Ultimate Guide to the Best Handicap Betting Sites in the UK 2024

2 September 2024

Ryan Samuel

Ryan Samuel

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Ryan is a freelance writer who specialises in the world of sports and iGaming, producing engaging and accurate content for online publications, including news articles, reviews, press releases and social media marketing.

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Michael Lee

Michael Lee

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Michael has worked in the sports betting industry for many years. Following football, horse racing and track and field athletics, he has covered the last three Olympic Games, World Cups and other major sporting events.

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We independently review betting sites. Sign-ups through our links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you, this never influences our listings’ order.

Handicap betting offers a nice alternative to traditional sports wagering. Available on a increasing number of sports, including football, rugby, tennis and basketball, this form of betting is hugely popular in the UK today. If you’re new to handicap bets, then our experts explain everything that there is to know below – reviews of the leading handicap betting sites included.

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BetUK

Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets

9.8/10

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Expert rating by Vince H.

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Regulator

UKGC

License No.

39198

What we like

• Pre-match and in-play handicap bets available
• Daily betting tips
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T&Cs apply. New cust only. Deposit & Place a Bet within 7 days, and settle a £10 minimum bet at odds of 4/5 (1.8) or greater, to be credited with 3x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 Horse Racing, 1 x £10 Free Bet Builder and 1 x £10 Football. 7 day expiry. Stake not returned. 18+ begambleaware.org

BoyleSports

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*New UK customers (Excluding NI) mobile only. £20 in FREE Bets (FB) as £10 in sports bets & a £10 casino bonus (CB). Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. FB applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. FB 7 day expiry. 1 FB offer per customer, household & IP address only. Payment restrictions. 14 days to accept £10 CB, then active for 3 days. CB 5x wagering & max redeemable £100. Game restrictions apply. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. 30 days to qualify. 18+. T&Cs apply

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• Plenty of handicap betting options
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New players only. Minimum stake £ 10, minimum odds 2, stake not returned. 1X wagering the winnings from the free bet. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only, wagering starts from real funds. Free bet is valid for 7 days from issue. Max conversion: £ 200. Excluded Skrill deposits. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Full Terms Apply

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License No.

56859

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• Asian and other handicap bets accepted
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*New members. Offer not available 15/04/23. £10 min deposit & bet on sportsbook, placed & settled at 1.5 min odds within 14 days of sign-up. Win part of E/W bets. 2 non-withdrawable £10 Free Bet Tokens: accept in 7 days, valid for 7 days from crediting (ex. E/Ws & Multiples), stakes not returned. Click here for Rules & Exclusions. Bet Responsibly. BeGambleAware.org. 18+

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9.4/10

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License No.

8835

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18+ begambleaware.org. Spread betting losses can exceed deposit. Place a qualifying £10 fixed odds bet at odds of 1/2 or greater. Qualifying bet cannot be placed in-play or cashed out early. Free bet stakes not included in any winnings from the free fixed odds bets. Free bets expire in 28 days if unused.

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List of the Top Betting Sites with Handicap Betting

1. BetUK – Leading bookie for handicap bets
2. BoyleSports – Top bookie for Premier League handicap betting
3. LiveScore Bet – Daily handicap betting markets
4. SpreadEx – Fixed odds and spread handicap betting
5. 888Sport – Leading handicap betting odds
6. betway – Handicap markets on large number of sports
7. 10Bet – Easy to use online sportsbook 
8. Betfred – One of the most experienced handicap betting sites 
9. SBK – Mobile-specialist

Best Handicap Betting Sites Reviewed 2024

When it comes to handicap betting, there are some online betting platforms that stand out. Below, we offer mini-reviews on our top 5 handicap betting sites, including available sports, markets and promotions:

1. BetUK: Bet £10, Get £30 In Free Bets

Launched in 2012, BetUK is now one of the UK’s best-known online bookies. Handicap bets are accepted on many sports, including football, tennis, golf, basketball and eSports. Handicap betting odds are competitive across the board, with BetUK also coming with daily betting tips.

