What “Handicap 0:2” Means
This is a European handicap market.
- You are artificially giving one team a two-goal head start (the “+2” team) or a two-goal deficit (the “-2” team) before the match starts for betting purposes.
- In a listing like Team A (0:2), Team A starts the game with two goals behind.
- You’re betting on the outcome after adding this handicap to the real score.
This is different from Asian Handicap:
- European Handicap 0:2 allows three outcomes (Home win, Draw, Away win after the handicap is applied).
- Asian Handicap +2/-2 only gives two outcomes (win or lose after handicap).
How It Works (Step by Step)
Let’s say:
- Manchester City vs. Sheffield United
- You place a bet on Manchester City (Handicap 0:2).
This means, for your bet, Manchester City starts at 0 goals, and Sheffield United starts at 2 goals.
So before kick-off, the “handicap score” is:
Manchester City 0 – 2 Sheffield United.
After the actual match ends, you add the goals to see who “wins” under the handicap.
Example 1: Manchester City wins 3-0 (real score)
Handicap score = City 3 – (Sheffield 0+2) = City 3–2 Sheffield.
Manchester City wins the handicap. Your bet wins.
Example 2: Manchester City wins 2-0 (real score)
Handicap score = City 2 – (Sheffield 0+2) = 2–2 Draw.
Result on the handicap = Draw.
In a European handicap you lose unless you specifically bet on the Draw (Handicap) outcome.
Example 3: Manchester City wins 1-0 (real score)
Handicap score = City 1 – (Sheffield 0+2) = 1–2 Sheffield.
Manchester City loses the handicap bet.
Example 4: Manchester City loses 0-1 (real score)
Handicap score = City 0 – (Sheffield 1+2) = 0–3 Sheffield.
Manchester City loses the handicap bet heavily.
So for Team with (0:2) handicap to “win”:
- They must win by 3 or more goals in reality.
- A 2-goal win = draw on handicap.
- A 1-goal win, draw, or loss = you lose the bet.
Betting Options in Handicap 0:2
You’ll typically see three options:
| Bet Option | What you need to happen (real score) |
|---|---|
| Home Win (0:2) | Home team must win by 3+ goals to cover handicap |
| Draw (0:2) | Home team wins exactly by 2 goals |
| Away Win (0:2) | Any other result (Home win by ≤1, draw, or away win) |
Betting Tips for Handicap 0:2
- Check the attacking form: Only bet on a team to cover (0:2) if they regularly score 3+ at home. For example, Manchester City at the Etihad against lower-table sides.
- Look at injuries & rotation: If the favourite’s main strikers are out, a 3-goal margin may be unlikely.
- Use in cups or mismatches: Very strong favourites vs. semi-pro or weak sides in FA Cup, Copa del Rey, etc., often cover big handicaps.
- Consider Draw (0:2): If you think the favourite will win by exactly two goals (a common margin), the draw option can offer good odds.
- Don’t confuse with Asian Handicap -2: In Asian Handicap, -2 would refund your stake at exactly a 2-goal win. In European Handicap, you must specifically choose the “Draw” outcome to get that.
Quick Reference Table for “Favourite -2 (0:2)”
| Real Score (Favourite vs. Underdog) | Handicap Result (0:2) |
|---|---|
| 4-0, 5-1, 6-2 (3+ goal margin) | Win (Favourite covers) |
| 2-0 exactly | Draw (you must bet Draw (0:2)) |
| 1-0, 2-1, 0-0, any loss | Loss for Favourite (win for underdog with +2) |
Would you like me to also explain Asian Handicap -2 / +2 (the two-way version) side-by-side with this so you can see the difference?