European Handicap
A three-way handicap (home/draw/away) with whole-number lines, where the draw remains a possible outcome after the handicap is applied.
The European Handicap applies a whole-number head start or deficit but keeps the three-way structure — home, draw or away — after the handicap.
How it works
Unlike the Asian handicap, the draw remains a distinct outcome, so a 'handicap draw' is possible and pays out. It's useful when you expect a favourite to win by an exact margin.
Worked example
With a home team at European Handicap −1, a 2-1 win becomes a 1-1 'handicap draw' (only the draw bet wins), while a 3-1 win (2-1 adjusted) wins the home bet.
Pros
- Keeps the draw as a payout option
- Can offer value on exact-margin views
Cons
- Three outcomes — harder than Asian
- 'Handicap draw' can be counter-intuitive
Tips
- Use when you expect a specific winning margin.
- If you just want to avoid the draw, Asian handicap is simpler.
FAQ
- Can a European Handicap bet end in a draw?
- Yes — after applying the whole-number handicap, a level score is a 'handicap draw' and only the draw selection wins.
Related reading
Find tipsters that use this
See independently reviewed tipsters ranked by our 0–100 Trust Score.
Related terms
Not sure on the jargon? Look up "European Handicap" in our betting glossary for plain-English definitions of every betting term.
Now find a tipster you can trust
Compare tipsters by independent Trust Score and verified reviews. Please always gamble responsibly — 18+, when the fun stops, stop.
Browse the best tipsters