How does the "Asian handicap" work?
Why use the Asian Handicap?
The goal of the Asian Handicap is to make a bet more competitive and interesting. In a match between a favourite and a weaker team, the odds on the favourite winning are often very low. The Asian Handicap balances things out by giving the favourite a negative handicap and the underdog a head start. That means more attractive odds and a wider range of betting scenarios.
The different types of Asian Handicap
There are several levels of Asian Handicap, from whole-goal handicaps to split handicaps. Here are the most common ones:
1. Whole-goal handicap (-1, -2, +1, +2, etc.)
Example: -1 handicap
If you bet on a team with a -1 handicap, it has to win by at least two goals for your bet to win.
If it wins by one goal, your stake is refunded.
If it draws or loses, your bet loses.
Example: +1 handicap
If you bet on a team with a +1 handicap, it can win or draw and your bet wins.
If it loses by one goal, your stake is refunded.
If it loses by two goals or more, your bet loses.
2. Half-goal handicap (-0.5, -1.5, +0.5, +1.5, etc.)
Example: -0.5 handicap
If you bet on a team with a -0.5 handicap, it has to win the match for your bet to win.
If it draws or loses, your bet loses.
Example: +0.5 handicap
If you bet on a team with a +0.5 handicap, it can win or draw and your bet wins.
If it loses, your bet loses.
3. Quarter-goal handicap (-0.25, -0.75, +0.25, +0.75, etc.)
This type of split handicap divides your stake in two, across two different handicap lines.
Example: -0.25 handicap
Half of your stake goes on -0 and the other half on -0.5.
If the team wins, you win your bet.
If it's a draw, half of your stake is refunded and the other half is lost.
If it loses, your bet loses.
Example: +0.25 handicap
Half of your stake goes on +0 and the other half on +0.5.
If the team wins, you win your bet.
If it's a draw, half of your stake is refunded and the other half wins.
If it loses, your bet loses.
Advantages of the Asian Handicap
No draw: Since there are only two possible outcomes (team A wins or team B wins), the bet is more straightforward.
Lower risk: In some cases, handicaps get you a partial or full refund of your stake.
Better odds: The Asian Handicap can offer more interesting odds than traditional bets.
Conclusion
The Asian Handicap is a great option for bettors who want to boost their chances of winning while cutting down the risk of losing. It's especially handy in matches where one team is the clear favourite, giving you better value and a more strategic approach to sports betting. If you want to maximize your profits and mix up your betting strategies, the Asian Handicap is a must-know!