What is Asian Handicap?
The Asian handicap in online betting is a unique betting system that eliminates the draw in football matches. This creates a more dynamic and strategic betting experience, as well as a more profitable one. Instead of traditional 1X2 betting, where the bettor wagers on the final result of a team winning, drawing, or losing, the Asian Handicap concept is based on the balance of the game, giving a virtual advantage or disadvantage to teams before the match starts. This method ensures that weaker teams gain an advantage while stronger teams start with a deficit to overcome. This makes the odds more competitive and reduces the difference in betting outcomes.
OVERVIEW OF THE BEST BOOKMAKERS WITH ASIAN HANDICAPS
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This approach provides more value bets, making it popular with both experienced and new bettors. Using fractions or whole numbers, handicapping effectively evens out the competition, minimising the impact of unpredictable outcomes such as last-minute goals. Plus, because there is no possibility of a draw, bettors are only given two possible outcomes, increasing their chances of winning compared to typical fixed odds bets. This format makes Asian handicap betting a preferred option for those looking to maximise their odds while still managing risk.
What is Asian Handicap?
What is Asian handicap betting? Asian handicap is a form of online betting that eliminates the draw, meaning you can only bet on the home or away win. An Asian handicap then balances the competition between two teams by applying a goal handicap before the match starts. Asian handicap betting gives an advantage to the weaker team, while imposing a disadvantage on the stronger one. This gives both teams a more even chance of winning in the betting. Handicaps are expressed in fractions or integers, such as -1, +1.5, -0.25, etc.
A key advantage of Asian handicap betting is that it often results in reduced variance and offers bettors higher chances of success compared to traditional betting. Since the draw outcome i removed, bets are settled in a two-way market, increasing the chances of winning. In addition, in some scenarios, players can get their bets back if the final score aligns with the applied handicap (a feature known as “push” in betting terms). This form of betting is widely used in major football leagues and tournaments, allowing bettors to place their wagers with more confidence while effectively managing risk. With multiple handicapping options available, Asian handicap betting offers a dynamic approach for those looking to take their football online betting strategy to the next level.
5 Examples to Explain the Asian Handicap
HOW ASIAN HANDICAP BETS WORK
Asian handicaps are easy to understand once you know the basic principles. The key points of Asian handicapping are:
- Handicap: The favourite receives a negative handicap (-0.5, -1.0, etc.), which means the bet will only win if they win by a certain margin. The underdog receives a positive handicap (+0.5, +1.0, etc.), giving them an advantage. This means that even a draw or a small defeat can result in a winning bet.
- How bets are settled: If a bettor places a bet on a -1.0 handicap, the team must win by at least two goals to ensure a full payout. A bet on a +1.0 handicap wins if the underdog draws or wins. If the underdog loses by exactly one goal, the bet stake is returned instead of lost.
- Push: When the final score matches the handicap line (e.g. a -1.0 team wins by exactly one goal), the bet is fully refunded. This is known as a push.
- Quarter-handicaps: Quarter-handicaps such as -0.25 or +0.25, split the bet into two parts. One half can be returned, while the other half either wins or loses, depending on the outcome of the match.
Pros
- Removes the draw option, increasing the chances of a successful bet.
- Better value odds. As the handicap balances the teams, the odds offered by online bookmakers are often more competitive.
- Reduces betting risk, as bettors can receive a stake refund (push) if the result aligns with the handicap. This lowers potential losses.
- More strategic betting options, as bettors can select different handicap lines to adjust risk levels.
- Ideal for close matches. When two teams are unevenly matched, the handicap allows for more competitive betting.
Cons
- Can be complex for beginners, as it's unlike traditional betting.
- No big payouts from underdogs, since the handicap balances the teams.
- Fewer market options, as Asian handicaps are not available for all betting markets.
KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ASIAN HANDICAPS & EUROPEAN HANDICAPS
The main difference between Asian handicaps and European handicaps is Asian handicaps remove the draw. This creates a two-way market where bets are either won, lost, or refunded depending on the handicap line and match result.
On the other hand, European handicaps keep the draw option, meaning bettors can still place wagers on three possible outcomes: home win, draw, or away win.
The other key differences are:
- Asian handicaps offer half-goal and quarter-goal lines, allowing for partial stakes refunds.
- European handicaps only apply whole numbers, meaning there are no refunds, as bets are either won or lost.
- Asian handicaps are more flexible for risk management, providing options with less risk.
- European handicaps generally offer higher odds on clear favourites and underdogs.
FAQS
What is Asian Handicap betting?
Asian handicap betting removes the draw option and applies goal handicaps to teams. The aim is to even out the odds between favourites and underdogs.
How does +1.0 Asian Handicap work?
This is when the underdog is given a one-goal advantage. Your bet will win if the underdog wins or draws, while a one-goal defeat would result in a refund.
What happens if the score matches the handicap?
In Asian handicap betting, if the score matches the handicap, the stake is refunded. This is known as a push.
Is Asian Handicap better than traditional betting?
This depends on what you are looking for and how evenly-matched the two teams are in a particular fixture. Asian handicap betting does offer opportunities traditional betting does not, depending on the match circumstances.
Can Asian Handicap be used in live betting?
Yes, many online bookmakers offer live Asian Handicap markets.
