3-Way Handicap Betting: The Best Strategies & Tips for 2025
Are you new to sports betting and looking to level up your game? Or perhaps you’re a seasoned bettor seeking to explore new markets? Either way, understanding the 3-way handicap betting is the way to go.
In this guide, I’ll break down exactly how three-way handicap betting works and how it compares to the commonly known Asian Handicap. You’ll also see practical examples that’ll help you grasp this betting market and the strategies for chances to win your bet. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of betting markets to make more informed betting decisions.
- Quick facts about 3-way handicap bet
- Pros and cons of 3-way handicap bet
- What is a 3-way handicap bet? – 3-way handicap explained in football
- How does three-way handicap compare to Asian handicap betting?
- How to place a three-way handicap bet
- Three-way handicap betting strategies
- Conclusion – The three-way handicap bet is beginner-friendly and can be exciting
- 3-way handicap betting FAQs
Quick facts about 3-way handicap bet
- A three-way handicap bet is also known as a European handicap
- It’s a betting market commonly available in football
- The bet involves three possible outcomes: a home win, a draw, or an away win
- A three-way handicap bet offers better odds
- Asian handicap betting is a similar market but removes the draw option by offering only two outcomes
Pros and cons of 3-way handicap bet
As an experienced football bettor, I’ve used the 3-way handicap bet too many times. Here’s what I’ve found to be the key pros and the one major drawback:
- More betting options
- Offers chances of better odds and higher returns
- Available on most football betting sportsbooks
- Can be confusing due to the added draw option
What is a 3-way handicap bet? – 3-way handicap explained in football
If you’ve ever asked, what is European handicap? Or wondered how 3-way handicap betting in football works, here’s what you need to know:
In football, the three-way handicap bet is also known as the European handicap bet. It introduces a virtual head start or disadvantage to one of the teams and offers three possible outcomes to bet on: a home win, a draw, sometimes called a tie, or an away win after the handicap is applied.
This market is popular among bettors looking for better odds and decent winnings in matches where one team is clearly stronger than the other. Let me break it down with a simple example:
Imagine an English Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool, with a 0:1 handicap line applied — meaning Liverpool starts with a one-goal advantage.
- If you bet on Manchester City to win with the 0:1 handicap at 2.29 odds, your bet wins only if Manchester City wins by two goals or more.
- If you bet on a draw with the 0:1 handicap at 3.55 odds, you’re backing Manchester City to win the match by exactly one goal.
- If you bet on Liverpool with the 0:1 handicap at 2.75 odds, your bet wins if Liverpool draws or wins the match — even a one-goal loss for Manchester City means your bet wins due to the virtual head start.
How does three-way handicap compare to Asian handicap betting?
To fully grasp the concepts behind the European handicap explained or 3-way handicap betting explained earlier on, it helps to look at how it compares with Asian handicap, especially for beginner bettors trying to understand the difference.
Here’s a table showing the major difference between both betting markets:
| Three-way handicap bet | Asian handicap bet |
|---|---|
| Three possible outcomes: home win, draw, or away win | Eliminates the possibility of a draw. Your bet will either win or lose |
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How to place a three-way handicap bet
Now that you’ve got a clear grasp of the three-way handicap bet, it’s time to practice. Here’s how to place a three-way handicap bet based on a practical step-by-step process:
Not all betting sites are trustworthy. Hence, only use sportsbooks that are properly licensed — you’ll usually find license details at the footer of the site.
Moreover, ensure to look out for additional signs of legitimacy, such as responsible gaming tools, customer support, and secure payment options.
Once registered via one of the banners you can find at the top of this article, utilize the welcome offers available to new bettors, which can vary depending on your region. Most real-money sportsbooks reward new users with a deposit bonus. Follow the instructions, make the minimum required deposit, and claim your bonus before placing any bets.
After your account is funded, go to the sportsbook’s football section. Select an event you’re interested in, for example, an English Premier League match, and browse the betting options.
Within the match betting page, look for the three-way handicap market. Subsequently, select your outcome by reviewing the handicap lines, e.g., 0:1, 1:0, and choose whether to bet on the home win, draw, or away win.
Each option will have corresponding odds. Click the odds for your chosen outcome to add it to your bet slip.
Once the selection appears in your betslip, enter the amount you want to stake. Review the potential payout, then click “Place Bet” to confirm.
After placing your bet, keep an eye on the match. The result will be adjusted by the handicap to determine if your bet wins. Subsequently, if your bet is successful, your winnings will be added to your balance. You can choose to withdraw it depending on the terms set by the sportsbook.
Three-way handicap betting strategies
Over time, I’ve used various tactics when placing 3-way handicap bets, some even borrowed from scenarios with the Asian handicap betting strategy, which often helps when judging team performance or goal margins. Here are the best strategies to use:
1. Understand betting odds
Before you place a bet, understanding betting odds is important. Odds reveal the likelihood of an outcome and determine your potential winnings. They’re commonly presented in decimal, e.g., 2.30, fractional, e.g., 13/10, or American, e.g., +130 formats. For example, decimal odds of 2.30 mean you get $2.30 for every $1 staked if you win.
Besides, being able to read odds quickly allows you to compare values across different sportsbooks and spot overpriced lines.
2. Research the teams
Three-way handicap betting is heavily result-based, so your edge comes from knowing how teams perform under pressure. Look at recent form, review the last 5–6 matches, consider average goals scored or conceded, injury updates, and head-to-head history.
For example, if a team regularly wins by two or more goals, you might want to back them with a -1 handicap.
2. Bet on strong favorites
3-way handicaps are a great bet type when one team is a clear favorite. If the odds suggest a dominant performance, back the stronger team with a negative handicap.
Conclusion – The three-way handicap bet is beginner-friendly and can be exciting
The three-way handicap, also referred to as the European handicap bet, is widely available across most sportsbooks offering bets on football. This bet type is beginner-friendly and offers three possible outcomes: a home win, a draw, or an away win.
For beginner bettors, the smartest approach is to start with a licensed, reputable online sportsbook that offers a welcome bonus, which you can find by checking any of the on-page banners on this page. Additionally, always research the teams involved in any match you’re betting on and focus on strong favorites, especially in matchups where the gap in quality between teams is clear.
Besides, when used wisely, 3-way handicap bets can deliver better odds and higher returns, although remember that there is no safe way of betting for a guaranteed win.
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3-way handicap betting FAQs
🏈 What is a three-way handicap bet?
A three-way handicap bet is a type of football wager where you choose from three outcomes: home win, draw, or away win after a virtual goal handicap is applied. It shares the same European handicap meaning, as both terms are used interchangeably in most sportsbooks.
📍 Where can I place a three-way handicap bet?
You can place a three-way handicap bet at any licensed online sportsbook. Look for license details at the footer of the site and check for responsible gaming features to ensure it’s legitimate and secure.
🎯 What is the best three-way handicap betting strategy?
The best strategies include understanding betting odds, so you know what you stand to gain and researching both teams for performance trends and scoring history. Additionally, backing strong favorites, especially when they’re likely to win by a clear goal margin, will help you win your three-way handicap bet.
