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The Asian handicap stands out as a leading bet form throughout Malaysia, and it’s clear why it garners such popularity. It allows you to wager on a specific outcome of your choice, affording you greater control compared to conventional betting options.

Continue reading to unravel how the Asian handicap market operates, weighing its advantages and disadvantages, perfecting your approach to it, and gaining an edge in this betting style.

Grasping the Concept of Asian Handicap Betting

Asian handicap betting

In traditional betting scenarios, the sportsbook typically outlines a limited array of outcomes and presents you with fixed odds for each possibility. A prime example of this is the Match Result betting. In a football match, you’d generally choose from three potential results: Team A Wins, Draw, or Team B Wins, each accompanied by respective odds.

Asian handicap betting, however, deviates significantly from this norm. Instead of simply guessing the overall winner, you're focusing on the margin by which a team or player is expected to win. For instance, rather than only picking Team A to win, you might wager on them achieving victory with a margin of at least two goals.

You have a far broader spectrum of betting options at your disposal. In football, you could find margins spanning from as little as 0.5 goals (indicating a bet on Team A winning by a minimum of one goal) to lofty figures like 5.5 goals or more. The choice of handicap is yours, with odds fluctuating based on the likelihood of that outcome.

Ultimately, what attracts many to this betting style is the enhanced control it provides over both the predicted result and the odds, aiming to create a more balanced viewpoint in betting. Additionally, it opens doors for wagering on matchups that might not be accessible through traditional methods.

Take, for example, a matchup where Manchester City goes head-to-head with a Championship team in the FA Cup—here, the odds for Man City’s Match Result would be exceptionally low. Conversely, by utilizing the Asian handicap, you can place a bet on them winning by a significant margin, say two, three, or even four goals, and receive a much better value.

Asian Handicaps vs European Handicaps

Let's clarify the critical distinctions between a European handicap and an Asian handicap.

In European handicaps, you have the option to bet on a draw, in addition to selecting either team to secure a win. The draw is also assigned a handicap. For instance, it could be set at -2 if Manchester City is a dominant favorite.

This betting style allows you to wager using whole numbers and decimals (e.g., -1.25, -1.5, etc.), but you won't have the option to bet on the draw.

If the match ends in a draw, depending on the handicap you chose, it results in a 'push,' meaning your stake gets collected back. Asian handicap betting This is considered slightly more precarious than the European variant. However, this added risk typically results in higher odds.

Asian Handicap Odds

To begin with, the formats for Asian handicaps resemble those for standard wagers. Most sportsbooks enable you to choose among decimal, fractional, or American odds formats. Some might even permit the use of Malay odds, although that's somewhat rarer.

The decimal odds format is the preferred choice for Asian handicaps. This layout is intuitive, showcasing your potential return for a unit in your selected currency. For example, if the odds are at 1.50 and you place a bet of MYR 10, your return would amount to MYR 15. The larger the figure, the more favorable your odds and the higher your potential payout.

How Do Asian Handicap Odds Work?

Initially, Asian handicap odds may appear a bit peculiar, but with time, you'll quickly acclimatize to them.

As with all betting in sports, you'll encounter a favorite and an underdog. In this context, the favorite will carry a negative number, while the underdog will sport a positive number. Asian bookie handicap In Asian handicap odds, you commence each matchup with a sort of ‘fictional score.’ For instance, if you wager on Man City to win with a handicap of -1.5, they would effectively start the match 1.5 goals behind. To ensure your bet wins, they must achieve victory by two goals or more. If you back their opponents with a +3.5 handicap, they can lose by a maximum of three goals for you to still be in the winning position.

The versatility of selecting your preferred handicap is a big plus here. However, do bear in mind that your odds will increase with the level of risk you choose. Thus, betting on Man City at -3.5 will offer a far more enticing payout than -0.5.

After covering the preceding sections, you should possess a solid understanding of Asian handicap bets. Let's look at a couple of scenarios to succinctly tie everything together, focusing on both underdogs and favorites.

Examples of Asian Handicap Betting

In La Liga, Barcelona faces newly-promoted Cadiz and is seen as overwhelming favorites. Confident in a commanding victory, you place a bet on Barcelona at -3.5, with the odds set at 2.15, wagering MYR 100. Asian handicap Subsequently, Barcelona triumphs 4-0. The margin of victory exceeded 3.5, resulting in a winning bet. Your payout lands at MYR 215 (2.15 times 100).

Winning Example

When facing Real Madrid in El Clasico, Barcelona plays the role of underdog. The odds for Match Result are solid, but you doubt their chances of winning.

Instead, you predict a close scoreline, opting for Barcelona at +1.5 with a stake of MYR 100. Regrettably, Barcelona ends up losing 2-0, exceeding your 1.5 goal cushion, leading to the loss of both your bet and your stake.

Losing Example

Thus far, we’ve dissected the Asian handicap wager in its fundamental form. There are three primary varieties of Asian handicaps, all of which maintain a straightforward nature, as outlined below.

The most widely utilized form of Asian handicap, which we've primarily examined thus far, involves placing a solitary bet on your chosen outcome.

Varieties of Betting Markets Incorporating Asian Handicap

True to its name, a double Asian handicap consists of two separate wagers, leading to the division of your overall stake. Typically, the double involves one whole number and one half-number.

Single Double Split

Single

For instance, you could back Barcelona at -0.0 and -0.5. If the match concludes in a draw, your -0.0 bet results in a push. If Barcelona wins by a minimum of one goal, your -0.5 bet succeeds, resulting in a win.

