For instance, in a situation where Team 1 is favoured to win, they start with a -2 handicap. Team 2 has lower odds to win outright, so points awarded by the handicap level the odds, meaning Team 2 starts with +2. The handicap tie now is -2.
In a match situation, handicap match betting gives one team or player a virtual deficit to overcome (a handicap) at the start of the event - the opponent receives a virtual start. You bet on who will win with the handicap taken into account.