When it comes to football betting, there are a lot of terms and phrases that can be confusing for beginners. One such term is “-1”, which you might see when placing a bet.
In this article, we’ll explore what -1 means in football betting, how it works, and some examples to help you understand it better.
Understanding Handicap Betting
Before we dive into what -1 means in football betting, we need to first understand handicap betting. Handicap betting is a popular form of sports betting that evens out the playing field between two teams of different abilities. It’s often used in football betting, where there can be a significant difference in skill levels between the two teams.
In handicap betting, the bookmaker gives one team a handicap, which is a virtual head start. The handicap is expressed as a number of goals or points. The goal is to make the two teams more evenly matched so that the odds are more attractive for the better.
What Does -1 Mean in Football Betting?
Now that we have a basic understanding of handicap betting, let’s explore what -1 means in football betting. When you see a handicap of -1, it means that the favorite team has to win by more than one goal for the bet to be successful.
For example, if you bet on Manchester United with a -1 handicap against Tottenham, it means that Manchester United has to win by two or more goals for your bet to be successful. If Manchester United wins by exactly one goal, the bet is considered a draw and your stake is returned.
On the other hand, if you bet on Tottenham with a +1 handicap, it means that Tottenham can lose by one goal and your bet will still be successful. If Tottenham loses by two or more goals, your bet will be unsuccessful.
Understanding -1.5 and -0.5 Handicaps
In addition to -1, there are other handicap options available for football betting. For example, you might see a handicap of -1.5 or -0.5. These handicaps work in a similar way to -1.
If you bet on a team with a -1.5 handicap, they need to win by two or more goals for the bet to be successful. If you bet on a team with a -0.5 handicap, they just need to win the match outright.
Examples of -1 Handicap Betting
Let’s look at some examples of -1 handicap betting in action to help illustrate how it works.
Example 1: Liverpool vs. Arsenal
Liverpool is the favorite with a -1 handicap, and Arsenal has a +1 handicap. If you bet on Liverpool, they have to win by two or more goals for the bet to be successful. If you bet on Arsenal, they can lose by one goal and your bet will still be successful.
If the final score is Liverpool 2, Arsenal 0, the bet on Liverpool with a -1 handicap would be successful. If the final score is Liverpool 1, Arsenal 0, the bet on Liverpool with a -1 handicap would be unsuccessful.
Example 2: Real Madrid vs. Barcelona
Real Madrid is the favorite with a -1 handicap, and Barcelona has a +1 handicap. If you bet on Real Madrid, they have to win by two or more goals for the bet to be successful. If you bet on Barcelona, they can lose by one goal and your bet will still be successful.
If the final score is Real Madrid 3, Barcelona 1, the bet on Real Madrid with a -1 handicap would be successful. If the final score is Real Madrid 2, Barcelona 1, the bet on Real Madrid with a -1 handicap would be unsuccessful.
Understanding Pushes
In some cases, the final score of the match might result in a push. A push occurs when the final score matches the handicap exactly. For example, if you bet on Manchester United with a -1 handicap and they win by exactly one goal, the bet is considered a push. In this case, your stake is returned to you.
Tips for Betting with -1 Handicap
If you’re considering placing a bet with a -1 handicap, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it’s important to do your research and look at the stats for both teams. This can help you make an informed decision about which team is more likely to win by two or more goals.
You should also keep an eye on the odds, as they can fluctuate leading up to the match. If you see a good value bet with a -1 handicap, it might be worth taking a chance on.
It’s also important to have a solid understanding of the teams and their playing styles. Some teams might be more defensive and less likely to win by a large margin, while others might be more aggressive and more likely to score multiple goals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, -1 is a popular handicap option in football betting that can help even out the playing field between two teams of different abilities. If you’re considering placing a bet with a -1 handicap, it’s important to do your research, understand the teams and their playing styles, and keep an eye on the odds.
Remember, no bet is a sure thing, but by making informed decisions and keeping up to date with the latest stats and news, you can increase your chances of success.