Handicap +4 and -4

Tania Levees

Upd 4 days ago

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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.

🎯 Handicap 4 — Interactive Trainer

👇 Pick a handicap

📊 Real match score

Team 1

Team 2

Real score

→

Score with handicap

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Pick a handicap and set the score

👆 Pick a handicap and use ± buttons to see how the bet plays out.

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.

Final Score	Adjusted Score	Result
Brighton 2-1 Man City	6-1	Win
1-1 draw	5-1	Win
Brighton 1-2 Man City	5-2	Win
Brighton 0-2 Man City	4-2	Win
Brighton 0-3 Man City	4-3	Win
Brighton 0-4 Man City	4-4	Refund*
Brighton 0-5 Man City	4-5	Loss

* Refund means you get your original stake back. There is no profit, but the bet does not lose. For example, a $100 bet returns $100 if Brighton +4 loses by exactly four goals.

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.

Final Score	Adjusted Score	Result
France 6-0 Malta	2-0	Win
France 4-0 Malta	0-0	Refund
France 3-0 Malta	-1-0	Loss
France 2-0 Malta	-2-0	Loss
France 1-0 Malta	-3-0	Loss
0-0 draw	-4-0	Loss
France 0-1 Malta	—	Loss

A five-goal win or better is required to win the bet. A four-goal win is a refund; anything less loses.

Handicap +4 vs -4

Handicap	What it means	Wins if	Refund if	Loses if
+4	The team gets four extra goals	The team wins, draws, or loses by 1, 2, or 3 goals	The team loses by exactly 4 goals	The team loses by 5 or more goals
-4	The team has four goals removed	The team wins by 5 or more goals	The team wins by exactly 4 goals	The team wins by 3 or fewer goals, draws, or loses

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.