Handicap +4 and -4 in Football Betting Explained

Handicap +4 and -4 are football bets where the bookmaker adjusts a team’s score by four goals.

• +4 gives the team a four-goal head start.
• -4 means the team starts four goals behind.

The handicap determines whether the bet wins, loses, or is refunded.

This type of handicap is typically offered in mismatched fixtures — when the bookmaker offers very short odds on the favourite. It makes underdog bets safer and gives favourite backers a more appealing price.

How +4 and -4 handicaps may look on Bet365:

What Does Handicap +4 Mean?

Handicap +4 means four goals are added to the selected team’s final result.

For example, you back Brighton +4 against Manchester City.

The bet only loses if the team is beaten by five goals or more.

A +4 handicap is often used when backing a big underdog. The team does not need to win — a loss by up to three goals is enough for the bet to pay out.

What Does Handicap -4 Mean?

Handicap -4 means four goals are subtracted from the selected team’s final result. For example, you back France -4 against Malta.

A 4-0 win is a refund. Anything short of a five-goal win loses.

Handicap +4 vs -4

Simple Examples

Team A +4:

• Team A loses 1-4 → Win (adjusted: 5-4)
• Team A loses 0-4 → Refund (adjusted: 4-4)
• Team A loses 0-5 → Loss (adjusted: 4-5)

Team B -4:

• Team B wins 6-1 → Win (adjusted: 2-1)
• Team B wins 4-0 → Refund (adjusted: 0-0)
• Team B wins 3-0 → Loss (adjusted: -1-0)

The bottom line: +4 gives you a cushion; -4 requires a dominant win.

How Handicap +4/-4 Bets Are Settled

Football handicap bets are settled on the selected match period.

Full-time handicap bets cover 90 minutes of play plus stoppage time. Extra time and penalties do not count unless the bookmaker states otherwise.

If the handicap is for the first half or second half, only that period counts.

Asian and European formats differ. In Asian handicap, a whole-number line like +4 or -4 can result in a refund — the adjusted score is level and the stake is returned. In European handicap, an adjusted draw is not a refund — the market includes three outcomes (1, X, 2) with the handicap applied. Because the handicap draw is offered as a separate option, if you back the favourite -4 and they win by exactly four goals, your bet loses. Always check the market type before you place your bet.

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