What “Handicap (incl. overtime and penalties)” in Ice Hockey Sports betting Means
A handicap bet in ice hockey gives one team a virtual advantage or disadvantage before the match starts — to make the betting line more balanced.
The phrase “(incl. overtime and penalties)” means your bet includes the full game result, after overtime and shootouts.
So, your bet doesn’t end at the end of regulation (60 minutes). The final score after OT or penalties decides the winner.
Example 1 — Favorite with a Negative Handicap
Match:
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Montreal Canadiens
Market:
Toronto Maple Leafs -1.5 (incl. overtime and penalties)
Montreal Canadiens +1.5 (incl. overtime and penalties)
If you bet on Toronto -1.5
- Toronto must win by 2 or more goals after overtime or penalties.
- Example:
- Final score after OT: Toronto 4 – Montreal 2 You win.
- Final score after shootout: Toronto 3 – Montreal 2 (SO) You lose (Toronto only won by 1).
If you bet on Montreal +1.5
- Montreal can win the game outright or lose by 1 goal (even after OT/SO) and you win.
- Example:
- Final score after OT: Toronto 3 – Montreal 2 You win.
- Final score after shootout: Toronto 4 – Montreal 2 You lose.
Example 2 — Underdog with a Positive Handicap
Match:
New York Rangers vs Chicago Blackhawks
Market: Chicago Blackhawks +2.5 (incl. overtime and penalties)
- You’re giving Chicago a +2.5 goal head start.
- Your bet wins if Chicago:
- Wins the game
- Loses by 2 goals or fewer
- You lose if they lose by 3 or more
Example:
- Final after OT: Rangers 5 – Chicago 3 → lose (3-goal difference)
- Final after OT: Rangers 4 – Chicago 3 → win (1-goal difference)
Why “Incl. Overtime and Penalties” Matters
Many bookmakers also offer “Handicap (regular time only)” or “3-way handicap” markets — those end at 60 minutes.
The “incl. overtime and penalties” version reduces draws and makes it a 2-way market (only two outcomes — Team A or Team B).
So:
- You’re safer from regulation-time draws.
- But shootouts can flip your result if your team wins or loses by 1 goal.
Betting Tips for Handicap (incl. OT & Penalties)
- Understand Team Style:
- Some teams often go into overtime (tight defense, low scoring). Avoid big handicaps like -2.5.
- Example: If both teams are strong defensively, +1.5 underdog might be safer.
- Check Goalie Matchups:
- A backup goalie often changes the balance — good time to bet on a positive handicap for the underdog.
- Form and Motivation:
- Late-season or playoff games can be close. Small handicaps (like -0.5 or +1.5) are more valuable.
- Use “Incl. OT” When Teams Play Evenly:
- Since OT or penalties often decide close games, a +1.5 incl. OT is great value on underdogs that fight hard.
- Avoid Big Negative Handicaps Unless Confident:
- Even strong teams rarely win by 3+ goals in tight leagues like the NHL.
Quick Recap
| Bet Type | Meaning | Result Decided By | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto -1.5 (incl. OT) | Toronto must win by 2+ goals | After OT/SO | 4–2 |
| Montreal +1.5 (incl. OT) | Montreal can win or lose by 1 | After OT/SO | 3–2 OT |
| Chicago +2.5 (incl. OT) | Lose by ≤2 or win outright | After OT/SO | 4–3 |
Would you like me to explain the difference between “Handicap (incl. OT)” and “Handicap (regular time only)”next? It helps bettors avoid common mistakes.