Football live betting, also known as in-play betting, is an exciting way to wager on matches as they unfold. One of the most popular types of live betting is the handicap (or Asian handicap) market. This guide will explain the basics of football handicap betting, common mistakes to avoid, and how to approach it as a beginner.
What is Football Handicap (Asian Handicap) Betting?
Football handicap betting involves adjusting the scoreline by giving one team a virtual advantage or disadvantage. This is done to level the playing field between teams of differing strengths. In live betting, the handicap is applied to the remaining portion of the match, starting from the moment you place your bet.
- Key Rule: When you place a handicap bet during a live match, the current score is ignored. The match is treated as if it’s starting from 0-0 at the time of your bet, and the handicap is applied to the remaining time.
Basic Football Rules for Context
Before diving into handicap betting, it’s important to understand the basics of football:
- A standard match consists of two 45-minute halves, totaling 90 minutes.
- Each team has 11 players, including a goalkeeper.
- The objective is to score more goals than the opponent within the 90 minutes.
- Extra time and penalty shootouts are not included in standard handicap betting.
How Does Handicap Live Betting Work?
When you place a handicap bet during a live match:
- The current score is reset to 0-0 for the purpose of the bet.
- The handicap is applied to the remaining time of the match.
- Your bet wins or loses based on the adjusted scoreline.
Example of Handicap Live Betting
Let’s say you’re watching Brazil vs. Germany:
- At the 30th minute, you place a live handicap bet on Brazil -0.5.
- This means Brazil needs to score one more goal than Germany in the remaining 60 minutes (from the 31st to the 90th minute) for your bet to win.
Possible Outcomes:
- Brazil wins 1-0 in the remaining time: Brazil wins the bet (they scored one more goal than Germany).
- Brazil wins 2-1 in the remaining time: Brazil wins the bet (they scored one more goal than Germany).
- The match ends 0-0 or 1-1 in the remaining time: Brazil loses the bet (they did not score more goals than Germany).
- Germany scores more goals than Brazil in the remaining time: Brazil loses the bet.
Common Mistakes in Handicap Live Betting
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Ignoring the “Reset” Rule:
Many beginners forget that the current score is reset to 0-0 when placing a handicap bet. Only goals scored after your bet count. -
Confusing Handicap with Other Markets:
Handicap betting is different from moneyline (outright win) or over/under (total goals) markets. In handicap betting, the scoreline is adjusted, while other markets consider the full match score. -
Overlooking Team Form and Momentum:
Live betting requires quick decisions, but it’s crucial to consider factors like team performance, substitutions, and momentum shifts during the match. -
Misunderstanding Handicap Values:
A handicap of -0.5 means the team needs to win by one goal, while -1.5 means they need to win by two goals. Make sure you understand the specific handicap value before placing your bet.
Tips for Beginners in Handicap Live Betting
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Start Small:
Begin with small stakes to familiarize yourself with the rules and dynamics of live handicap betting. -
Watch the Game:
Live betting is more effective when you can watch the match and assess team performance, tactics, and momentum. -
Focus on Strong Teams:
Handicap betting is often more predictable when one team is significantly stronger than the other. -
Avoid Emotional Betting:
Don’t let emotions or biases influence your decisions. Stick to logical analysis. -
Understand the Odds:
Handicap odds reflect the perceived likelihood of the adjusted outcome. Higher odds mean higher risk but also higher potential rewards.
Key Differences Between Handicap and Other Markets
- Handicap Betting: Adjusts the scoreline to level the playing field. The current score is reset to 0-0 when you place your bet.
- Moneyline (Outright Win): Bets on which team will win the match, regardless of the scoreline.
- Over/Under (Total Goals): Bets on whether the total goals scored in the match will be over or under a specified number.
Glossary of Terms
- Live Betting (In-Play Betting): Placing bets on a match while it is in progress.
- Handicap (Asian Handicap): A betting market that adjusts the scoreline to create a more balanced betting opportunity.
- Reset Rule: In handicap live betting, the score is treated as 0-0 from the moment you place your bet.
By understanding these rules and avoiding common mistakes, you can approach football handicap live betting with confidence. Remember to stay disciplined, analyze the game, and enjoy the thrill of in-play betting responsibly!