A football betting handicap is a popular bet type. Where moneyline or total bets don't offer much value, a football betting handicap usually will. It's commonly called the point spread, and that's where the big action is in NFL betting.
This guide will explain the basics of this kind of bet and give examples of how it works. There are multiple handicap betting options, and we'll cover that too. So keep reading. You can place handicap bets at most betting sites, including Stake, where you can claim an exclusive welcome bonus using our TGHSOCIAL bonus code.
Betting handicap is a form of sports betting that evens out odds disparities between two teams of mismatched quality. Usually, a heavy favorite will be given very small payout odds because they're believed to have the easy win. On the other hand, a weak underdog team will get much longer odds indicating that they've got much lower chances of winning.
Imagine the Kansas City Chiefs, who are on top of the power rankings going against the Indianapolis Colts, who are among the least performing. Sportsbook moneyline odds for a matchup with so much strength differential could be something like this:
Kansas City Chiefs: -280
Indianapolis Colts: +650
This means you have to bet $280 to get $100 on the Chiefs, whereas a $100 bet will net a profit of $650 on the Colts. The rational bettor would naturally go for the Chiefs since it would require a miraculous offset for the underdog to take home the win. At the same time, there's meager value to be gained from betting on the obvious choice here (a $10 bet will earn you a little under $3.6 at the -210 odds).
The Handicap betting market will help level the playing field and make the odds on both sides closer to even money. It basically adds one or more point advantage to the underdog while putting the favorite at a disadvantage (a handicap).
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Get bonus now
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. Visit www.helpmygamblingproblem.org (MA). Play it Safe. Call 1-800-547-6133 or visit mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-855-860-2942 or visit gamblinghelplineonline.org (WV). 21+ (18+ DC, KY, MD and restricted states for KS). An affiliation with Kansas Star Casino. First online real money wager only. $5 free deposit credited. Bonus credited upon wager of $5 or more within 72 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.
Whatever the moment. It's Never Ordinary at bet365. That's why if you sign up now you will receive $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5! Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply.GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
Example of handicap betting in football
Let's consider the scenario of the Chiefs vs. Colts.
A sportsbook may give the Chiefs a 5-point deficit and a 5-point starting advantage to the Colts to offer more parity to the odds. The handicap betting market will look something like this:
Kansas City Chiefs: -5.5 (-115)
Indianapolis Colts: +5.5 (+135)
This means a bet on the Chiefs is successful if they win by more than 5 points (6 points or more).
The Colts have to lose by 5 points or less or outrightly win the game in order to cover the spread.
The odds are now much closer together, offering almost equal value for both sides. The decimal figures are used to eliminate the chance of a draw. With handicap betting, the winner or loser of the game doesn't matter. What matters is the points difference in the outcome.
Types of handicap in football betting
Three-way handicap
With a three-way handicap, a draw is possible. It uses whole number points, which allows for the possibility of a tie. Here's an easy illustration of what this kind of handicap market looks like:
New York Giants: +2
Handicap Draw: -2
Buffalo Bills: -2
The Bills have to win by at least three points to cover the spread, whereas the Giants will meet the spread requirements by losing by no more than one point. If there's a two-point difference, say 21 – 19 for the Bills, the draw bet wins. This is also referred to as a European handicap. It’s not common among US sportsbooks but some of the
best betting sites
will make the option available.
No draw handicap
The no draw handicap is just like it sounds. It eliminates the draw, and as such, it only includes half-point handicaps. The decimal point ensures that one side or the other will have to cover the spread, and a draw can't occur.
Asian handicap betting
The Asian handicap offers the opportunity to split handicaps. Asian handicaps are available as full lines (-1, +1), half lines (-1.5, +1.5), and quarter lines (-1.25, +1.75).
With the full lines, a draw is a push. All players' wagers will be returned with no profits. Half lines, on the other hand, are like the no draw bet.
The quarter lines are slightly more complicated, but they tend to offer higher payout odds. A quarter line is an each way bet that splits between two intervals. For instance, a 2.25 Asian handicap is split between 2.00 and 2.50, while a 2.75 handicap is between 2.50 and 2.00.
