Handicap +3 and -3 in Betting. How to Win with 3-Goal Margin?

Lina Almans

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What is Handicap +3 and -3?

Handicap +3 and -3 (aka points spread) is a type of bet where you modify the score of a match by exactly 3 goals before it starts.

Note: You can bet on specific outcomes within a certain time frame, such as the score at halftime or the number of goals in a quarter.

Want to see how it works? This is what you’ll find at bet365:

How Does Handicap 3 Work?

You choose a team and a handicap of +3 or -3.
+3 means that your team starts the game with a 3-goal lead. This means that they can tie, win, or lose by one or two goals and you still win your bet.
-3 means that your team starts the game with a 3-goal deficit. This means that they have to win the game by more than 3 goals for you to win your bet.

Remember: The sign (+ or -) before the number shows which team has the benefit or the drawback. The number (3) shows how big the benefit or the drawback is.

For example, if you bet on Inter Milan +3, it means that Inter Milan has a 3-0 lead before the game even kicks off. So, if Inter Milan loses by 1-2 goals, you still win, and if the game ends in a draw, you get a refund.

If you bet on Inter Milan -3, it means that Inter Milan has a 0-3 drawback before the game even kicks off. So, if the game ends 0-0, 1-1, 2-2, 3-3, Inter Milan loses, or Inter Milan wins by 1-2 goals, you lose it.

How to Bet Smart with Handicap 3?

Now that you know what it means, let’s see how it works in practice. How about this scenario: You want to bet on the game between Inter Milan and Real Sociedad. Inter Milan is the powerhouse with a -3 handicap, while Real Sociedad is the underdog with a +3 handicap.

Take a look at the table – it shows you the outcomes of betting on either -3 or +3:

Bet	Actual Score	Adjusted Score	Outcome
Inter Milan -3	5-1	2-1	Win
	4-1	1-1	Tie (Stake Returned)
	3-1	0-1	Lose
Real Sociedad +3	5-1	5-4	Lose
	4-1	4-4	Tie (Stake Returned)
	3-1	3-4	Win

Here’s how it works: you take the real score and add or subtract the handicap. That’s the adjusted score.

Pros and Cons of Handicap +3 and -3

Pros	Cons
Margin Magic: Get a juicy payout by backing the stronger team with a -3 spread. Safe Bet: Secure the underdog team by betting on smaller margin. Get Refund: Avoid losing bet if game is a draw after +3 handicap.	Extra Risk: Lose your bet even if your team wins the game, as long as they don’t win by more than 3 goals. Low Reward: Settle for a modest payout by backing the weaker team with a +3 spread. Unpredictable: Risk losing your bet if the game is affected by injuries or penalties.

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Lina Almans

| Journalist

Lina Almans held the position of senior slot developer at the international company StarBet Casino, responsible for creating high-converting game models and innovative mechanics.

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