The European Handicap (EH), often listed as “3-Way Handicap” or simply “Handicap” on many European sportsbooks, is one of the most misunderstood markets in betting. Unlike the flexible Asian Handicap, the European version does not offer refunds.
In this market, the Draw is a valid winning outcome. This means if you bet on a favorite with a -1 handicap and they win by exactly one goal, you lose your bet (because the result is a “Handicap Draw”). Our European Handicap Calculator helps you visualize the adjusted scorelines so you never get caught out by the “No Push” rule again.
European Handicap (3-Way)
No PushCalculate returns for standard 3-way handicaps where a draw is a possible winning outcome (e.g., Home -1, Draw -1, Away +1).
How to Use the European Handicap Calculator
This tool is designed to show you exactly which of the three outcomes (Home, Draw, Away) wins based on the final score. Here is the workflow:
- Enter Stake & Odds: Input how much you are betting and the decimal odds.
- Select the Line: Choose the handicap applied to the Home team (e.g., Home Starts -1).
- Pick Your Bet: Select which outcome you backed:
- Home Win: You need the home team to win by more than the handicap.
- Handicap Draw: You are betting that the favorite wins by the exact margin of the handicap.
- Away Win: You are betting the underdog will win, draw, or lose by less than the handicap.
- Simulate the Score: Enter a hypothetical final score (e.g., 2-1) to see if your bet wins or loses.
Pro Tip: If you want to calculate the probability of the match winner without any handicaps, use our 1X2 Probability Calculator.
Real-World Examples: The “Handicap Draw” Trap
The biggest mistake bettors make is treating European Handicap like Asian Handicap. Let’s look at the math.
Example 1: The Exact Win (Handicap Draw)
Manchester United are playing Fulham. The odds for Man Utd (-1) are 2.50. You place a bet on Man Utd.
- Final Score: Man Utd 1 – 0 Fulham.
- Handicap Adjustment: Apply the -1 to Man Utd. The score becomes 0 – 0.
- Result: Since the adjusted score is a draw, the winning bet is “Handicap Draw (-1)”.
- Your Bet: LOST. (In Asian Handicap, this would have been a refund).
Example 2: Covering the Spread
To win a European Handicap -1 bet, your team must win by 2 or more goals.
- Bet: Man Utd (-1) to Win.
- Final Score: Man Utd 2 – 0 Fulham.
- Handicap Adjustment: 2 minus 1 = 1. Adjusted score is 1 – 0.
- Result: Home Win. Your bet wins.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between Asian and European Handicap?
The main difference is the Draw. In European Handicap (3-Way), the Draw is a betting option, meaning there are no refunds (pushes). In Asian Handicap (2-Way), the Draw is eliminated; if the adjusted score is a tie, your money is refunded.
What does “Handicap Draw -1” mean?
This is a bet that the favorite team will win by exactly one goal (e.g., 1-0, 2-1, 3-2). If you bet “Handicap Draw -2”, you are betting they will win by exactly two goals.
Why are the odds higher on European Handicap?
The odds are higher because the risk is higher. Since you lose your stake if the game ends in a “Handicap Draw” (unlike getting a refund in Asian Handicap), bookmakers offer a better price to compensate for that extra risk.
Is “Home +1” the same as Double Chance?
Mathematically, yes. Betting on an underdog at European Handicap +1 (e.g., Away +1) is the same as betting on Double Chance (X2). Both bets win if the team wins or draws. You can check the value using our Double Chance Calculator.