Asian Handicap Betting is one of the most popular forms of betting in the world, and for good reason. It offers a great way to even out the playing field between two teams, making it a more fair bet for both parties involved.
In this article, we'll introduce you to Asian Handicap Betting and explain how it works. We'll also give you some tips on how to make wise bets in these markets.
So, if you're interested in learning more about Asian Handicap Betting, keep reading!
What Is Asian Handicap Betting?
Asian Handicap Betting is a form of spread betting that was invented in Asia (no surprise there!) and has since become one of the most popular ways to bet on soccer matches all over the world.
The basic principle behind this form of betting is to handicap the stronger team in a match, thus leveling the playing perceived playing field for the weaker team.
The method of handicapping football teams in Asian markets appears complex at first, but once you learn how it works, you'll realize that it's quite simple.
The sportsbooks are giving the weaker team a head start in terms of goals!
So, from the punter's perspective, the choice is a very simple one and one that offers excellent value.
Asian handicap bets provide smaller margins to the bookmakers because they are more reliant on a large number of betting to make money, which means that Asian Handicaps offer great value for the punter.
Before we get into the handicap system, let's consider a basic example that will be used to evaluate a bet in the Asian Market and leverage the concepts of this market.
Before you begin, you must first form your viewpoint on the game. Adjust your thinking away from the idea of a team's absolute WIN or LOSE.
Think like a bookmaker and consider likely results in terms of:
The decision you will be making is based on whether you think the stronger team will cover the goals handicap on offer.
If you think they will, then you bet on the stronger team, if you feel that the goals handicap is too generous then you would bet on the weaker team.
Our sources of information for this example are:
- Match Odds
- Correct Score Market
- Asian Market odds offered by each bookmaker
We'll use 2022 Champions League Final to illustrate this.
Based on the match odds market Liverpool is favourites to win the game according to the odds which are being offered by the bookmakers.
The correct score market suggests the most likely margin of victory will be 1 goal by Liverpool.
So, if we base our decision on market opinion (ideally augmented by your own) the most likely result is that Liverpool should win the game by 1 goal
Now if we turn our attention to the Asian Handicap Markets, the table below summarises the favourite (in this case Liverpool) outcomes (-) on the left and the underdog (Real Madrid) outcomes (+) on the right.
Asian Handicaps Markets
Use this table as a reference so you can determine the result required for your bet to win.
The -0.5 or +0.5 Goal Handicap.
This Asian Handicap shows perfectly how the draw has been eliminated out of the possible outcomes as one side of the market will win if the match ends all square (+0.5 Goal Handicap)
In this asian handicap market, one team has a half goal start (the underdog), so if the football match finishes in a draw and you bet on the favourite then you would lose your bet.
You should use the asian handicap markets to cross-reference with the 1X2 market to find out if there is any value in the lines on offer.
Liverpool -0.5 goals are best priced at 2.06 in this odds comparison table, but you can get 2.10 multiple bookmakers in the match odds market. Real Madrid +0.50 goals in the above table is 1.84 and you can cross reference this asian handicap line with the double chance market.
The outcome that you're looking for is Real Madrid & Draw as a direct comparison to +0.5 goals, for you to make a profit betting on Liverpool they must win the game.
Pro Trader Tip: Before placing any bet on the outcome of a football match you should always scan between both betting markets to see which one is offering you the best value.
The 0 Asian Handicap.
The favourite (-) and underdog (+) symbols have been eliminated from this market as only two outcomes are possible.
A bet on either team in this asian handicap market and the game ends in a draw then your stake is returned, so this market is identical to the draw no bet market and, as the name suggests you get your stake back if the match finishes in a draw. Means no one wins or loses and your money is returned.
The -0.25 or +0.25 Goal Handicap.
In this market, at the end of the game, 0.25 is deducted from the home team score and +0.25 is added to the away team score. So, if a game ends in a draw and you bet on the Real Madrid in the +0.25 Asian Market, you will profit from half of your stake and the other half will be returned to you.
The important thing to remember is that when you're placing a bet on the +0.25 goal line in an Asian Handicap market, your selection only needs to avoid defeat for your bet to be successful.
Asian Handicaps also offer equivalent bets in the fixed odds market listed below:
- DRAW NO BET is the same as ASIAN HANDICAP 0
- HOME WIN is the same as ASIAN HANDICAP -0.5
- DOUBLE CHANCE is the same as ASIAN HANDICAP +0.5
In Summary
Asian Handicap Betting is a great way to make things more interesting when betting on soccer matches. It can be a little confusing at first, but once you understand how it works, you'll see that it's quite simple. The sportsbooks are giving the weaker team a head start in terms of goals, so this form of betting evens out the playing field and makes for more exciting matches. Have you tried Asian Handicap Betting before? If not, give it a try today!
