Asian Handicap betting is a popular form of betting, particularly in football. Originating in Asia, this betting style has gained prominence globally due to its unique approach. In this article, we'll explore what Asian Handicap betting is, how it works, and delve deeper into various types of Asian Handicap bets.
What Is An Asian Handicap Bet?
Asian Handicap is a form of betting that originates from Asia. In this betting system, teams are handicapped based on their form and ability, meaning a stronger team must win by more goals for a punter betting on them to win. The system works by eliminating the chance of a draw outcome, which traditionally is a third option in football betting; thus, bettors have only two possible outcomes to bet on, making the betting process simpler and more exciting.
Is Asian Handicap The Same As Handicap?
While Asian Handicap betting is a form of handicap betting, it's not exactly the same. Traditional handicap betting, often known as European handicap, offers three outcomes: the home win, the away win, and the draw. However, Asian Handicap eliminates the draw option, reducing the match to two possible outcomes.
How Does Asian Handicap Work?
Asian Handicap works by giving a 'head start' in goals to one of the teams before the match starts. This head start is the 'handicap', and the team given the handicap is usually the underdog. The favourite team must overcome this handicap to win.
For example, if a 0.5 Asian Handicap is given to Team B against Team A, this means Team B starts the game with a 'virtual' half-goal lead. If you place a bet on Team A, they must win by more than a single goal for your bet to win. If Team A only wins by one goal due to the 0.5 handicap, the result, in terms of the bet, is a draw, and you lose your bet.
Types of Asian Handicap Bets
There are several types of Asian Handicap bets. These include the Level Handicap, Single Handicap, and Split Handicap.
- Level Handicap: A level handicap occurs when teams are evenly matched and no handicap is assigned.
- Single Handicap: A single handicap comes into play when there is a perceived difference in abilities between two teams. The weaker team gets a handicap to level the playing field.
- Split Handicap: When the difference in abilities between two teams is small, a split handicap is used. Your stake gets split over two handicaps.
Asian Handicap Examples
Asian Handicap can seem a bit complex, but once you understand a few examples, it becomes simple. Let's consider some examples of how these bets work:
0.0 Asian Handicap
In a 0.0 Asian Handicap, also known as "Draw No Bet," no team is given an advantage. If the team you bet on wins, you win the bet. If the match ends in a draw, your stake is refunded. If the team you bet on loses, you lose the bet.
+0.25 Asian Handicap
With a +0.25 Asian Handicap, half of your stake is placed on the 0.0 handicap, and the other half is placed on the +0.5 handicap. If the team you bet on wins, you win both bets. If the match ends in a draw, you lose half your stake (the 0.0 part), and you win the other half (the +0.5 part). If the team you bet on loses, you lose both bets.
0.5 Asian Handicap
In a 0.5 Asian Handicap, the team you bet on must win the match for you to win your bet. If the team you bet on draws or loses, you lose your bet. In this case, the underdog team starts the game with a 'virtual' half-goal advantage.
Single Asian Handicap Betting (+1 or -1)
In a +1 Asian Handicap, the team you bet on starts with a 'virtual' one-goal lead. If they win or draw, you win your bet. If they lose by exactly one goal, your stake is refunded. If they lose by more than one goal, you lose your bet. Conversely, in a -1 Asian Handicap, your team starts a goal down, meaning they need to win by two clear goals for your bet to win.
Split Asian Handicap Betting
Split Asian Handicap Betting, also known as Quarter Handicap Betting, involves splitting your stake over two separate handicaps. For example, if you bet on a team with a +1.25 handicap, half of your stake is placed on a +1.0 handicap, and the other half is placed on a +1.5 handicap.
Alternative Asian Handicap Explained
Alternative Asian Handicaps are simply other handicap lines that bookmakers offer. These can be more specific, such as +2.25, -2.5, and so on. They work the same way as regular Asian Handicaps but allow for more precise handicaps.
What Sports Use Asian Handicap Betting?
While Asian Handicap Betting originated in football, it has spread to other sports. You can now find Asian Handicap markets in rugby, basketball, and American football, among others. It's a versatile kind of bet that adds an extra to the betting experience.
