Handicap Betting Explained: What Is Handicap Betting in Rugby?
Handicap betting adds a twist to rugby by applying a points start or deficit to each team. It balances a one-sided match on paper, creating alternative ways to view the contest and price the outcomes.
This guide breaks down how handicap lines work, how they are set, how to read them on a bet slip, and the most common markets. You will also see real score examples, how odds and payouts are calculated, what happens with pushes or voids, how handicaps compare with straight match bets, and how cash out fits in.
Read on to learn more.
How Does Handicap Betting Work In Rugby?
Handicap betting gives one team a points head start and the other a points deficit before the match is settled for betting purposes. The final score is adjusted by this number to decide the result of the bet.
Take a line of Team A -8.5 and Team B +8.5. A bet on Team A needs them to win by 9 or more after adjustment. A bet on Team B succeeds if they win, draw, or lose by 8 or fewer. The same idea applies to any number on the slip.
This adjustment is what turns a clear favourite versus underdog into a more even market. So, how do bookmakers decide where to set that number in the first place?
How Do Bookmakers Set Handicap Lines?
Bookmakers start with how strong each side is, then factor in recent form, injuries, squad rotation, home advantage, travel, weather and how the teams match up tactically. Head-to-head context and rest days can matter, especially in tournaments with tight schedules.
Once the opening line is up, it can move. If most stakes land on one side, the line may shift to balance the book. Pre-match news can also trigger changes, such as a key playmaker being ruled out. The goal is not to predict the exact winning margin but to set a number that makes either side of the handicap a realistic proposition.
With the number set, reading it on your bet slip is straightforward.
How To Read The Handicap Line On Your Bet Slip
You will usually see one team with a minus sign and the other with a plus sign, along with the points. For instance, “Team A -6.5” and “Team B +6.5.”
- Backing Team A -6.5 means they need to finish more than 6.5 points ahead on the adjusted score.
- Backing Team B +6.5 means they can win, draw, or lose by 6 or fewer.
Whole-number lines such as -7 or +7 can result in a push if the adjusted scores are level, in which case the stake is returned. Half-point lines like -7.5 remove the chance of a push. Displays can vary slightly between bookmakers, so check which side the number is attached to before confirming. On our site, the selected handicap is clearly shown beside each team so you can see the adjusted target at a glance.
With the basics in place, it helps to know the main handicap-style markets you might see.
Common Handicap Markets In Rugby
Handicap betting comes in a few formats. Each one uses the same core idea of adjusting the score but applies different settlement rules.
Match Handicap
This is the standard market. One team takes a minus, the other a plus. After the final whistle, the handicap is applied and the adjusted score decides the bet. It is a clean, straightforward way to make a one-sided match more competitive on the coupon.
Asian-Style Handicap
Asian-style handicaps use half or quarter numbers to reduce the chance of a draw on the market. Half points, such as -6.5, settle strictly as win or loss. Quarter lines can split a stake across two adjacent handicaps. For example, a bet at -7.75 may be treated as half at -7.5 and half at -8, so part of the stake can win while the other part pushes or loses depending on the margin. Always check the settlement notes for the exact market.
Winning Margin Handicap
This option focuses on the winning margin rather than adjusting scores. You pick a band such as “team to win by 1 to 10” or “11 to 20.” It suits those who have a view on how wide the gap might be, instead of backing a specific handicap number.
Terms vary between markets, so it is worth checking how each one settles before you place a stake. Ready to try a line? Compare the markets on our site and choose a stake that fits your budget.
Examples: How Handicap Bets Are Settled With Real Scores
Handicap bets are paid based on the adjusted score after applying the line. These quick examples show how that looks with real numbers.
Favourite Wins By Small Margin Example
Team A is -8.5 and Team B is +8.5. The match ends Team A 20, Team B 15.
- Team A -8.5 adjusts to Team A 11.5, Team B 15. Team A trails on the adjusted score, so that bet loses.
- Team B +8.5 adjusts to Team A 20, Team B 23.5. Team B leads on the adjusted score, so that bet wins.
Underdog Covers The Line Example
Team D is -10 and Team C is +10. The match finishes Team D 22, Team C 15.
- Team D -10 adjusts to Team D 12, Team C 15. That bet loses.
- Team C +10 adjusts to Team C 25, Team D 22. That bet wins.
Once you know the adjusted result, the next piece is how the odds you took translate into a return.
How Are Odds And Payouts Calculated On Handicap Bets?
Odds reflect how likely each side is to win after the handicap is applied. Bookmakers use team data and market activity to set those prices, and different lines on the same match will carry different odds.
Payouts are simply stake multiplied by the odds. A £10 bet at 2.00 returns £20 if it wins, including the original stake. Remember that settlement is based on the adjusted score, not the raw final score, so the line you choose directly affects both your chances and the price.
But what if the adjusted score lands exactly on the line, or the match does not finish?
When Does A Handicap Bet Push Or Get Voided?
A push occurs when the adjusted score is level on a whole-number handicap, such as -7 or +10. In that case, the stake is returned. With half-point lines like -7.5 or +8.5, a push cannot happen.
Bets may be voided if a match is cancelled, abandoned or ruled invalid under the market rules. If that happens, stakes are typically refunded, but timings and conditions can vary, especially for in-play bets.
Understanding these rules also helps when comparing handicaps with straightforward match bets.
Handicap Vs Straight Match Betting: What’s The Difference?
Straight match betting, often called win-draw-win, settles only on the official result. You are choosing the winner or the draw, with no adjustments.
Handicap betting layers a points start or deficit onto the same match. The favourite must cover a minus number, while the underdog is effectively on the board before kick-off. In mismatches, handicaps can offer fuller prices than a short-odds favourite in the win market, but the bet then hinges on the margin, not just who wins.
Whichever you prefer, many bettors also value the flexibility to settle early if the situation changes.
Can Handicap Bets Be Cashed Out?
Many bookmakers offer cash out on handicap markets, allowing a bet to be settled before the match ends. The amount offered moves with the state of play and the handicap line you backed. If your side is tracking ahead of the required margin, the cash out value may be higher; if not, it may fall below your stake. Not every market is eligible, and availability can change during play, so it is worth checking the terms where you place your bets.
Only bet what you can afford and consider using deposit limits or time-outs if they help you keep control. If gambling starts to affect your well-being or finances, seek support early. Organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware provide free, confidential help.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
