Handicap +5 and -5 Explained: How to Win with a 5-Point Margin

Xenia Luch

06 May 2024

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What is Asian Handicap +5/-5?

Asian handicap +5 and -5 (aka point spread) is a betting line that either adds or subtracts 5 points from a player’s (or team’s) score before the game kicks off.

The bettor’s aim: To predict the winner of the game, but with the handicap applied to the final score.

This works for any sport where teams can score multiple times, but is most popular in tennis, basketball, golf, volleyball, etc.

Albeit much less frequently, but it can also be found in football. Why is it not popular for this sport? Simply put, a 5-goal difference would imply a very one-sided match, which is rare. Consequently, the betting odds for such an outcome are very high, indicating that it’s a highly unlikely event.

What Does Handicap +5/-5 for Your Bet?

Betting on -5 indicates a prediction that a player or team will win by a margin exceeding 5 points. They must outscore the opponent by at least 6 points after the handicap is applied.
Betting on +5 suggests a bet on a player or team to either win, tie, or not lose by more than a 5-point margin. They receive a 5-point boost to their final score.
Refund for 5-point difference: If the match ends in a draw after applying the handicap, bettors receive a refund, adding a layer of security to the wager.

Pro tip: The sign (+ or -) signals who’s leading or lagging, while the number (5) measures the gap.

How Does Handicap ±5 Play Out in Reality?

Let’s set the scene with a classic showdown: Rafael Nadal vs. Novak Djokovic. Nadal’s been on a roll, but he’s facing Djokovic — a tough opponent for any player. So, the bookies set an Asian Handicap of +5 for Nadal and -5 for Djokovic.

Wager	Match Score	Game Difference	Handicap Adjusted	Outcome
Nadal (+5)	3-6, 6-7	-4	+1	Win
	3-6, 4-6	-5	0	Return
	1-6, 4-6	-7	-2	Loss
Djokovic (-5)	3-6, 6-7	+4	-1	Loss
	3-6, 4-6	+5	0	Return
	1-6, 4-6	+7	+2	Win

Note: Match Score + Handicap = Adjusted Score.

Sport-by-Sport Betting Markets for Handicap +5/-5

Handicap betting adds a layer of depth across various sports by allowing bettors to wager not just on the outcome, but on specific aspects of the game.

Basketball: Beyond the final score, handicaps can adjust bets on individual quarters or player stats like points, rebounds, 3-pointers, or assists.
Tennis: Handicaps may apply to the total number of games won, points in a tiebreak, or serve-related actions such as aces and double faults.
Football: While less common due to lower scoring, handicaps can be placed on in-game stats like match result, corners, shots on goal, or fouls.

Pros and Cons of ±5 Asian Handicap

Pros	Cons
Level the playing field: Adjust the odds for favored teams and underdogs to make them more balanced. Draw Safety Net: A draw after applying a handicap means a refund, not a loss. Larger Gaps, Larger Gains: Boost your payout by picking a larger gap than the regular odds for the favorite team.	High Variance: Face unpredictable outcomes and higher risk with large margins. Fewer Chances: Win your bet only if the favorite wins by at least 6 goals. All-or-Nothing: A -5 handicap means a full loss of your stake if the pick doesn’t cover the spread.