The betting site also features an extensive in-play platform, ideal for placing handicap bets on events that are already underway. All markets and features are available on desktop and mobile. This is thanks to the BetUK app, available on iOS and Android devices. A good number of payment methods are accepted too, including betting with PayPal and other eWallets.

2. BoyleSports: Bet £10 Get £20 In Free Bets

Irish bookmaker BoyleSports was established back in 1989. Holding a license from the Gambling Commission, BoyleSports is another of the leading handicap betting sites in the UK. Pre-match and in-play handicap markets are available, with football, tennis, eSports and basketball featuring heavily.

The BoyleSports sportsbook is easy to use, with specials markets, Teddy’s Tips and a regularly updated sports blog being among the other selling points. Price offers are found daily, available on desktop and mobile. The BoyleSports Casino offers an alternative form of gambling, where games come from top software providers.

3. LiveScore Bet:Bet £10, Get £20 In Free Bets

The LiveScore Bet sportsbook went live in 2020. With excellent sports coverage, live streaming and betting odds, LiveScore Bet also offers a host of handicap betting markets. Handicap options surround football, tennis, golf, eSports, basketball and other popular sports. They also include both pre-match and live markets.

£20 in free bets can be won by new customers. Meanwhile, LiveScore Bet is also home to top virtual sports events. While the number of payment methods is limited, the bookie does process withdrawals quickly. Finally, mobile punters can download the LiveScore Bet app via the App Store and Google Play.

4. SpreadEx: Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets

Offering both fixed odds and spread handicap betting, SpreadEx rightfully makes out top 5. Having been in operation since 1999, SpreadEx is a well-known and respected gambling company based in the UK. Whichever type of betting you are looking for, a good number of sports are covered. Particular emphasis is put on football, horse racing, golf and tennis. 

Elsewhere, if you are looking for a no-thrills betting site, SpreadEx could well be for you. The lack of imagery and graphics is unique, with live streaming and cash out features also attracting punters. Thousands of daily pre-match and in-play markets are found, meaning that there is no shortage of handicap bets to place. 

5. 888Sport – Bet £10 And Get £30 In Free Bets + £10

With a long history in the industry and a well-known brand name, 888sport has quickly risen to the top of the market for handicap betting. Especially in terms of betting on Asian lines. Although many bettors enjoy these options, not all bookmakers provide them. 888sport is ahead of its game with Asian Lines betting, which is a plus for football bettors. You can find a wide variety of sports to bet on, regardless of your preferred method.

Some of the extra perks bettors enjoy at 888sports are competitive odds and an intuitive betting site. Not only this, but the sportsbook also has its own software currently rated as one of the best around. The handicap betting site ticks all the boxes when it comes to its mobile offers, outstanding bonuses on offer, and, most importantly, being licensed by top gambling authorities. This is undoubtedly one of the best handicap betting sites around.

Handicap Betting Explained?

Handicap betting is an increasingly popular form of gambling on sporting events. The team or player involved is given either a deficit or surplus, based on whether they are viewed as the favourite or outsider. Handicaps are utilised by bookies in order to even things up when there is an apparent difference in quality.

For example, if Manchester City are drawn against Forest Green Rovers in the FA Cup, you could bet on the Citizens at -2.5 goals. This means that the Premier League side must win by 3 clear goals if your bet is to be successful. Handicap bets are often placed in the event that standard match winner odds are not very appealing.

Those who can place a winning handicap bet will most likely reap the rewards. Handicap markets are most most commonly associated with football. However, bets can also be placed on tennis, horse racing, basketball, cricket and more.

