Online gambling is home to a whole host of betting markets, some of which are more confusing than others to beginners. But one market that sounds complicated but is actually straight forward, is Asian handicaps. It has also gained popularity in recent years, leading some gamblers to ask the question “what is Asian handicap betting”.
In this article we’ll explain Asian handicap meaning, various types and even throw in some examples of exactly how it works.
What is Asian Handicap betting?
Asian handicap betting tends to be carried out by more seasoned gamblers, rather than newbies, and is a unique and popular form of wagering on sports events, particularly in football. It aims to level the playing field between two teams of varying strengths.
As the name suggests, it originated in Asia and has gained widespread popularity due to its ability to provide more balanced odds and increase the excitement of sports betting.
Unlike traditional forms of betting where you simply bet on a team to win, lose, or draw, Asian Handicap Betting involves giving or receiving a handicap to one of the teams before the match starts.
This handicap is represented by a numerical value, typically in half or quarter increments (-0.5, -1, -1.5), which is added to or subtracted from the team’s final score. The primary objective of Asian Handicap Betting is to eliminate the possibility of a draw, providing two distinct betting outcomes. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
Handicap for Favourite Team (Negative Handicap)
If one team is considered the favourite and is expected to win, they are assigned a negative handicap. This means that a certain number of goals is deducted from their final score for the purposes of the bet. The team must then win by a margin greater than the handicap for the bet to be successful.
Handicap for Underdog Team (Positive Handicap)
The remaining team is considered the underdog, they are given a positive handicap. This means that a certain number of goals is added to their final score. In this case, the underdog can either win the match outright, draw, or even lose by a margin less than the handicap, and the bet would still be successful.
The concept of Asian Handicaps may seem a bit complex at first, but it’s designed to provide more balanced and appealing odds, especially in matches where one team is significantly stronger than the other.
It encourages bettors to focus on the margin of victory rather than just the outcome of the match, which can add a new layer of strategy to the bet.
Types of Asian Handicap Betting Explained
Asian Handicaps actually consists of several distinct types of bets, each tailored to cater to different match scenarios and betting preferences. Each bet type is actually less confusing or daunting once it has been explained.
Single Asian Handicap (-0.5, -1, -1.5)
The most common Asian Handicap bet, the Single, focuses on offering a balanced betting field when there’s a clear favourite and underdog in a match. With this type you simply add or subtract a specific number of goals to/from the team’s final score.
Example: -0.50 Handicaps
If Liverpool are the favourite with a -1 Handicap and Bournemouth are the underdog, Liverpool needs to win by at least two goals for a successful bet. Conversely, if you bet on Bournemouth with a +1 Handicap, they can win, draw, or lose by just one goal, and your bet would still be victorious.
Split Asian Handicap (-0.25, -0.75, 1.25)
The Split Asian Handicap introduces an intriguing twist by dividing the handicap between two options, effectively splitting the bet into two separate wagers. This provides a degree of risk management and opens the door to more varied outcomes.
This handicap can also be referred to as a quarter goal, as it combines the two conflicting fractions for both teams in to one fraction for your bet. It is more commonly preferred when two strong teams are competing or with tightly contested games like local derbies.
Example: -0.25 Handicaps
Let’s say Liverpool are taking on Everton in a lunch time derby. Firstly, you should never back the early kick off, but if you do, then you may want to opt for a split Asian. Far too often have I seen a tense game between these two end in a draw.
Most bookies would have Liverpool as favourites but offer a handicap of 0.0 and give Everton a handicap of -0.5. Asian splits combine the handicap and then split it giving Liverpool +0.25 and Everton -0.25, which plays out as follows;
- If you stake £20 on Everton to win at -0.25 this means that If Chelsea wins, you win the bet. But if it ends in a draw, you lose half of your stake (£10) and the other half is refunded to you; similar to a draw no bet. If Manchester United wins, you lose the bet.
- If you stake £20 on Liverpool to win at +0.25 this means that If they win, you win the bet. But if it ends in a draw, half of your stake is refunded to you and the other half wins the bet. If Liverpool loses, you lose the bet.
Understanding these Asian Handicap Betting types gives you a perspective on how to approach various match scenarios. Each type comes with its own strategic considerations, giving you the opportunity to make football bets with a little more confidence.
Best Betting Sites for Asian Handicaps
As the popularity of Asian Handicaps continue, more online betting sites are starting to offer it. But each bookmaker can offer different odds, depending on how they value the market. So you need to make sure you’re betting at one of the best Asian handicap bookmakers.
When selecting an Asian Handicap betting site, it’s essential to consider factors such as user experience, variety of sports and markets, competitive odds, and security measures. By choosing one of these reputable bookies, you can be sure to have all of your bases covered.
Asian Handicap Betting Table
Below is a basic Asian handicap table with a few examples of odds and handicap margins you can expect to see in different sports.
| Match | Home Team | Away Team | Asian Handicap | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liverpool | Manchester City | -1.5 | 1.85 |
| 2 | Real Madrid | Barcelona | +0.5 | 2.10 |
| 3 | Golden State Warriors | Los Angeles Lakers | -7.5 | 1.95 |
| 4 | Novak Djokovic | Rafael Nadal | +1.5 | 1.75 |
Strategies for Success in Asian Handicap Betting
Asian Handicap Betting present an opportunity for more savvy gamblers captivating blend of strategy and opportunity, allowing shrewd gamblers to try and gain an advantage over bookmakers.
If you want to become that type of gambler, there are Asian handicap strategies you may want to consider adopting. Some of which can be found below.
