A type of sports betting called handicap betting is utilized to level the playing field when two opponents are thought to have different strengths.
By aiming to level the playing field and provide better odds, handicap betting attempts to offset the perceived skill gaps between the teams
Consider an NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns. The Bengals are 4 point favourites (-4 points), while the Browns start the game with + 4 points. This means the Bengals have to win by 5 points or more to cover the spread. A bet placed on this spread (in either direction), is considered a Handicap Bet.