Asian Handicap is a popular sports market that serves as an alternative to the traditional 1×2. Asian Handicap reduces the number of possible results from 3 in 1×2 down to only 2. This means players can bet more confidently on one team to win or lose and not have to worry about the draw. Find out all about handicap betting markets, the main advantages, and efficient tactics in this article.
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Level Asian Handicap
A Level Asian Handicap is used when there’s no clear favorite in the match. In this case, the sports market is called “Asian Handicap 0”. In fact, you simply bet on which team will win the match. The key difference with this bet type is that a draw outcome is removed. If the match ends in a draw, your stake is given back, just like in a Draw No Bet sports market. Here are what outcomes that are possible:
The team you bet on wins – you win;
The match ends with a draw – your bet is voided;
The team loses – you lose.
Single Asian Handicap
Single Asian Handicap is used when there’s a clear difference in skills and strength between two teams. To level the power, the stronger team is given an imaginary disadvantage before the match starts – commonly values like -0.5, -1, -1.5, or -2. The table below shows how different single handicaps and their results may impact the outcome of the bet.
Team You Bet On
Handicap
Match Result
Your Bet Result
Team A
-0.5
Win
Win
Draw or Lose
Lose
Team B
+0.5
Win or Draw
Win
Lose
Lose
Team A
-1
Win by 2 or More
Win
Win by 1
Bet Void
Draw or Lose
Lose
Team B
+1
Win or Draw
Win
Lose by 1
Bet Void
Lose by 1 or More
Lose
Team A
-1.5
Win by 2 or More
Win
Win by 1, Lose, or Draw
Lose
Team B
+1.5
Win, Draw, or Lose by 1
Win
Lose by 2 or More
Lose
Team A
-2
Win by 3 or More
Win
Win by 2
Bet Void
Win by 1, Draw, or Lose
Lose
Team B
+2
Win, Draw, or Lose by 1
Win
Lose by 2
Bet Void
Lose by 3 or More
Lose
Split Asian Handicap
A Split Asian Handicap is used when the difference in skills and strength between two teams is not obvious. Your stake is divided evenly between two closely related handicaps. For example, instead of placing a bet on a team at -0.5, you might place a split bet at -0.5 and -1. This means half your stake goes on each handicap.
This sports market is also commonly referred to as a quarter handicap. That’s because combinations like “0 & -0.5”, “-0.5 & -1”, or “1 & 1.5” are mathematically the same as betting at -0.25, -0.75, or +1.25, respectively. These sports markets allow more nuanced outcomes and give you the possibility of winning or losing only part of your stake depending on the match result.
Team You Bet On
Handicap
Match Result
Your Bet Result
Team A
0 & -0.5
Win
Win
Draw
Lose Half Stake
Lose
Lose
Team B
0 & +0.5
Win
Win
Draw
Win Half Stake
Lose
Lose
Team A
-0.5 & -1
Win by 2 or More
Win
Win by 1
Win Half Stake
Draw or Lose
Lose
Team B
0.5 & 1
Win or Draw
Win
Lose by 1
Lose Half Stake
Lose by 2 or More
Lose
Team A
-1 & -1.5
Win by 2 or More
Win
Win by 1
Lose Half Stake
Lose by 2 or More
Lose
Team B
1 & 1.5
Win or Draw
Win
Lose by 1
Win Half Stake
Lose by 2 or More
Lose
Team A
-1.5 & -2
Win by 3 or More
Win
Win by 2
Win Half Stake
Win by 1, Draw, or Lose
Lose
Team B
1.5 & 2
Win, Draw, or Lose by 1
Win
Lose by 2
Lose Half Stake
Lose by 3 or More
Lose
Team A
-2 & -2.5
Win by 3 or More
Win
Win by 2
Lose Half Stake
Win by 1, Draw, or Lose
Lose
Team B
2 & 2.5
Win, Draw, or Lose by 1
Win
Lose by 2
Win Half Stake
Lose by 3 or More
Lose
Benefits of Asian Handicap Betting
Cricket-betting.com.in have noted one significant advantage of Asian handicap betting. Bookmakers often offer high odds for such sports markets, particularly when you bet on a favorite. Another advantage is that the removal of the possibility of a draw increases the bettor’s chances of winning. This means that you can win even when your team doesn’t.
In addition, you can find value when an underdog or favorite is under- or overrated.
Asian Handicap Betting Strategies
Bettors who decide to try their hand at Asian handicap betting can make use of efficient tactics to increase their wins. These are the major recommendations from our experts:
Asian handicaps can enhance your parlay bets. Most sportsbooks allow you to include them. Thanks to this, it is possible to include sports markets that are typically excluded from express bets. For instance, while most sportsbooks don’t allow a Draw No Bet stake in a parlay, they will allow a 0 Asian handicap, which functions similarly;
Asian handicaps give you a better chance at a push compared to traditional straight bets. This can protect a parlay bet rather than result in a full loss;
Pay attention to lineups and upcoming matches. Strong teams often rotate their squads when facing weaker opponents, especially if they have a crucial match coming up or are in the middle of a complicated match streak. That scenario could make a choice like an Asian Handicap +2.5 on the team’s opponent very valuable. Being aware of team news and the broader context of the match can help you find favorable opportunities;
Don’t overlook first-half Asian handicaps and totals. These sports markets can present excellent value if you have a solid understanding of how a match might unfold early. In knockout scenarios, teams are often more cautious in the opening stages. This presents chances to capitalize on lower first-half totals or more conservative handicaps. Again, understanding the context of the match is key to spotting these edges;
Asian handicaps can be especially useful in live betting. For example, if a strong team loses early wickets while chasing a target, their odds may shift dramatically. Betting on them at that stage gives you a chance to succeed if they recover and win. It also offers some protection if the match is equal. Similarly, early wickets or quick runs can raise the projected total runs line and create a chance to bet on the Under with improved odds.
FAQ
How Does Asian Handicap Differ from a Traditional 1×2 Betting Market?
A 1×2 betting market offers 3 possible results: home win (1), draw (X), or away win (2). Asian Handicap eliminates the draw possibility, resulting in only two possible outcomes. Odds are better, in most cases.
What Do the Numbers Mean in Asian Handicap?
The numbers show an imaginary handicap given to teams. Negative numbers (-0.5) indicate the favored team starting with a deficit. Positive numbers (+1.25) indicate the underdog starting with an advantage.
Can I Include Asian Handicaps in Accumulator Bets?
Yes. You can use them like a bet insurance, for example, which helps you not to lose the entire express bet.
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