What Is a 3 Way Handicap Bet? Football Betting Explained
Football betting might seem a bit confusing, especially if you come across terms that are not part of everyday chat. One example is the 3 way handicap bet, which pops up often, yet many people are not quite sure how it works.
Understanding how each market is set up could help you choose options that suit your own approach. The 3 way handicap is not just for experienced punters, and can become more straightforward once you see how the result is adjusted. Read on to learn more.
How Does a 3 Way Handicap Bet Work?
A 3 way handicap bet is different from a simple win draw win bet on football. It applies a virtual head start or disadvantage to make the match up more balanced from a betting point of view. You will see this shown as positive (+) or negative (−) numbers next to a team’s name.
There are three possible outcomes after the handicap is applied, the home team with the handicap, the draw with the handicap, or the away team with the handicap. The match score is adjusted by the handicap you choose before the bet is settled. The draw option is specific to that handicap line, often called the handicap draw.
For example, in a Premier League match, one team might be set at −1 and the other at +1. If you back the favourite at −1, they need to win by two goals for that selection to win. If they win by exactly one goal, the handicap draw wins. If the actual match ends level, or the underdog loses by one or better, the +1 selection wins.
If you do decide to try your hand at sports betting, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
What Are the Differences Between 3 Way and 2 Way Handicap Bets?
A 3 way handicap bet has three outcomes once the handicap is applied, home win, draw, or away win. It uses whole number handicaps, such as −1, 0, or +1, which is why a handicap draw is possible.
A 2 way handicap bet only has two outcomes. It uses half goal lines, like −1.5 or +2.5, so there is no way for the result to land on a draw after adjustment. Settlement always falls to one side or the other.
This difference affects both how often each outcome lands and how prices are set. The absence of a draw line in 2 way markets is reflected in the odds.
Examples of 3 Way Handicap Bets in Real Matches
Take a Premier League match where Manchester United play Everton. A bookmaker might list these 3 way handicap options on the −1 line:
- Manchester United (−1)
- Handicap Draw (−1)
- Everton (+1)
If Manchester United win by exactly one goal, the Handicap Draw selection wins. If they win by two or more, Manchester United (−1) wins. If the match ends level, or Everton win or lose by just one, Everton (+1) wins.
You will find 3 way handicap markets across top flight matches, European competitions, and international games. Most operators present the market in a similar way, although the layout may vary slightly.
What Are the Typical Odds in a 3 Way Handicap Bet?
Odds in a 3 way handicap depend on team strength, recent form, and how the trader assesses the match. The favourite on a negative handicap will often be priced higher than their standard match odds because they need to win by more than one. The underdog with a positive start is priced to reflect that cushion.
You will usually see three prices on the line, home, draw, and away, shown as fractions like 13/8 and 5/2 or as decimals like 2.62 and 3.50, depending on your settings. For instance, in a game where the home side is strong, you might see the home team at around 13/8 on the −1, the handicap draw at about 5/2, and the away team with +1 near 13/10. These numbers shift if team news, tactics, or market sentiment changes.
Some sites also display implied probability, which translates the odds into percentages so you can see how each price maps to an estimated chance. Prices vary between operators, so the exact figures you see may differ.
Bet On Football At Mr Luck
If you enjoy following football and want to explore different markets, you will find plenty to browse at Mr Luck. Our sportsbook covers everything from match result to detailed lines such as 3 way handicaps, all grouped in clear sections so it is easy to compare options.
Creating an account takes only a moment, and once you are set up you can look through fixtures from the Premier League, European tournaments, and international matches, with odds refreshed regularly. Our help centre explains how each market works in plain terms if you want a refresher while you browse.
Player safety sits at the heart of our platform. Mr Luck is licensed in the UK and provides account tools such as deposit limits and reality checks so you can manage your play in line with your preferences and budget.
**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.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.