This creates a situation where each team has a 50-50 chance of winning; similar to the odds for a basketball or football spread handicap typically offered by Las Vegas sportsbooks. Asian handicap is a form of betting that creates a more level betting environment between two mismatched competing teams by giving a “handicap” (expressed in goals or points) to the teams before kick-off. In Asian handicaps, a goal deficit is given to the team more likely to win (i.e. the Favourite) and a head start is given to the team less favoured to win (i.e. the Underdog). This system works in a straightforward manner.
Here is an example of an Asian handicap bet:
- Liverpool vs. Manchester United
- Asian Handicap: Liverpool -1.5
This means that Liverpool must win by 2 goals or more for your bet to win. If Liverpool wins by 1 goal, your bet will be lost. If the match is a draw or Manchester United wins, your bet will also be lost.
Related:What Is Over/Under Betting?
Asian Handicap Types
There are two main types of Asian handicap bets:
- Whole number handicaps: These handicaps are given in whole numbers, such as 0, 1, 2, or 3. For example, a handicap of -1 means that the favorite must win by 2 goals or more for your bet to win.
- Half number handicaps: These handicaps are given in half numbers, such as 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, or 3.5. For example, a handicap of -1.5 means that the favorite must win by 3 goals or more for your bet to win.
Advantages of Asian Handicap Betting
Asian handicap betting offers a number of advantages over traditional 1X2 wagering, including:
- Eliminates the draw outcome: This means that there is only a 50% chance of losing your bet, rather than 33.33%.
- More competitive odds: Asian handicap betting offers more competitive odds than traditional 1X2 wagering, especially for underdog bets.
- Partial wins: In some cases, you may win part of your bet even if the team you bet on loses. For example, if you bet on Liverpool -1.5 and the match ends in a draw, you will win half of your bet.
What is Handicap Betting and How Does it Work?
Disadvantages of Asian Handicap Betting
Asian handicap betting also has some disadvantages, including:
- More complex: Asian handicap betting is more complex than traditional 1X2 wagering, so it is important to understand the rules before you start betting.
- Less popular: Asian handicap betting is less popular than traditional 1X2 wagering, so it may be more difficult to find a bookmaker that offers it.
Asian handicap betting is a popular and exciting way to bet on football. It offers a number of advantages over traditional 1X2 wagering, but it is important to be aware of the risks involved.
If you are new to Asian handicap betting, it is important to start slowly and to learn the ropes before you start betting with large amounts of money. With careful planning and discipline, Asian handicap betting can be a profitable way to bet on football.