When it comes to sports betting, terms can sometimes be confusing, especially for beginners. One term you might have come across is "Asian Handicap". It might sound complicated, but it's easier to understand than you might think.
Asian Handicap is a type of betting that aims to level the playing field between two teams with different levels of ability. By giving a "handicap" or advantage to the underdog team and a disadvantage to the stronger team, it makes for a more balanced matchup.
This type of betting can make games more exciting as it adds more competitiveness to a match that may have been a landslide otherwise. If you're new to betting or just curious, keep reading to find out more about how Asian Handicap works and why it's becoming popular.
Asian Handicap Meaning In Betting
Asian Handicap betting aims to balance the odds between two sports teams. This is done by giving the weaker team a head start in goals or points and by assigning a goal or point deficit to the stronger team.
For example, if Team A is much stronger than Team B, the bookmaker might give Team B a head start of +1.5 goals. This means if you bet on Team B, you win even if they lose by just one goal.
On the other hand, if you bet on Team A, they need to win by 2 or more goals for you to win your bet. This type of betting reduces the possibility of a draw since you cannot get half-goals or points in most sports.
Asian Handicap is popular because it makes betting on mismatched teams more exciting and fair. It also provides more betting opportunities and can make it easier to find value bets.
Is Asian Handicap The Same as European Handicap?
No, Asian Handicap and European Handicap are not the same, though they share similarities. Both aim to balance the odds between mismatched teams, but they do so in different ways.
In European Handicap, there are three possible outcomes: a win for the favourite, a win for the underdog, or a draw. The handicap is usually an integer, like +1 or -1. For example, if a team has a -1 handicap, they need to win by at least 2 goals for any bets on them to win.
Asian Handicap, on the other hand, often uses fractional handicaps like +1.5 or -1.5. This eliminates the possibility of a draw, as there are only two possible outcomes: win or lose. This makes Asian Handicap easier to follow and can lead to fewer possible outcomes to track.
Understanding the difference between these two can help you make better-informed betting choices. Whether you prefer one over the other depends on your betting style and preferences and possibly the specific match you're focusing on.
How Does Asian Handicap Betting Work?
Asian Handicap betting adjusts the scoreline to make the match more balanced, providing a fairer chance for both teams. It assigns a goal or point advantage to the underdog and a disadvantage to the favourite.
Let's say Team A is much stronger than Team B. In a regular bet, Team A is likely to win, making the odds less appealing. To make things more interesting, an Asian Handicap might give Team B a +1.5 goal head start.
Here's how it works:
- If you bet on Team B (+1.5), you win your bet if Team B wins or loses by just one goal.
- If you bet on Team A (-1.5), they need to win by 2 or more goals for you to win.
With these adjustments, the betting options are more balanced, leading to more enticing odds and bet scenarios.
Another type of Asian Handicap is where the handicap is a whole number (e.g. +1 or -1). If the match ends exactly on the handicap number, your stake is refunded, and it's considered a "push" rather than a loss.
By making mismatched games more competitive from a betting perspective, Asian Handicap attracts many bettors, making it a popular choice in sports betting.
Types of Asian Handicaps
Asian Handicap betting comes in various forms, each designed to balance the odds between teams. Here are the main types you'll come across:
Whole Goal Handicap
In this type, the handicap is a whole number like +1, -1, +2, or -2. If the match result plus the handicap is a draw, your stake is refunded. For instance, a +1 handicap means the underdog starts with a one-goal advantage. If the final score is a draw after applying the handicap, your bet is returned.
Half Goal Handicap
This handicap uses half-goal increments like +0.5, -0.5, +1.5, or -1.5. With no possibility of a draw, you either win or lose. For example, if you bet on a team with a +0.5 handicap, you win if they win or draw the match.
Quarter Goal Handicap
Quarter goal handicaps combine elements of whole and half goal handicaps, with values like +0.25, -0.25, +0.75, or -0.75. Here, your bet is split into two: one-half on the nearest whole number and the other half on the nearest half number. This can lead to a partial win, partial loss, or a full win or loss.
Understanding these types can help you choose the right bet for you and make your betting experience more enjoyable.
Examples Of Asian Handicap Bets
Here are some common examples of Asian Handicap bets to help you understand how they work:
0.0
A 0.0 Asian Handicap means no team is given an advantage. Your bet is refunded if the game ends in a draw. You win if your chosen team wins the match.
+0.25
With a +0.25 handicap, the underdog team starts with a quarter-goal advantage. Your stake is split: half on 0.0 and half on +0.5. You win if your team wins. If they draw, you win half your bet (the +0.5 part) and get a refund on the other half.
0.5 Asian Handicap
A 0.5 handicap gives the underdog a half-goal head start. If you bet on the underdog, you win if they win or draw. If you bet on the favourite, they need to win the match for you to win the bet.
Single Asian Handicap Betting (+1 or -1)
In single Asian Handicap betting, values like +1 or -1 are used. With +1, the underdog must win or draw for your bet to win. With -1, the favourite needs to win by 2 or more goals.
Alternative Asian Handicap
Alternative Asian Handicap offers various handicap options on the same match, allowing more flexibility. For instance, instead of just +1 or -1, options like +1.25 or -0.75 can be available. These fractional values provide more ways to bet.
What Sports Use Asian Handicap Betting?
Asian Handicap betting is most commonly associated with football (or soccer, as it's known in some places). Due to the sport's global popularity and the frequent mismatches between teams, it's a natural fit.
However, Asian Handicap betting isn't limited to just football. It's also used in other sports where scoring can vary significantly between teams.
Basketball
In basketball, Asian Handicap can level the difference in points between two teams. This makes the bet more balanced and interesting, as the weaker team gets a head start.
Rugby
Rugby is another sport that uses Asian Handicap betting. Given the high-scoring nature of the game, handicaps can make bets more exciting and fairer by evening out the point spread.
Tennis
In tennis, Asian Handicap can apply to sets or games within a match. This allows for more balanced betting, especially if one player is heavily favoured to win.
These are just a few examples, but the principles of Asian Handicap betting can be adapted to a wide range of sports, making it a versatile option for bettors. In any case, it's important to always gamble responsibly, remembering that anything can happen on match day. Stick to a budget and only bet money you are comfortable losing.