Handicap +2 and -2 in Football Betting Explained

Handicap +2 and -2 are bets where a team gets a virtual advantage or disadvantage of two goals.

In simple words:

• +2 means two goals are added to the team’s score;
• -2 means two goals are taken away from the team’s score.

This handicap is used to make betting on favorites and underdogs more balanced.

How handicap +2/-2 looks in 1xBet:

What Does Handicap +2 Mean?

Handicap +2 means the team starts with a two-goal advantage.

For example, you bet on Chelsea +2 against Arsenal.

So, Chelsea +2 wins unless Chelsea loses by three or more goals.

This bet is often used for underdogs. The team does not have to win the match. It only needs to avoid a heavy defeat.

What Does Handicap -2 Mean?

Handicap -2 means two goals are removed from the team’s score.

For example, you bet on Arsenal -2 against Chelsea.

So, Arsenal -2 wins only if Arsenal wins by at least three goals. This bet is usually used for strong favorites. A normal win is not enough — the team needs a big victory.

Handicap +2 vs -2

Simple Example

• If you bet on Team A +2, the team can lose 0:1 and your bet still wins.
• If you bet on Team A -2, the team must win 3:0, 4:1, 5:2, or by any other margin of three goals or more.

Important note: in Asian handicap, if the result after the handicap is a draw, the stake is usually refunded.

Examples:

• Team +2 loses by exactly 2 goals — refund
• Team -2 wins by exactly 2 goals — refund

In European handicap, there is usually no refund because a handicap draw is a separate betting option.

How Handicap Bets Are Settled

• A football handicap usually applies only to the selected match period. If you bet on a full-time handicap, it is normally settled on 90 minutes plus stoppage time. Extra time and penalties do not count unless stated otherwise.
• You can also find handicap bets for the first half or second half. In that case, only that part of the match is used for settlement.
• Handicap is not always about goals. It can also apply to football stats such as corners, yellow cards, shots, or fouls.

💡 Important detail about 2nd half handicap: many beginners mistakenly think this bet is settled based on the overall match score. In reality, the score “starts from zero” at the beginning of the second half.

For example, if a team wins the first half 3-0 but the second half ends 0-0, a bet on 2nd half handicap -2 will lose.

Pros and Cons of Handicap +2 and -2

More you might find interesting:

🏆 Bet365 Promo Code | 💎 Pin-Up Promo Code | 🔥 Polymarket Invite Code | 🎁 1xBet Promo Code