Handicap in Esports Sports Betting – Explained Simply
In esports betting, a handicap is used by bookmakers to make a match more balanced from a betting point of view, especially when one team is much stronger than the other.
What Does Handicap Mean?
A handicap gives one team an advantage or disadvantage (usually in maps or rounds), before the match starts. The idea is to “even the playing field” for betting.
Types of Handicap in Esports:
1. Map Handicap (Total Maps)
- This applies when the match is played in a best-of series (e.g. Bo3, Bo5).
- Example:
- Team A -1.5 maps handicap:
- You win if Team A wins 2–0 in a Bo3 (because they must win by 2 clear maps).
- Team B +1.5 maps handicap:
- You win if Team B wins or loses 1–2 (they have a 1.5 map head start).
- Team A -1.5 maps handicap:
2. Round Handicap (Total Rounds)
- Common in games like CS:GO, Valorant, etc.
- Example:
- Team A -3.5 rounds:
- Team A must win by more than 3.5 rounds (e.g. 16–12 or better).
- Team B +3.5 rounds:
- You win if Team B loses by 3 rounds or less, or wins the map.
- Team A -3.5 rounds:
Why Use Handicap Betting?
- Makes one-sided matches more exciting to bet on.
- Offers better odds than just backing the favorite outright.
Quick Tip:
Always consider the format (Bo1, Bo3, Bo5) and team form when betting with handicaps.
Would you like an example from a specific esport (e.g., CS:GO, Dota 2, Valorant)?