The notation “Handicap 2(+4.5/-4.5)” indicates that the team or athlete who is the actual or nominal “away” side in the match will either defeat their opponent by a margin of 5 or more goals or avoid losing by the same difference in scored/conceded goals (or pucks). This notation appears in bookmaker lines as two fractional bets “Handicap 2(+4.5)” and “Handicap 2(-4.5),” which do not provide for an outcome such as a “refund.”
Possible outcomes of the “Handicap 2(+4.5)” bet
This type of wager provides for two possible outcomes:
Win: team No. 2 wins, draws, or loses by a margin of 1 to 4 goals.
Loss: team No. 2 loses the match by a margin of 5 or more goals.
Possible outcomes of the “Handicap 2(-4.5)” bet
The negative fractional “handicap” on the second team provides for two outcomes:
Win: team No. 2 achieves a victory by a margin of 5 or more goals.
Loss: occurs when team No. 2 loses, draws, or wins by a margin of 1 to 4 goals.
