European Handicap (1X2) is a popular choice in football betting, but for beginners, understanding and applying it correctly can be quite difficult. Don’t worry! SUPERACE88 will help you master how to read European betting odds, from how to calculate odds to effective 1×2 betting strategies to increase your chances of winning. Discover now with Saba Football!
What is European Handicap?
European Handicap or 1X2 Handicap is one of the most popular types of bets in football betting, especially for new players. This bet is simply a bet on the final result of the match: Win, Draw, or Lose.
So, how many types of European betting odds are there? In fact, European betting has only one form of play, which is to predict the match result according to three doors: 1 – X – 2, corresponding to:
- 1: Home team wins
- X: Two teams draw
- 2: Away team wins
However, depending on the time of betting, players can choose:
European betting odds for the first half: Predict the result after the first 45 minutes.
European betting odds for the whole match: Predict the result after the official 90 minutes (excluding extra time or penalties).
Simple and easy-to-understand instructions for reading European betting odds
Reading this type of bet is extremely simple – you just need to look at the odds table provided by Saba Sport. Each match will have three odds corresponding to 3 betting options: 1 – X – 2.
For example, in the match between Real Madrid vs Barcelona, the bookmaker offers European odds with the following odds:
Win (2.10) Draw (3.30) Lose (3.60)
Thus, if you bet 100 USD on:
Win 1 → Real wins, you receive: 100 x 2.10 = 210 USD
Win X → The two teams draw, you receive: 100 x 3.30 = 330 USD
Win 2 → Barca wins, you receive: 100 x 3.60 = 360 USD
Note: The money you receive includes capital + profit. If you bet wrong, you lose the entire amount you bet – there is no refund like some Asian odds (half the money, refund if a draw, etc.).
Should you play European odds in the first half or the whole match?
When playing European odds, players have two popular options: betting on the first half or the whole match. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, suitable for each style and playing strategy:
European odds in the first half – Bet fast, win quickly
Placing European odds in the first half will be suitable for matches with strong teams that often “strike first”, entering the field with an attacking lineup from the beginning of the match.
Advantages of betting on the first half
Higher odds: Because it is a bet on the first 45 minutes, the strong team can create a gap.
Easy to determine the result: Just follow the first 45 minutes to know the result immediately.
Early attack situation: Especially strong teams often push their attacks from the beginning of the match, creating opportunities for first-half bets.
Disadvantages
Short time: With only 45 minutes, if there is any mistake, the bet can easily be lost.
Easy to be surprised: Sometimes a goal from a weak team or a wrong decision by the referee can change the situation of the match.
Suitable for: Matches with strong teams that are expected to create pressure from the start, or teams with strong scoring form in the first half.
European full match odds – Play safe, analyze in depth
European full match odds are a safe choice for players who like to carefully analyze form, lineup, and the history of confrontation.
Advantages of betting on the whole match
Easier to analyze: You have enough time to follow the game and make more accurate decisions, especially with matches with big changes in tactics.
Better control: With 90 minutes, the strong team can create a clear difference throughout the match, making it easier for you to evaluate the results.
Safer: Full-time bets are less affected by short-term changes in the match.
Disadvantages
Lower odds: Full-time bets often have lower odds than first-half bets, especially when the strong team plays against the weak team.
Need to monitor carefully: Easily affected by unexpected factors such as red cards, injuries, or changes in tactics.
Suitable for: Matches that are balanced, or when the strong team will be able to control and win for the entire 90 minutes.
Effective European handicap betting strategy
European odds seem easy to win because there are only 3 betting options, but to play effectively, long-term profitable, you still strategy. Below are tips and practical experience from experienced players:
Analyze information carefully before the match
Before placing a bet, take the time to carefully examine:
The form of the two teams in the last 5 matches.
History of confrontations between the two teams.
Line-up, injuries, suspensions.
Motivation to compete: Compete for tickets, stay in the league, or play for fun because you have enough points to enter the next round.
Note: The final matches of the season or friendly matches are often difficult to predict, so don’t take risks.
Choose the right time to bet
In betting, not only placing the right bet but also placing it at the right time is the key to optimizing profits. Many people lose not because of the wrong bet, but because they bet too early or too late.
Here are 3 popular times to bet on European odds:
Early betting (1-2 days before the ball rolls)
Close betting (30-60 minutes before the match)
Live betting (while the match is in progress)
Tips for choosing the time to bet:
If you are confident with the pre-match analysis, bet early to get good odds.
If you want to be sure of your bet, wait for the official lineup and then bet close to the time.
If you have time to watch live and read the match well, you can try playing live odds.