Betting on Asian Handicap is a popular form of betting in football (soccer) and other sports, where the bookmaker gives one team a virtual deficit (a handicap) to overcome at the start of the match. This type of betting can be a bit more complex than traditional 1X2 (win/draw/lose) markets, but it can offer better value and can be more exciting for bettors. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to bet on Asian Handicap:
### Understand the Basics
1. **Handicap**: The stronger team is given a handicap (a deficit), which can be a half goal, one goal, 1.5 goals, etc. The weaker team starts with a virtual lead equivalent to the handicap.
2. **Line**: The handicap is often referred to as the ‘line’. For example, if the line is Manchester United -1, it means Manchester United starts the match with a one-goal deficit.
3. **Half and Quarter Lines**: Asian Handicap lines can be in halves (e.g., 0.5, 1.5, 2.5) or quarters (e.g., 0.25, 0.75, 1.25, etc.). Half lines result in a win or loss for the bet, while quarter lines can result in a push (a refund) if the game ends with the handicap being exactly met.
### Placing a Bet
1. **Choose Your Market**: Look for the Asian Handicap market in your sportsbook. It will usually be listed alongside other popular betting options.
2. **Select Your Handicap**: Decide which team you want to bet on and the handicap you’re comfortable with. Remember, the higher the handicap, the more likely it is for the team to cover it, but the lower the odds will be.
3. **Bet Type**: Asian Handicap bets can be single bets or part of an accumulator. Choose the type of bet that suits your strategy.
4. **Stake Your Bet**: Decide how much you want to bet. Remember responsible gambling practices and only bet what you can afford to lose.
### Understanding the Outcome
1. **Result Without Handicap**: After the match, you’ll need to look at the result without the handicap. For example, if the match ends 2-1 to Team A, that’s the result you’ll use to calculate your bet.
2. **Applying the Handicap**: Subtract the handicap from the stronger team’s score (the team with the negative handicap). In our previous example, if Team A had a -1 handicap, their score would become 1-1 after applying the handicap.
3. **Determining the Winner**: If the adjusted score (after applying the handicap) is in favor of the team you bet on, you win. If it’s in favor of the other team, you lose. If it results in a draw (the handicap is exactly met), and it’s a half line, you lose. If it’s a quarter line, you get your stake back (a push).
### Example
– Match: Manchester United vs. West Brom
– Asian Handicap: Manchester United -1, West Brom +1
– You bet: $100 on West Brom +1 at odds of 1.90
If the match ends 1-1:
– Adjusted score: Manchester United 0-2 West Brom (because of the -1 handicap)
– Result: You win your bet. Your payout would be $100 (your stake) + $190 (your winnings) = $290.
If the match ends 2-1:
– Adjusted score: Manchester United 1-2 West Brom
– Result: You win your bet.
If the match ends 2-0:
– Adjusted score: Manchester United 1-0 West Brom
– Result: You lose your bet.
Remember that Asian Handicap betting can be quite nuanced, and it’s important to understand the specific rules of your sportsbook regarding half and quarter lines, as well as how they handle ties or void bets. Always read the terms and conditions before placing your bets.
