Whether you're a professional punter or someone who prefers recreational betting, you've probably already heard of Asian handicap betting. However, while that may be the case, few actually know how it works, and even fewer know when to use it to their advantage.
So, to help you utilise this market, here's a guide to help you with everything you need to know about Asian handicap.
How Do Asian Handicaps Work?
Asian handicap is an underdog-friendly betting market that gives teams a hypothetical goal advantage or disadvantage which may then lead to better odds. Hence, if a strong team (A) matches with a weaker team (B), you can still have a chance to gain profit if you bet on team B.For example, if team A is given a -0.75 handicap, team B will be given a +0.75 goal headstart. Hence, if the match concludes with a 2 - 1 score, a bet placed on team A loses since their theoretical score becomes 1.25 - 1.75.
Moreover, Asian handicaps also have three lines: half goal, quarter goal and full goal; which will all be explained in detail in the next section.
Types of Asian Handicaps
There are several types of Asian Handicaps available in the market. Found below is a table you could also use for reference.AH 0 (0.0)
An Asian Handicap 0.0 means no advantage is set for any team. This is identical to the Draw No Bet or DNB, or Level ball market.This type is suitable to use when both teams are equally matched. If your chosen team wins then your bet is successful. If the match ends in a draw, your stake will be refunded. If they lose then you lose your bet.
AH 0.25 (1/4 Ball)
Betting on Asian Handicap 0.25 is more complicated than AH 0. In this type, your stake is divided into two to create two bets. You win, win the half, lose, or lose half of your stake.If you bet with a -0.25 handicap then your chosen team must win for your bet to be successful. Should the match end in a draw then half of your stake is refunded and the other half is settled as a winner at the odds taken. If they lose then you lose your stake.
On the other hand, betting with a +0.25 handicap means your chosen team must win for your bet to be successful. If the match ends in a draw, it would be the same process as when you bet with a -0.25 handicap. If they lose then you also lose your stake.
AH 0.5 (1/2 Ball)
This type of Asian Handicap is similar to the 'To Win' market.If you bet with a -0.5 handicap then your chosen team must win for your bet to be successful. If your team loses or if the match ends in a draw or, then you lose your stake.
If you bet with a +0.5 handicap then your chosen team must win or the match should end in a draw for your bet to be successful. If your team loses then you also lose your stake.
AH 0.75 Or -0.5, -1 (3/4 Ball)
The Asian Handicap 0.75 is similar to the AH 0.25 since your stake will also be divided into two to create two bets.In order to be successful in betting with a -0.75 handicap, your team should win by two or more goals. If your chosen team wins by one goal then half of your stake is returned and the remaining half will be settled as a win at the odds taken. However, if the match ends in a draw then you lose your stake.
Meanwhile, betting with a +0.75 handicap means your team must win or end in a draw for your bet to be a success. If they lose by even just one goal then half of your stake is returned and the other half is a loss. If your team loses by two or more goals then you lose your stake.
AH 1 (Full Ball)
Betting with a -1 handicap would mean your chosen team should win by two or more goals for your bet to be a success. If your team wins by one goal then all of your initial stake is returned. If your team loses and the match ends in a draw, then you lose your stake.On the other hand, if you bet with a +1 handicap then your team should win or the match should end in a draw for your bet to be successful. Though if they lose by one goal, your stake will be returned. If they lose by two or more, you lose your stake.
AH 1.25 (1 & 1/4 Ball)
Just like the AH 0.25 and AH 0.75, your stake is divided into two to form two bets with the Asian Handicap 1.25.If you place a bet with a -1.25 handicap, your team must win by two or more goals for your bet to be a success. If your team loses by one goal, half of your stake is refunded while the remaining half is settled as a loss. However, if the match ends in a draw, you lose all of your stakes.
Meanwhile, betting with +1.25 means your team should win or the match must end in a draw for your bet to be successful. If your team wins by one goal, half of your stake will be refunded while the remaining half will be considered a win at the odds taken. If they lose by two or more goals, you also lose all of your stakes.
AH 1.5 (1 & 1/2 Ball)
Betting with a 1.5 Asian Handicap is similar to betting with a -1 handicap.If your chosen team wins by two or more goals, your bet will be considered a success. If they lose or if the game concludes in a draw then you lose your stake.
Furthermore, if your team finishes by one goal, draws or wins the match, your bet is successful. If they lose by two or more goals, you also lose your stake.
AH 1.75 (1 & 3/4 Ball)
With Asian Handicap 1.75, your stake will also be divided into two to form two bets.To be successful in betting with -1.75, your team should win by three or more. In cases where your teams win by two goals, half of your stake will be refunded while the remaining half is considered a win at the odds taken. If your team wins by one goal, draws or loses the match, you will lose your stake.
On the other hand, if you bet with a +1.75 handicap, your team should win, draw or lose by exactly one goal for your bet to be considered a success. If they lose by exactly two goals, half of your stake will be returned while the other half is considered a loss. If they lose by three or more, you will also lose your stake.
AH 2 (2 Ball)
To be successful in betting with a -2 handicap, your team should win the game by three or more goals. If they win by two, then your stake will be refunded. If they win by one goal, draws or loses the match, you lose your stake.Betting with a +2 handicap, on the other hand, means your team must lose by exactly one goal, draw or win the game for your bet to be considered a success. If your team loses by two goals, your stake will be refunded. If they lose by three or more, then you also lose all of your stakes.
Why Should You Bet on Asian Handicaps?
The best thing about betting on Asian handicaps is that you can still profit from a match even if your team lost the game. It can help you predict your returns and jump back from losing streaks by letting you profit or get a "push" should an underdog gets close.Meanwhile, if you're confident that the favourite will win the match by a landslide, then you can get a better price by betting on full goal line handicaps.
Additionally, Asian handicaps can give you better odds and higher limits with low spread, giving you even better prices should you win a bet. One of the best ways to take advantage of Asian handicaps is to use a sportsbooks aggregator so that you can compare odds from various Asian bookies in just one platform.
When Shouldn't You Bet on Asian Handicaps?
While betting on Asian handicaps can be a good trade — especially if you know how to use them well — it's not always the best option if you want to get a better price.Asian handicaps cover the draw and draw odds don't always have the best value. This is because most bookies would push on other markets since not a lot of people bet on draws.
Therefore, while Asian handicaps can ensure a more likely win, your overall profit can still suffer should you use them for every match. The price of 'insurance' comes in the form of lower odds, so finding balance in betting on various markets is the best way to go.
Conclusion
Asian Handicap betting is used to level the playing field for two opposing teams of disproportionate strength or form by applying either positive or negative points or 'handicap', therefore, creating a balance. So, once you fully understand its concept and how it works, you will definitely rake the benefits it has to offer.You can find more on the subject at European v Asian handicap - What's the difference?
