Asian Handicap is a popular betting market offered by sportsbooks, especially in football (soccer). It offers a unique and interesting way for bettors to level the playing field between two teams of different strengths. In this comprehensive explanation, BINGOPLUS will delve into the concept of handicap, how it is calculated, and how handicap works in sports betting.
What is asian handicap?
Asian Handicap, also known as Handicap or handicap, is a form of football betting that originated in Asia and has now become the most popular type of bet in the world. Unlike European Handicap, which has 3 outcomes (win-draw-lose), handicap has only 2 outcomes by eliminating the possibility of a draw.
The basic principle of handicap is to create a balance between two teams by giving the stronger team a handicap of a certain number of goals over the weaker team. This gives players a 50/50 chance of winning the bet, instead of 33.33% like European Handicap.
Types of handicap
Asian Handicap is always attractive to players because of the interesting way of betting. Players have many different handicap options to try their hand. In Handicap, players have two main types of bets to choose from:
Single handicap
This is the basic form of handicap, in which the handicap value is applied to a team, whether it is an advantage or a disadvantage. It aims to provide a fairer betting option for matches with a clear favorite and an obvious underdog
Splitting asian handicap
In some cases where the perceived difference in strength between teams is significant, sportsbooks may offer a Split Asian Handicap. It splits the bet into two halves with different handicap values, giving bettors more flexibility in their betting options. This is the most popular type of bet in handicap.
Before the match takes place, sports bookmakers will update the Handicap table with specific handicap rates. Players need to choose a rate to predict. Some common rates are:
- Handicap 0.25 (asian handicap half a ball): If the difference is 1 goal, the upper bet wins, the lower bet loses. If the two teams draw, the upper bet loses half the money, the lower bet wins half the money.
- Handicap 0.5 (handicap half a ball): The upper bet wins when the total goal difference is 1 goal or more. If the two teams draw, the lower bet is still considered a win.
- Handicap 1.0 (handicap 1 ball): The upper bet wins when the difference is more than 1 goal. If the difference is 1 goal, the bet is a draw and the player is paid. If the lower bet and the upper bet are tied, the lower bet wins the full amount.
Specific instructions on how to read handicaps for football betting
When entering the bookmaker’s odds table, players will encounter many different handicaps, from simple to complex. Below is how to understand and apply each basic type of Asian handicap that new players need to know.
Handicap bet
Equal handicap is a ratio where no team is handicapped, meaning that the two teams are considered equal. If the match ends in a draw, the bettor will be refunded.
For example: The match between Brighton vs Aston Villa, the bookmaker offers equal handicaps. If you bet on Brighton and they win 2-1, you will win the full amount. If the match ends in a 1-1 draw, you will get your bet back.
Football handicap 0.25
With a handicap of 0.25, the favorite team only needs to win for the player to win the bet. If the two teams draw, the favorite bettor will lose half the money, the underdog will win half the money.
For example: Tottenham vs West Ham, Tottenham handicap 0.25. If you bet on Tottenham and they win 1-0, you win the full amount. If the match ends in a 2-2 draw, you lose half the bet.
Handicap bet 0.5
This bet requires the asian handicap team to win by at least 1 goal for the player to win the bet. If it ends in a draw or loss, the bettor on the handicap team will lose the full amount.
For example: AC Milan vs Bologna, AC Milan will handicap 0.5. If Milan wins 1-0, you bet on Milan and win the full amount, but if it ends in a 1-1 draw, you lose all the bet.
Handicap bet 0.75
With a 0.75 asian handicap, if the favorite team wins by 1 goal, the player wins half the bet; if they win by 2 goals or more, they win the full amount. If they end in a draw or loss, the bettor on the handicap team loses the full amount.
For example: Man City vs Crystal Palace, Man City handicap 0.75. If they win 2-1, Man City bettors will win half; if they win 3-1, they win the full amount, and if they draw 1-1, they lose the entire bet.
Handicap 1 goal
In a handicap 1 goal bet, if the handicap team wins by exactly 1 goal, the bettor will get their money back. To win the bet, the handicap team must win by 2 goals or more.
For example: Barcelona vs Sevilla, Barca handicap 1 goal. If Barca wins 2-0, you win the full amount; if they only win 1-0, you get your money back. If they draw or Barca lose, you lose all your bet.
Unbeatable handicap betting tips for newbies
Understanding the odds is the first step, but knowing how to apply them flexibly to each match is the deciding factor in winning or losing. Here are 4 practical tips to help newbies increase their winning rate when playing Asian handicap:
Read the handicap table quickly like a pro
When looking at the odds table, clearly identify which team is the favorite, what the specific handicap is and the payout for each door. Being proficient in reading the handicap odds table helps you avoid being “visually fooled” by the bookmaker’s presentation. Always carefully check symbols such as (+), (–), color and odds fluctuations before placing your money!
Choose the right time to place a bet without adjustment
The ideal time to place a bet is usually 15 – 30 minutes before the match starts, when the odds are more stable. You should avoid placing bets too early because the odds can fluctuate strongly and make you fall into a trap. Closely monitoring the fluctuations of the Odds before the match also helps you detect the “breaking point” to bet accurately.
Prioritize the home team when handicapping lightly
When the home team only asian handicap 0.25 or 0.5 goals, this is usually a safe ratio to place your trust in. The home team always has the advantage of the field, psychology and physical strength, so it is easy to control the game. In balanced matches, the home field factor can make a big difference.
Combining handicap and team form
You should not only look at the Odds ratio but ignore factors such as recent form, history of confrontation or the force on the field. A team with high and stable form will have a better chance of overcoming the handicap than a famous but declining team. Analyzing the odds combined with real data will help you improve the accuracy when placing bets.
Conclusion
Asian handicap is not only a game of luck but also a game of thinking and analysis. Start with basic knowledge, practice regularly and apply reasonable tactics according to what BINGOPLUS shares to conquer every odds board like a professional bettor.
