Handicap is the term used for a disadvantage caused by an impairment or disability, such as a cerebral palsy, that limits someone’s ability to perform a role in the way others do. It also refers to the method of compensating for these differences in contestants’ abilities in games and sports where handicap betting takes place.
The best example of handicap is golf, where players with different levels of skill compete against one another. The difference in skills is accounted for by adding or subtracting a number from the player’s gross score to arrive at their handicap. The higher the player’s golf handicap, the more disadvantaged they are relative to the better players.
In addition to golf, handicaps are used in other sports where players have a range of abilities. They are used to even out the playing field, which is important for achieving fair competition between more and less skilled competitors. This is often done by assigning a virtual advantage or disadvantage to the players and teams, which is then added or subtracted from their scores to determine the final result.
Handicap betting is a great way to find value in football matches that wouldn’t normally offer much in the way of betting opportunities. Most bookmakers and online betting sites offer a range of single, split and Asian handicap markets for the majority of Premier League matches. The most advanced handicap betting opportunities can be found at Betting Exchanges, which allow you to place your wagers against other punters rather than the bookmakers, and thus provide much better odds.