1. Handicap Draw Betting Explained Results
2. Sports Betting Terms Explained
3. Sports Betting Explained In Detail

Asian handicap betting. As the name suggests, this form of handicap betting gets its name from its popularity in Asia. Just like with the no-draw handicap market, there can be no tie on the Asian handicap, which is what makes it so appealing to many people. In the Asian handicap, there are sometimes two numbers quoted. Team A may be -1 and -1.5. A Handicap bet is a bet on the outcome of a sporting event, but with one team or player having a virtual handicap applied to their score. This has the effect of giving the other team or player a head start. It is usually used in events where there is a heavy favourite, and the odds to back that favourite to win would be very low and unappealing.

Find out the meaning of soccer handicap betting, how it works and the different types of soccer handicap betting markets available at Pinnacle. Continue reading to become a handicap betting expert.

In soccer as is an all competitive sports there is normally a difference in perceived quality of the opposing teams; the size of that difference varies depending on a complex range of influences ranging from historical dominance and financial backing to situational factors such as home field advantage or player injuries/availability. Soccer betting interprets these factors and represent them as chances of success for each side in the form of odds.

Whether you bet on CSGO, Dota 2, LoL, Overwatch or any other game, you’re bound to encounter handicap bets.In general – Handicap (or “spread) betting is essentially a way of making a match, where there is an apparent winner, more interesting. H andicap betting means giving or taking round wins to one of the teams involved before the game even starts, making the odds closer and more fun. Handicap betting is a market offered by most bookmakers and is available on various sports. The whole reason for handicap betting is to give an advantage in points or goals to the weaker team, in any given match. It would be a bit boring if you were to bet on say Man City vs your local pub team, as there's going to be one winner clearly.

Handicap betting explained

Where the perceived difference in abilities is significant the betting odds on the favourite will be so small that it provides minimal returns and therefore little incentive for bettors.

A numerical figure set by the bookmaker to counter the perceived bias in abilities of opponents - this provides more balanced odds.

To counter the perceived bias in abilities, and to provide more balanced and appealing odds, bookmakers offer what is known as handicap betting. In the context of soccer, the Handicap odds level the playing-field by accounting for difference in perceived strength of the participants by literally applying a goal handicap - positive and negative - to each side. This gives bettors the opportunity to find more value than when backing a heavy Favourite in traditional 1X2 bet - the most common way to bet on soccer.

The handicap is applied to the actual outcome of the game in order to grade (result) the bet. There are three types of Handicap bets you need to be aware of before betting:

Level Handicap

A level Handicap is where there is no perceived difference in abilities between Team X and Team Y, so no Handicap bias is assigned and both teams start with 0 goals.

To win a bet, the bettor must identify the team which they think will score more goals than their opponent. This type of handicap isn't relevant for one-sided encounters but is useful in that it eliminates the draw; if the game ends in a tie all bets are refunded because on a zero handicap neither team has any advantage.

Single Handicap

A single Handicap occurs when there is a perceived difference in abilities between Team X and Team Y.

The alleged superior team will be given an appropriate goal handicap to level the playing field for betting purposes i.e. -0.5 goal, -1 goal, -1.5 goals etc.

For example, if you bet on Team X with a handicap of -1 goal, they must win by more than one goal to cover their handicap and win you your bet.

If they only win by one goal, the result with the handicap applied is a draw for betting purposes, so your bet is refunded. If Team Y draw or win, you will lose your bet on Team X.

Split Handicap

A split Handicap occurs when the difference between the two teams’ abilities is small; allowing you to spilt your stake over two handicaps.

A split Handicap occurs when the difference between the two teams’ abilities is small; allowing you to spilt your stake over two handicaps.

For example, Team X might be offered at (0 & -0.5). If you bet on Team X and they lose, you will lose both bets, as they did not cover either handicap.

If the match ends in a draw, half of your stake at (0) will be refunded, and the other half at (-0.5) will lose. If Team X wins however, both handicaps will be covered, so both bets win.

If you’re stuck in the past slavishly following three-way fixed odds betting, the chances are you’re not getting a decent return on your investment, and your betting might benefit from the fresh perspective that soccer handicap betting provides.

Now that you know how handicap betting can be used to increase your profits, don't miss out on our number one most popular article - Staking: One method to improve your betting.

Handicap betting video explainer

Found this article useful? Why not check out our videos that details how Handicap betting works.

Handicap Draw Betting Explained Results

Asian Handicap video explainer

Sports Betting Terms Explained

Sports Betting Explained In Detail

You can also understand how Asian Handicap betting works by watching this helpful video.

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