3-Way Handicap Bet: Expert Strategies & Tips for 2026
3-way handicap betting is a popular way to even the odds while betting on sports. Although popular for football fans, you’ll find that any sports that could end in a draw have the potential to offer 3-way handicap betting.
The idea is that you’ll add or subtract points or goals from the outcome for your predictions to come true. This can include a bet on the home team, away team, or for things to end in a tie. In this guide, I offer a full breakdown of what to expect, including a few examples and top tips.
- Pros and cons of 3-way handicap betting
- European handicap betting explained: What is 3-way betting?
- How to Place a 3-way Handicap Bet
- Top tips to get the most out of 3-way betting
- How does 3-way betting compare with Asian handicap betting?
- Find the best 3-way betting odds at some of our trusted sports betting sites today
- 3-way handicap betting FAQ
Pros and cons of 3-way handicap betting
- Available on most football fixtures
- Simple betting market to understand
- Choose between three possible outcomes
- May need to check bonus terms
European handicap betting explained: What is 3-way betting?
Before I start offering out some top tips to get the most out of 3-way betting, it makes sense to give you a simple breakdown of how these betting odds work. In essence, the 3-way betting market works in a similar way to Asian handicap (or spreads) by offering a points advantage or disadvantage in an attempt to even the odds. However, unlike spreads, you’ll find that this betting market also allows you to bet on an outcome that results in a draw.
- Team A must win with the handicap
- Team B must win with the handicap
- Fixture ends in a draw with the handicap
Although most commonly associated with football markets, you’ll find that it can be used on other sports where a tie is possible. It just so happens that, compared with other sports, football offers the biggest chance of a fixture ending in this way.
| Betting market | 3-way handicap betting |
| Sports | Football, hockey, volleyball, etc |
| Pre-match or in-play | ✅ |
| Bonus eligible | ✅ |
| Variations | 3-way handicap, 3-way handicap (first half), 3-way handicap (second half) |
Examples of 3-way betting markets
In this section, I want to quickly provide you with a few examples of what you might expect from a 3-way betting market.
- Starts 1-0: Aston Villa 1/4 Draw 9/2 Nottingham Forest 15/2
- Starts 0-1: Aston Villa 5/2 Draw 14/5 Nottingham Forest 4/5
- Starts 0-2: Aston Villa 13/2 Draw 23/5 Nottingham Forest 27/100
Discover our top-rated bookmakers!
- Bonus: Bet $10 Get $150 in Bonus Bets
- VIP Club, Loyalty Program
- Cash Out, Partial Cash Out
- Bonus: New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
- VIP Club
- Cash Out, Live Streams
- Bonus: Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
- VIP Club, Loyalty Program
- Cash Out, Live Streams
- Bonus: New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $200 in Bonuses Instantly!
- VIP Club, Loyalty Program
- Cash Out, Live Streams
- Bonus: Bet $1 and get double the winnings up to $25 for your next 10 bets
- Loyalty Program
- Cash Out, Live Streams
How to Place a 3-way Handicap Bet
With a few examples now behind you, I’m confident that many of you are ready to make your first 3-way handicap bet. If this sounds like you, rest assured, this step-by-step guide has you covered.
- Check out my latest reviews on the best online sports betting sites
- Read through my comparisons and click on the links to take you over to the site
- Work through the registration and verification process
- Choose from a range of credible methods before making your qualifying deposit
- Head to the ‘sports’ section of the site
- Click on your preferred sport, filter through competitions, and find your fixture
- Select the ‘3-way betting’ market
- Find the right odds and add them to your betslip
- Enter your stake and wait for the action to unfold
- Any winnings will then be added to your balance
Top tips to get the most out of 3-way betting
Now you know how to place your 3-way bets, it must be time for me to offer up a few top tips to ensure that you get the most out of them.
First and foremost, you’ll want to get your limits in check. This is a top tip for any kind of betting you plan to take part in, allowing you to stay within your limits at all times. Any credible site will allow you to set deposit limits, bet limits, and time alerts. Plus, of course, you can also take time-outs.
When it comes to taking advantage of a 3-way bet, you really need to know how each team is performing. The negative or positive change to points or goals will determine the eventual outcome of your bet, so it is important that you dive into the facts to discover those who are scoring freely or letting them in, as well as those who are in good form.
The idea of a 3-way bet is to even the odds, so you may find that the minimum odds limit doesn’t cater to them. That said, you will find that certain positive or negative changes to the eventual outcome could be eligible – just bear in mind that these tend to be focused on +/- 2 goals or above. Obviously, if you’ve followed top tip number two, this could be a viable option.
On paper, you may find that a +/- goals advantage looks set in stone; however, it is important to wait until final squads have been announced. Midweek fixtures, or a match against a weaker opponent, could result in a weaker starting team being sent out. In this instance, you may find that the outcome differs slightly. With this in mind, wait to see if the star striker, unbreakable centre half, or unshakable captain are in the starting line-up.
How does 3-way betting compare with Asian handicap betting?
In truth, there isn’t too much difference between 3-way betting and 2-way betting (Asian handicap). In fact, 2-way betting simply removes the option of betting on a draw. Generally speaking, you will find that Asian handicap returns any initial bets back if the result ends in a tie. However, you will need to confirm this with your chosen sports betting site.
Find the best 3-way betting odds at some of our trusted sports betting sites today
As you can see, 3-way betting is a simple but effective market that allows you to effectively even the odds. The appeal of the 3-way betting market over the 2-way betting market is the introduction of the ‘draw’ option. Unlike 2-way betting, 3-way betting allows you to also predict that the outcome will end in a tie, making it a popular style of betting market for football fans around the globe.
When it comes to placing your 3-way bets, remember to pay close attention to the stats and facts, take time to work through bonus terms, and wait to place your bet until the official lineups have been announced. Of course, you’ll also want to set your limits early to ensure that any deposits and bets are placed in line with your usual limits.
Our favorite sportsbook bonuses
3-way handicap betting FAQ
⚽ What is European handicap betting?
European handicap betting (or 3-way handicap betting) refers to a spread-like betting market that allows you to add a positive or negative change to the final score. This differs from Asian betting by allowing you the chance to bet on a possible draw, too.
💰 Can you use your bonus on a 3-way handicap bet?
It all depends on the betting bonus you unlock. Some specific promotions will come with a minimum odds requirement. Generally, as a 3-way bet looks to even the odds, you will find that the odds don’t fall in line with the requirements.
📈 How do you get the most out of 3-way handicap betting in football?
There are a number of ways for you to bolster your experience while betting on 3-way handicap markets. Of course, there are no guarantees; however, you can set your limits, review bonus terms, wait until squads are released, and do your homework to give yourself the best chance.
