(-1) Handicap in Soccer (Football) Sports Betting — Explained with Details & Examples

The (-1) handicap in soccer means you are betting on a team to win by more than one goal. One goal is subtracted from your chosen team’s final score before the result is settled for betting purposes.

Basic Concept:

You’re giving a 1-goal disadvantage to your selected team.

If they win by exactly 1 goal → your bet is refunded (push).
If they win by 2 or more goals → your bet wins.
If they draw or lose → your bet loses.

Breakdown:

Actual Match Result	Handicap Outcome (Team -1)	Bet Result
Team wins 3–1	2–1 after -1 handicap	Win
Team wins 2–0	1–0 after -1 handicap	Win
Team wins 1–0	0–0 after -1 handicap	Push (Refund)
Team draws 1–1	0–1 after -1 handicap	Loss
Team loses 0–2	-1–2 after -1 handicap	Loss

Example:

Match:

Barcelona vs Getafe
Handicap bet: Barcelona -1
Odds: 2.00

scenerio A:

Final score: Barcelona 3–1 Getafe
After handicap: 2–1 → Bet wins
Wager: $100 → Return: $200

scenerio B:

Final score: Barcelona 1–0 Getafe
After handicap: 0–0 → Push (Stake refunded)
Wager: $100 → Return: $100

Scenerio C:

Final score: Barcelona 1–2 Getafe
After handicap: 0–2 → Bet loses
Wager: $100 → Return: $0

Tips:

Use (-1) only when you’re confident the favorite will win convincingly.
It offers better odds than the standard 1X2 “win” market but carries slightly more risk.

Let me know if you’d like help comparing (-1) to (-1.5) or (+1) handicaps!