Best Handicap Betting Sites Compared

All bookies are slightly different when it comes to handicap betting markets, features and promotions. So, if you are still unsure of who to sign up with, the table below provides a breakdown of what is on offer with each of our recommended bookies:

Betting Site	Asian Handicap	No. of Sports	Live Streaming	Cash Out
		30+
		30+
		35+
		20+

How We Rank Handicap Betting Sites

Handicap bets can be placed with the vast majority of online bookies today. However, not all betting sites are worth signing up on. Luckily for punters, we have done the hard work and reviewed available bookies, saving you the time. So, you can rest assured that we have only recommended the very best. When ranking handicap betting sites, it is the following factors, among others, that we consider:

Popular Handicap Betting Markets in 2024

When it comes to handicap markets, some sports feature more than others. Below, we take a closer look at the most popular handicap sports in the UK today, including football, rugby and tennis:

Handicap Betting for Football

Football was the birthplace of handicap betting. Options here include Asian and traditional, whether it be 1st half, goal line, alternative or totals. The number of handicap markets on offer will depend on both the bookie and profile of the match. For example, Premier League handicap betting  encounters will come with many, in stark contrast to games from the German Bundesliga II.

Handicap Betting Rugby

When it comes to rugby, handicap markets are actually more popular than traditional match winner options. For example, you can bet on Saracens to beat London Irish at -8 points. With draws in rugby being rare, Asian handicap options are unavailable. On the other hand, 6 nations handicap betting is a very popular option.

Handicap Betting Basketball

Basketball handicap markets also centre around the margin of victory. Available with the vast majority of bookies and NBA betting sites, you could potentially back the Golden State Warriors to overcome the Chicago Bulls, despite having been given a -6.5 points deficit at the start of the game.

Tennis Handicap Betting

Tennis handicap betting markets include game and set options. For example, Nick Kyrgios to beat Cameron Norrie at -1.5 sets. It is not just high profile matches from Grand Slams that come with handicap markets either. Matches from the ATP and WTA Tour’s offer handicap betting options.

Horse Racing with Handicap Betting

On selected betting sites, horse racing handicap wagers can also be placed. Many races already come with handicaps, set by race organisers. However, bets can still be placed on the margin of victory.

Handicap Betting on Other Sports

Whether it’s darts betting sites, snooker or American sports like the NFL, handicap betting is available on a whole range of other sports. Look beyond the obvious ones for markets.

Top Handicap Betting Site Offers in 2024

Many promotions offered by online bookies are eligible to those taking advantage of handicap markets. The most common include free bets, acca insurance, enhanced winnings and money back specials. Of course, such offers come with terms and conditions. However, having looked closely at the promotions available with our recommended bookies, it is the following that we recommend in particular:

• BetUK Acca Club – Place a bet of £20 on accumulators with five legs or more. A £5 free bet will be delivered upon its settlement. 
• BoyleSports Acca Loyalty – Win a £5 free bet for each 5 accumulator bets placed. Combined odds of 3/1 must be met in order to qualify. 

• 888Sport 4/1+ Winner – Earn a £5 free bet when you place a winning bet at odds of at least 4/1. Available once per day, free bets are valid for 7 days. 

• Betfred Acca Insurance – Place a 5+ fold football accumulator, at odds of 1/2 or greater per leg, and receive a cash refund of up to £10 if just one pick lets you down. 

Pros and Cons of Handicap Betting

As with any form of betting, handicap markets come with both benefits and limitations. The following are the main pros and cons of handicap betting:

Asian Handicap Betting Explained

Asian is arguably the most popular variant of handicap betting. Most commonly associated with betting on football, Asian handicap markets counter the perceived bias in quality between the two teams involved. When calculating Asian handicaps, recent form, historical performances, home advantage and team news are among the factors considered.

Asian handicap betting originated in Indonesia, before spreading across Asia and further afield. Benefits of this type of betting include that your bet can still win, even if the team you backed loses. Meanwhile, such markets also often come with more appealing odds, taken advantage of by both beginners and professionals.

Best Handicap Betting Online Apps in 2024

Taking advantage of handicap markets is not only available on desktop. In fact, betting apps have made the process so much simpler on smartphones and tablets. Punters in the UK have a large number of sports betting apps to choose from, many of which come from our recommended bookies.

