Asian Handicap is a betting system that originated in Asia and is widely used in football (soccer) betting. Unlike traditional betting where three outcomes are possible (home win, draw, away win), the Asian Handicap eliminates the possibility of a draw. This is done by giving one of the teams a head start in terms of goals. For instance, a team might be given a handicap of -1.5 goals, meaning they need to win by 2 or more goals for a bet on them to be successful.
The main purpose of this system is to level the playing field in uneven matchups, making games with a clear favorite more attractive for betting. Bets are returned (voided) if the match results in a tie after the handicap is applied.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does a 0.0 Asian Handicap work?
A 0.0 Asian Handicap is essentially a “Draw No Bet” option. If the team you bet on wins, you win the bet. If it’s a draw, your stake is returned. If the team you bet on loses, you lose the bet.
What does a -1.0 Asian Handicap mean?
If you bet on a team with a -1.0 handicap, they need to win by 2 or more goals for your bet to win. If they win by exactly 1 goal, your stake is returned. If they draw or lose, you lose the bet.
What’s the difference between Asian Handicap and regular handicap betting?
Regular handicap betting typically offers three outcomes: home win, draw, or away win. With Asian Handicap, the possibility of a draw is eliminated, resulting in only two possible outcomes. Moreover, Asian Handicaps often use quarter-goal and half-goal handicaps, which can result in partial win/loss situations.
Why are there half and quarter goal handicaps in Asian Handicap betting?
Half and quarter goal handicaps (like -0.5 or -1.25) are used to eliminate the possibility of a draw after the handicap is applied. For instance, a -0.5 handicap means the team must win for the bet to be successful. A -1.25 handicap means that if the team wins by 1 goal, half the stake is returned (drawn) and half is lost; if they win by 2 or more, the bet is successful.
Is Asian Handicap betting available for sports other than football?
While Asian Handicap is most commonly associated with football, it is available for other sports where scoring and points difference are key factors. This includes sports like basketball and rugby, although the specific rules and handicaps might differ.
