When it comes to sports betting, there are a growing number of markets to choose from to follow the action. From overall outcomes on individual events or tournaments to specific markets that shape a sporting event, there is an increasingly growing selection of markets on reputable, licensed sports books to test the best sports knowledge.
For sports enthusiasts who are looking to explore handicap betting, there are many popular sports that include this format of betting, including football, basketball, and American Football. However, to understand how handicap betting works, it is important to evaluate the two main types of handicap betting types available on online sportsbooks like 1Bet.
Handicap bets level the playing field by giving either side in a tie a head start or a deficit before a whistle is blown or a tip-off is contested. Punters will come across Asian and European handicaps when they scour the sports betting markets and there are advantages and disadvantages to both.
Eliminating the Draw
One of the main differences between Asian and European handicaps surrounds the concept of a draw or tie in a match. Asian handicaps are regarded as the more generous kind as stakes are refunded in the event of a draw in what is known as a “push,” if a handicap involving whole numbers (whole handicap) is pursued. Alternatively, half and quarter handicaps eliminate the possibility of a draw and a push scenario.
With the potential for refunded stakes, Asian handicaps are considered safer than their European equivalent. However, with the possibility of a draw in the European format, there is potential for larger wins as draws are considered a less likely outcome compared to an outright result. Not impossible of course, but in the 2024/25 Premier League season for example, 30% of the matches played across the whole season ended in a draw, 8.4% up from the previous campaign (21.6%).
Strengthening the Favourites Tag
If we are purely dealing with straight outcomes and following the Asian handicap model, one strategic approach that is more popular with the more knowledgeable sports fan is backing a favourite. While favourite tags usually lead to extremely short odds, giving the underdog a head start with a goal (-1) or two (-2) handicap for the favourite increases those odds.
Depending on the handicap, the favourite would have to bridge the gap in the action to come out on top of the handicap scoreline. For example:
Backing FC Bayern Munich (-2) versus Hertha Berlin means that FC Bayern begin the match 0-2 down. Therefore, they would have to win 3-0 for a winning return. Under the Asian model, a 2-0 for FC Bayern would be classed as a push. With a half handicap of -2.5, a 2-0 win for FC Bayern would be a losing bet due to the 2-2.5 outcome once the handicap is applied.
Safety First
In an activity being increasingly characterised by secure and responsible play, the safety-first approach seems sensible. The elimination of the draw outcome gives the Asian handicap the strategic edge, backed up by the potential to receive a refund with a push. This can sometimes be considered a win. However, with that said, the option to back a draw in a sporting event does provide greater odds to back under the European handicap system.
In both formats, sports knowledge is key to extract the greatest potential from a stake. Ultimately, depending on your personality, and often which region you are playing in, one of the Asian or European handicaps system will be favourable.