Available to download on iOS and Android, apps are generally far more efficient than sites accessed via your mobile browser. When it comes to handicap markets, it is the following apps that we rank the highest:

1. BetUK – Easy to use swipe feature
2. BoyleSports – Regular free bets
3. LiveScore Bet – High rating on the App Store & Google Play
4. SpreadEx – Fixed odds & spread betting + financial trading
5. Betfred – Leading sports betting odds

Best Handicap Betting Tips in 2024

Handicap betting tips can help punters in beating the bookies. While there are no guarantees, those who follow the tips below will maximise their chances of success:

Handicap Betting vs Traditional Betting

Handicap markets differ from traditional betting options in a number of ways. Firstly, the odds between the two forms can differ greatly. For example, if you are betting on the no.1 seed at Wimbledon to win his/her 1st round match, the odds can be as small as 1/100. However, betting on the same player at -1.5 sets will make wagering on him/her far more appealing.

There are also less handicap markets when compared to traditional betting options. For example, with a football match, traditional and Asian handicaps will be available. This is compared to hundreds of other markets, such as BTTS, total goals and first goalscorer.

How to Calculate a Handicap Bet

Different factors are taken into account when calculating handicaps. Bookies will interpret such factors, before finalising on their opinion of the teams’/player’s chances of winning. For example, with a Premier League football match, recent form, home advantage, head to head, position in the table, recent transfers and injuries/suspensions will be considered.

The difference between the two teams can sometimes be significant, meaning that 1×2 markets come with minimal returns. However, for example, when Arsenal take on Tottenham Hotspur, there is little to choose between the two teams. Elsewhere, Asian handicap options counter such bias, while also taking away the chance of there being a draw. Here, either a positive or negative handicap is given to each team.

Is it Possible to Place Handicap In-Play Bets?

Absolutely. As well as pre-match markets, in-play handicap options are also available. The rules are identical. However, you have to keep in mind the amount of time remaining in the event. Meanwhile, odds will fluctuate throughout, based on what is taking place on the pitch, court or track.

Those who can place live handicap bets at the right time could well reap the rewards. Football, tennis, cricket and basketball are among the most common live betting markets that feature handicap options. Given its format, horse racing does not come with in-play betting.

How to Place a Handicap Sports Bet

Placing a handicap bet online today is relatively simple. Below is a step-by-step guide on what is involved, using our no.1 ranked bookie, BetUK, as an example:

Step 1: Sign Up

Enter the betting site via desktop or mobile. Select the “JOIN” button, found in the top-right hand corner of the page. Complete the registration form by entering your personal details. This includes your full name, email address and date of birth. Create a username and password at this stage too. Agree to the bookie’s terms and conditions and click/tap on the “CREATE ACCOUNT” button.

Step 2: Deposit Funds

After verifying your new account, login using your username and password. Access the cashier page and select your preferred payment method. Enter your payment details and the deposit amount. Deposits are processed instantly, with funds appearing in your account within seconds.

Step 3: Browse Markets

Look at sports that you have a good understanding of, focusing on handicap markets. Add picks to your bet slip, after carrying out necessary research.

Step 4: Place Bet

Consider available bet types, before entering your stake. When ready, confirm your bet by selecting the “Place Bet” button. Monitor the progress of your bet, considering using betting sites with cash out option.

Final Word on Handicap Bets

It is always worth looking at handicap markets when betting on sports. While some sports feature more on handicap betting sites than others, most punters are catered for. Whether it be traditional handicap betting or Asian handicap betting, be sure to check out our recommended bookies. Remember to claim your welcome offer when signing up too!

Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets

A great betting app. With all markets and features being available, mobile customers are certainly well catered for at BetUK.

Claim Bonus

Apply your code at BetUK and enjoy your new bonus

T&Cs apply. New cust only. Deposit & Place a Bet within 7 days, and settle a £10 minimum bet at odds of 4/5 (1.8) or greater, to be credited with 3x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 Horse Racing, 1 x £10 Free Bet Builder and 1 x £10 Football. 7 day expiry. Stake not returned. 18+ begambleaware.org

Handicap Betting Sites FAQs

Ryan Samuel

Betting Expert

Ryan Samuel

Betting Expert

Ryan is a freelance writer who specialises in the world of sports and iGaming, producing engaging and accurate content for online publications, including news articles, reviews, press releases and social media marketing.

All posts by Ryan Samuel