A $100 bet on 2.25 means $50 on 2.00 and $50 on 2.50. The bets are independent, so you can lose one side of the bet and win the other.
Conclusion – The best odds action are in handicap football betting
Handicap betting or spread betting is a great way to bet on football. The advantage over moneyline or totals is that you're not betting on the match's outcome but by how much a team will win or lose. Since it evens out the odds, you're not constrained to select whichever team is the heavy favorite. Instead, you could find value in the underdog and get significant
sports betting payouts
in return. Since there are multiple types of handicap betting, you can diversify your bets even more.
Whatever the moment. It's Never Ordinary at bet365. That's why if you sign up now you will receive $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5! Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply.GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
USA Players Welcome
Min. Deposit: $5
Open BetMGM
Get bonus now
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. Visit www.helpmygamblingproblem.org (MA). Play it Safe. Call 1-800-547-6133 or visit mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-855-860-2942 or visit gamblinghelplineonline.org (WV). 21+ (18+ DC, KY, MD and restricted states for KS). An affiliation with Kansas Star Casino. First online real money wager only. $5 free deposit credited. Bonus credited upon wager of $5 or more within 72 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $300 in Bonus Bets if it wins!
USA Players Welcome
Min. Deposit: 5
Open DraftKings
Get bonus now
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-522-4700, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Bet must settle by and Token expires 2/22/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 2/15/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
Football betting handicap explained FAQs
🧆 What is handicap betting in football?
Handicap betting is one of the numerous sports betting markets that exist. To find out what it is and how it works, go ahead and read our comprehensive guide on the topic.
🎖️ Who should bet on football handicap bets?
To know whether or not you should place a handicap bet on football, you need to understand the purpose of this unique betting option. Luckily, our
online betting guides
cover all you need to know about sportsbook markets, including the best strategies and tips for using them.
💵 Can you win money from handicap betting?
If you're betting to win on handicap markets, you're not alone. There are different types of handicap betting, providing different ways to bet on your favorite teams. Find out how to play this bet and your potential chances of winning.
⚖️ What's the relationship between handicap and point spread?
These are two exciting betting options that you can take advantage of at the best sportsbooks. Follow our dedicated guide, where we've explained the similarity between the two.
Whatever the moment. It's Never Ordinary at bet365. That's why if you sign up now you will receive $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5! Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply.GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
T&Cs apply
4.8/5
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. Visit www.helpmygamblingproblem.org (MA). Play it Safe. Call 1-800-547-6133 or visit mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-855-860-2942 or visit gamblinghelplineonline.org (WV). 21+ (18+ DC, KY, MD and restricted states for KS). An affiliation with Kansas Star Casino. First online real money wager only. $5 free deposit credited. Bonus credited upon wager of $5 or more within 72 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $300 in Bonus Bets if it wins!
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-522-4700, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Bet must settle by and Token expires 2/22/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 2/15/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
21+ and present in VA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
This site is using
Cloudflare
and adheres to the
Google Safe Browsing Program. We adapted
Google's Privacy Guidelines
to keep your data safe at all times.
Close
Our Sports Pros recommend these awesome sports betting sites this week:
BetMGM Promo
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
T&Cs and 21+ apply
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
Code:
Open BetMGM
Get Bonus
FanDuel Promo
Bet & Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets!
T&Cs and 21+ apply
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. Visit www.helpmygamblingproblem.org (MA). Play it Safe. Call 1-800-547-6133 or visit mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-855-860-2942 or visit gamblinghelplineonline.org (WV). 21+ (18+ DC, KY, MD and restricted states for KS). An affiliation with Kansas Star Casino. First online real money wager only. $5 free deposit credited. Bonus credited upon wager of $5 or more within 72 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.
Code:
Open FanDuel
Get Bonus
Bet365 Promo
Bet $5 & Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
T&Cs and 21+ apply
Whatever the moment. It's Never Ordinary at bet365. That's why if you sign up now you will receive $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5! Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply.GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
