Rugby Handicap Betting: What Is It & How Does It Work?
If you’re new to betting on rugby, you may have seen the term “handicap betting” and wondered what it involves. With various types of bets available, it can seem unclear at first, especially when numbers or plus and minus signs appear next to team names.
This guide outlines the basics of rugby handicap betting. If you’re curious as to what it means and how it works, read on to learn more.
What Is Handicap Betting In Rugby?
Handicap betting in rugby is designed to offer more balanced markets in matches where one team is strongly favoured. A points handicap is applied by the bookmaker to level the playing field. Points are either subtracted from the favourite’s final score or added to the underdog’s.
For example, if a team is expected to win comfortably, it might be given a -10 handicap. This means 10 points are taken away from its final score for the purpose of settling bets. The opposing team would then receive a +10 handicap, adding 10 points to their total in betting terms.
This is not the same as financial spread betting, which involves risk based on how right or wrong a prediction is. Handicap betting refers specifically to fixed-odds markets using a points adjustment.
You are not betting on the actual scoreline. Instead, you’re backing a team to win based on an adjusted score determined by the handicap.
How Does Rugby Handicap Betting Work?
In a handicap market, one team begins with a virtual head start or deficit. This makes the betting market more balanced, especially in fixtures where a one-sided result is expected. The bookmaker sets the margin based on analysis of team form, line-ups, and other factors.
England -14.5 vs Scotland
If you place a bet on England at -14.5, they would need to win by 15 points or more for the bet to be settled as a win. If they win by 14 or fewer, or if Scotland win, the bet does not return a payout.
Backing Scotland with +14.5 means your bet would be settled as a win if they either win the match or lose by fewer than 15 points.
Decimal values such as 0.5 are used to avoid a tie in the market. These create a clear outcome for each bet, as there is no possibility of a draw once the handicap is applied.
This form of betting focuses on the winning margin, rather than just the result.
3-Way Handicap Betting Explained
In 3-way handicap betting, there are three potential outcomes: Team A to win with the handicap, Team B to win with the handicap, or a draw based on the adjusted score.
This is more relevant when the margin between teams is expected to be closer. In this type of market, the result is based on the handicap score rather than the actual match score.
For example, if Wales win the match by exactly 7 points, the scores are level once the handicap is applied. In that case, the draw selection in the 3-way handicap market is settled as the winning bet.
Bookmakers may vary in how they price or settle these markets, so it’s worth checking their rules before placing a bet.
How Is Handicap Calculated In Rugby?
Bookmakers calculate rugby handicaps based on several performance indicators. These can include recent match form, team news, historical results, venue, and other statistical models. The aim is to reflect a realistic points difference between the teams involved.
You’ll see handicap values shown with either a minus or plus sign. The favourite team receives a negative number, while the underdog receives a positive number. Decimal values, like -12.5 or +12.5, help prevent ties.
Each operator may offer slightly different handicap lines based on their analysis. This can lead to variations in both the margins and the available odds.
Bet on Rugby Online at Mr Luck
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**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.