Handicap +4 and -4 in Football Betting Explained
Tania Levees
Upd 5 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 is a winner, a loser, or a push.
This type of handicap is typically offered in one-sided fixtures — when the bookmaker prices the favourite at very short odds. 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.
| 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 | Push |
| Brighton 0-5 Man City | 4-5 | Loss |
The bet only loses if the team is beaten by five goals or more.
This bet 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 | Push |
| 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 4-0 win is a push. Anything short of a five-goal win loses.
Handicap +4 vs -4
| Handicap | What it means | Wins if | Push 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 → Push (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 → Push (adjusted: 0-0)
- Team B wins 3-0 → Loss (adjusted: -1-0)
The bottom line: +4 gives you a cushion; -4 requires a blowout.
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 push — the adjusted score is level and the stake is returned. In European handicap, an adjusted draw is not a push. 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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