominant favourite or an underestimated underdog, handicap betting opens up a world of possibilities.
