A European handicap gives one team a head start of one or more whole goals before the match begins, then settles the bet on the adjusted score. Unlike an Asian handicap, it keeps the draw as a separate outcome, so there are always three results to bet on and no refunds. This guide explains how a European handicap works, how to read the lines, and when it can make more sense than a straight match result bet.
European handicap in 30 seconds
- One team gets a whole-goal head start, such as +1 or +2.
- There are three outcomes: home win, handicap draw and away win, all on the adjusted score.
- There are no refunds. If the adjusted score is level, only the handicap draw wins.
- It is also called a 3-way handicap or a handicap result market.
How a European handicap works
The bookmaker adds goals to the underdog (or takes them away from the favourite, which comes to the same thing) and you bet on the result after that adjustment. A line written as Manchester City -1 against Brentford +1 means the match is settled as if Brentford started 1-0 up.
Because the adjustment is always a whole number of goals, the adjusted score can end level. That is the handicap draw, and it is its own selection with its own price. This is the big difference from an Asian handicap, where half-goal lines remove the draw and whole-goal lines refund your stake instead.
Reading European handicap lines
You will usually see three prices for each line. Take Manchester City v Brentford with City given a -1 handicap (prices for illustration):
| Selection | What it needs | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester City (-1) | City win by 2 or more goals | 2.10 |
| Handicap draw (Brentford +1) | City win by exactly 1 goal | 3.80 |
| Brentford (+1) | Brentford win or the match is drawn | 3.40 |
Most bookmakers offer several lines on big matches, such as -1, -2 and -3 for a strong favourite. Each line has its own three prices.
European handicap worked example
Say you put £10 on Manchester City -1 at 2.10. Here is how the bet settles for different final scores.
| Final score | Adjusted score | Result of your bet | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| City 3-0 Brentford | 2-0 | Win | £21.00 |
| City 2-1 Brentford | 1-1 | Lose (handicap draw) | £0 |
| City 1-1 Brentford | 0-1 | Lose | £0 |
If you had backed the handicap draw at 3.80 instead, the 2-1 result would have returned £38 from a £10 stake, and the other two results would have lost.
European handicap vs Asian handicap
Both markets level up a one-sided match, but they settle in different ways.
| Feature | European handicap | Asian handicap |
|---|---|---|
| Number of outcomes | Three, including the handicap draw | Two |
| Lines used | Whole goals only | Whole, half and quarter goals |
| Refunds | None | Whole-goal lines refund on a level adjusted score |
| Typical use | Backing a big winning margin, or an exact one-goal win | Smoother risk on a favourite or underdog |
In our example, Asian handicap City -1 would refund your stake on a 2-1 win, while European handicap City -1 loses. You pay for that safety through a shorter price. Our Asian handicap guide covers the half and quarter lines in detail.
When a European handicap can make sense
- Short-priced favourites. If a match result price is too short to interest you, a -1 or -2 line on the favourite gives a bigger price for a bigger winning margin.
- Underdogs you think will keep it close. Backing the underdog at +1 wins if they avoid defeat, similar to a double chance bet but on a single line.
- Exact-margin views. The handicap draw lets you back a one-goal (or two-goal) win at a price usually well above the match result.
- Bet builders and accas. Some bookmakers allow handicap lines in multiples, but check whether a free bet or acca offer counts them as qualifying selections.
If you only want protection against a draw, a draw no bet market is simpler. It refunds your stake on a draw rather than giving it a separate price.
European handicap rules to check
European handicap markets are normally settled on the score after 90 minutes plus stoppage time. Extra time and penalty shootouts do not count unless the market says so. If a match is abandoned or postponed, the bookmaker’s own rules decide whether bets are void, so read our guide to postponed and abandoned match rules before betting on matches at risk.
Free bet offers
Kwiff Sports Easy difficulty Very low risk
£40 in free bets
18+ · £10 bet at 2.0+ in 5 days · 4 x £10 free bets (3+ legs each) · 7-day expiry
Full T&Cs
New UK customers. £10 cash bet, min. odds 2.0, in 5 days of deposit. Get 4x £10 Free Bets: Single, 2 Accas & Bet Builder (3+ legs each). Excl. cashout, E/W, Multis, Ineligible Markets & Odds Boosts. 7-day expiry. T&Cs apply. 18+ | GambleAware
Unibet Sports Easy difficulty Very low risk
£40 in free bets
18+ · Opt in · Dep & bet £20 at 2.0+ in 7 days · £40 free bets · 7 days · Debit/bank only
Full T&Cs
18+ | GambleAware.org. New GB customers only. Opt in, deposit and Bet £20+ on sports at min odds of 2.0+ (1/1) for £40 in Free Bets within 7 days of registration. Debit cards or instant bank transfers only. Free bets expire within 7 days of issue. Geographical restrictions and T&C’s apply.
Sky Bet Easy difficulty Low risk
£30 in free bets
18+ · First £5+ single/EW bet at evens+ · 3 x £10 bet tokens · 30 days · Stake not returned
Full T&Cs
18+ · New customers only. First single & E/W bet only. Odds of 1/1 or greater. 3 X £10 bet tokens. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets exclude virtuals. Free bets are non withdrawable. Free bets expire after 30 days. Eligibility restrictions and further T&Cs apply.
No offers match those filters — try clearing one.
European handicap FAQs
Yes. Bookmakers use both names, and some call it a handicap result market. All mean a whole-goal handicap with a separate handicap draw. No. On a European handicap a level adjusted score is the handicap draw, which is its own selection. Only bets on that draw win. Normally not. Football handicap markets are settled on the result after 90 minutes plus stoppage time unless the bookmaker says otherwise.Is a European handicap the same as a 3-way handicap?
Do I get my stake back if the adjusted score is level?
Does extra time count in a European handicap bet?
18+ only. Free bets and welcome offers are for new customers and T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose. If gambling stops being fun, visit our responsible gambling page or call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. Free advice is also available from BeGambleAware.org.