Double

The split or ‘quarter’ handicap operates similarly to the double, although it’s presented differently. Instead of placing a -0.0/-0.5 double as described above, you would place a -0.25 split handicap, automatically granting you the two nearest 0.5 values on either side: in this case, -0.0 and -0.5. If you select a -2.75 split, you'd receive -2.50 and -3, and so on.

Once again, there are three primary outcomes: you may lose, achieve a push with a draw, or win on the half-number aspect of your handicap.

Split

Our intention isn't to sway you into experiencing Asian handicaps; rather, we aim to present an even-handed perspective on this betting approach. In this vein, here are its primary advantages and drawbacks.

Asian handicaps afford you enhanced control over your betting strategies. Instead of merely declaring that a team will win, you can forecast the margin by which they will win.

Pros & Cons of Asian Handicap Betting

At trustedonlinecasinosmalaysia You can also place bets on teams losing, something that's not feasible with standard Match Result wagers.

Pros

  • The 'push' feature provides a layer of safety with standard Asian handicaps, even if your predictions don't pan out exactly as intended.
  • This also allows you to bet on significant favorites with Match Result odds that are otherwise unattractively low.
  • While Asian handicaps aren’t overly intricate, they do possess a level of complexity that's greater than standard Match Result bets. Consequently, there is more opportunity for miscalculation.
  • On a fundamental level, the challenges of winning with Asian handicaps surpass those associated with Match Result bets. Even if you accurately forecast the game's general outcome, there’s no assurance it will align perfectly with your expectations.

Cons

  • We already touched upon the core distinction between the two primary handicap types—Asian and European. To summarize, the ability to bet on a draw exists within European handicaps, while draws resulting in a push is a characteristic of Asian handicaps.
  • Beyond this significant distinction, numerous other individual betting types fall under the ‘handicap’ category. Here are several of the more popular variants.

Alternatives to Handicap Bets Available at Malaysian Betting Platforms

We've previously discussed the handicap version of the Match Result wager. While our focus has been on football, this concept is applicable to any sport that involves a scoring outcome—you’re essentially betting on the victory margin.

Additionally, you can engage in various score-related props. For instance, a bookmaker may set a line on how many points a basketball player will score or the score a golfer will achieve in a round. You can then choose to handicap that figure either positively or negatively by a determined amount.

Score Props

If you're looking to advance your basic Asian handicap strategies, you can elevate them by focusing on specific game phases. Successfully predicting a handicap for an entire match is challenging enough; however, when you incorporate First Half/Second Half betting, you must accurately assess both the halftime and final outcomes to win your bet.

Alternatively, you may choose to focus solely on the first half or the second half. This can be advantageous if you recognize one team starts strong while another tends to finish games with a flourish.

First Half/Second Half

Asian handicap first half betting

You'll discover fewer outright bets available for Asian handicaps compared to standard fixed-odds wagers, but they do exist, with the main variation being ‘league betting.’

This happens in points-type leagues (as opposed to knockout tournaments) where you facilitate a team’s finish with respect to their final position. For example, if you anticipate a Premier League team will rank at or near the top, you might assign them a handicap of around +5-10 points throughout the season.

Outrights

While handicaps may not suit every sport, we are pleased to note that the most popular markets are typically accounted for. Here are three excellent examples for bettors engaged in the iGaming space.

Notably, the largest betting market globally is also a domain where Asian handicaps thrive.

Favored Sports for Engaging in Asian Handicap Betting

Fortunately, football enjoys a rich array of handicap options. Malaysian sportsbooks

Football

Today, reputable bookmakers cover every professional football match of suitable caliber. Asian handicaps have also emerged as a highly favored betting choice. You’ll typically find straightforward handicap betting available for match outcomes, and larger sites will additionally present the alternative options we discussed earlier. Malaysia’s most popular sport How to Navigate Asian Handicap Betting in Malaysia

Explore the essentials of Asian handicap betting. Gain insights into its functionality, discover pro tips for leveraging these bets, and much more.

Basketball

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Tennis

Asian handicap betting on tennis

300+ Free Bets, Reviews, & Promo Codes 64 ATP events The Asian handicap is a favorite bet choice among Malaysian punters, and it’s clear why. This type of betting allows you to choose specific outcomes, giving you an advantage compared to traditional betting options.

Key Strategies to Succeed with Asian Handicap Bets

Continue reading to grasp the workings of the Asian handicap market, examine its advantages and disadvantages, learn effective strategies, and jumpstart your betting journey.

  • Understand and Exploit the Concept

Grasping the Concept of Asian Handicap Betting

  • Do Your Research

Various Betting Markets Featuring Asian Handicaps

  • Manage Your Bankroll

Alternative Handicap Betting Options at Malaysian Sportsbooks

  • Make Use of Live Betting

Top Sports for Engaging in Asian Handicap Betting

A Whole New Way to Wager

Ultimate Strategies for Winning with Asian Handicap Bets

Who is Considered the Underdog in Asian Handicap Bets?

FAQ

Who is Considered the Underdog in Asian Handicap Wagers?

Which sports lend themselves well to Asian handicap betting?

How does Asian handicap differ from other forms of handicaps?

What is a +1.5 Asian handicap?

Is Asian handicap betting available at sportsbooks in Malaysia?

Razak Yatim
Razak Yatim

This betting style opens up a multitude of options compared to conventional betting. In the context of football, for instance, you could select victory margins ranging from 0.5 goals (i.e., betting that Team A wins by at least one goal) to margins like 5.5 goals or even higher. You can essentially choose any handicap you prefer, with the odds fluctuating based on how likely the outcome is.