A handicap adjusts the score or result before a bet is settled, so that a strong side must win by more than a set margin and a weak side may lose by less. It creates a more balanced market from a mismatched contest. A line ending in a half, such as -1.5, removes the chance of a tie, while a whole number line can result in a push, where the stake is refunded. Handicap bets still include the bookmaker’s margin.
Example
A team at -1.5 goals must win by two or more for the bet to win. If it wins by one, the bet loses. The opposing side at +1.5 wins if the favored team loses, draws or wins by only one goal.