Analyse Team Strengths and Weaknesses
In AH Betting, knowledge is power. A meticulous analysis of team strengths, weaknesses, and historical performance is recommended. Look beyond surface-level statistics and delve into details such as recent form, head-to-head matchups, player injuries, and tactical tendencies. This understanding will only serve to help you to make informed decisions and identify potential value bets.
Handicap Adjustments and Line Movement
Keep yourself familiar with the nature of Asian Handicap odds. As bets are placed, the handicap may adjust based on betting action and other factors. Such shifts in odds can provide valuable insights into what other gamblers may be thinking about the fixture. Monitoring and interpreting these adjustments can guide you in spotting mispriced odds.
Incorporating Live Betting
Asian Handicaps can be enhanced with live betting, especially in fast-paced sports like football. Live betting allows you to adjust your strategy based on real-time developments, potentially leading to more favourable outcomes.
Statistical Insights and Research
Embrace the power of data and statistics in your handicap betting. Researching statistical trends, such as home and away performance, goal-scoring patterns, and defensive records, can provide valuable insights into potential outcomes. Combine these insights with your strategic understanding to make well-rounded and educated bets.
Psychological Resilience and Emotional Control
Believe it or not, successful betting requires a strong dose of psychological resilience. Wins and losses are inherent in sports betting, and emotional control is pivotal in maintaining a rational approach. Avoid chasing losses or overextending after a winning streak. Stay level-headed, stick to your pre-defined strategies, and view each bet as part of a larger, long-term plan.
Personal allegiances can also have an impact on your betting, making you back your favourite team when you really shouldn’t, or not favouring a rival when you should.
Best Leagues and Sports for Asian Handicaps
When it comes to Asian handicap betting, certain leagues and sports offer unique characteristics that make them a perfect match. So let’s explore the best leagues and sports that stand out as ideal options for handicaps.
Premier League
The English Premier League stands as the perfect market for Asian handicap betting enthusiasts. With its competitive balance and frequent clashes between strong teams and resilient underdogs, the Premier League offers lots of betting opportunities. Whether it’s a top-of-the-table showdown or an unexpected upset, the Premier League’s unpredictability aligns seamlessly with AH Betting.
La Liga
Spain’s La Liga, renowned for its skilful play and flair, presents an intriguing arena for Asian handicaps. By delving into the details of team dynamics, player performances, and tactical setups, you can unravel the potential of La Liga matches.
Basketball
Beyond the world of football, Asian Handicap Betting thrives in basketball and the NBA. The fast-paced nature of basketball and the potential for momentum swings make the NBA a prime candidate for live betting with Asian Handicap strategies. As teams battle on the court, you can capitalize on shifting odds and ever changing game situations
Tennis
With a sole focus on player performance rather than team dynamics, tennis provides an option for precision betting. By analysing player form, playing surface preferences, and head-to-head matchups, you can craft bets that match up with Asian handicap strategies.
eSports
In the digital age, eSports has emerged as a vibrant and rapidly growing arena for betting. The strategic aspect of Asian handicap betting has found a natural home in the world of competitive video gaming. From multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs) to first-person shooters, eSports events offer opportunities to leverage your understanding of players, games, and teams to make your AH bets.
Before you delve in to a new league or sport, it’s always best to make you have a good grasp of them. Placing bets with little knowledge or experience is a recipe for disaster, likely leading to substantial losses until you get to grips with it.
Common Misconceptions About Asian Handicaps
As we mentioned in our introduction, AHB can seem a little off putting to those who have never used it. Below we’ll cover the most common misconceptions associated with Asian handicap betting, meaning you can approach it with an open mind.
It’s Complicated and Only for Experts
One of the most common misconceptions is that Asian handicap betting is only to be used by betting experts. In reality, while the concept may seem intricate initially, a little more understanding can make it far more accessible to gamblers of all levels. Once you grasp the basics and types of bets, you’ll find it a valuable tool to have in your betting arsenal.
It Guarantees Easy Wins
In all honesty, people who are exploring new betting types often do so as they believe it’s easier to win when using them. Asian handicap betting is no different, but it is by no means a guaranteed ticket to effortless wins. While it does offer a strategic advantage, success still hinges on thorough analysis, informed decision-making, and an understanding of the sport or match.
It Eliminates All Possibility of a Draw
While it does reduce the likelihood of a draw outcome from an outright betting standpoint, it doesn’t eliminate it entirely. Depending on the chosen handicap, a draw remains a possible outcome, especially in scenarios where the favoured team doesn’t win by the expected margin. Remember that Asian handicap betting aims to offer a fairer playing field while maintaining the excitement of the game.
It’s Only Suitable for Certain Sports
While initially gaining prominence in football, it has spread and can be applied to various sports. The underlying principle of balancing odds and creating more competitive matchups remains the same across different sporting events. We’ll cover which sports it can be used in our next section.
It’s a Guaranteed Profit Strategy
Like all forms of betting, it should not be approached as a guaranteed profit strategy. Successful betting requires careful analysis, risk management, and a long-term perspective. While Asian Handicap Betting can provide an edge, there’s no fool proof method to guarantee consistent profits.
Summary
Hopefully we have covered everything you were expecting to learn about Asian handicap betting, meaning you are ready to get going. But remember Asian Handicaps aren’t just about wagering; they’re about embracing strategic thinking, adaptability, and continuous learning. That’s regardless of whether you’re betting on the Premier League, tennis or even eSports.
But should you still be apprehensive about AH betting, then these different types of bets may be just right up your street.