What Is Asian Handicap Betting?
If you are a wager on sports, you may have heard of Asian handicap betting. This wager type, which originated in Asia, is gaining worldwide popularity due to its novel approach to handicapping. This article will define Asian handicap betting and discuss its history and growth, as well as its advantages and disadvantages, the sports that are best suited for Asian handicap betting, the various types of Asian handicap betting, and the potential risks involved in making such a wager.
Table of Content
- Benefits of Asian Handicap Betting
- The Difference between Regular Handicap and Asian Handicap Betting
- Sports Suitable for Asian Handicap Betting
- Types of Asian Handicap Betting
- Risks Involved in Asian Handicap Betting
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Asian handicap betting is a form of sports wagering in which the underdog team is given a handicap or point spread before the action begins. The objective is to equalize the playing field between the two sides and improve betting opportunities. The handicap may be expressed in fractions or whole numbers, with the option of a half-point or half-goal to prevent a tie.
In the 1990s, Asian handicap betting was launched in Indonesia and quickly gained popularity in other Asian nations, including Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. The sports betting business was originally dominated by soccer, but basketball, volleyball, and handball have subsequently gained prominence.
Benefits of Asian Handicap Betting
Asian Handicap betting offers several benefits to the bettors, including:
- Increased odds of winning: Since the handicap levels the playing field, the chances of winning are higher.
- Lower risk: With the elimination of the draw, the risk of losing is reduced, making it a popular choice among bettors.
- Flexibility: The bettor has the option of choosing different handicaps, giving them more flexibility in betting.
- Better value: Compared to traditional betting, Asian Handicap betting offers better value for money as the odds are typically higher.
- More excitement: As the handicap levels are adjusted during the game, it adds to the excitement of watching the game and betting on it.
One of the main benefits of Asian handicap betting is that it offers better odds than regular 1X2 betting, which only has three possible outcomes. With Asian handicap betting, there are four possible outcomes, including a half-win, which provides better betting opportunities.
The Difference between Regular Handicap and Asian Handicap Betting
Regular Handicap Betting
In traditional handicap betting, the underdog team is given a handicap or point spread to level the playing field. To cover the handicap, the favourite team must triumph by a specific margin; otherwise, the bettor loses. For instance, in a basketball game, the underdog team might receive a handicap of +5.5 points. The bettor wins when the favourite team wins by six points or more, but loses when they win by five points or less.
Asian Handicap Betting
The addition of half-point handicaps to typical handicap betting increases wagering opportunities. For example, in a soccer match, the favourite’s handicap could be -0.5, -1, or -1.5, indicating that they must win by at least one, two, or three goals for the bettor to win. The handicap for the underdog could be +0.5, +1, or +1.5, meaning that the underdog must win, tie, or lose by one goal for the bettor to win.
Half-Win in Asian Handicap Betting
One unique feature of Asian handicap betting is the possibility of a half-win. A half-win happens when the final result ends up on the handicap line. For example, if the handicap is -1.5 and the favorite team wins by exactly two goals, the bettor gets a half-win, and only half of the bet amount is returned.
Sports Suitable for Asian Handicap Betting
Soccer is the most popular sport for Asian handicap betting due to the high possibility of a draw. Asian handicap betting allows bettors to bet on the favorite team or underdog team with a handicap, making the betting options more exciting and varied.
Ice hockey is another sport suitable for Asian handicap betting due to the possibility of a tie. With the introduction of overtime and penalty shootouts, bettors can bet on the final outcome or regulation time only.
Besides soccer and ice hockey, there are other sports where matches can end in a draw, such as basketball and handball. However, in these sports, the point difference is usually bigger, making regular handicaps and point spreads a better alternative.
Types of Asian Handicap Betting
There are two types of Asian handicap betting: regulation time handicap betting and final outcome handicap betting.
Regulation Time Handicap Betting: As the name suggests, this type of handicap bet only takes into account the regulation time of a match, and the bets are resolved based on the result at the end of the regulation time. This type of bet is suitable for sports like soccer and ice hockey, where a draw is a possible outcome.
Final Outcome Handicap Betting: This type of handicap bet takes into account the final outcome of a match, including extra time and penalty shootouts if necessary. It is suitable for sports like basketball and handball, where a draw is unlikely.
Risks Involved in Asian Handicap Betting
Asian handicap betting offers better odds than regular 1X2 bets, but it comes with higher risks. The higher the potential rewards, the higher the risks of losing. While the risks are not as big as with regular handicaps, you should still be cautious when placing bets.
If you are new to Asian handicap betting, it is advisable to start slowly and gain confidence. Begin with less risky bets and gradually move to more demanding handicaps as you become more experienced. Always remember to bet responsibly and within your means.
Conclusion
Asian handicap betting is a great way to enhance your odds and get more out of your betting experience. This type of betting was originally used in many Asian countries and has since spread to other sports around the world. It offers better odds than regular 1X2 bets and presents an opportunity for bettors to take advantage of virtual goal advantages. However, it comes with higher risks, and therefore, it is essential to bet responsibly and within your means. With the right approach and mindset, Asian handicap betting can be a profitable and enjoyable betting experience.