What Does Asian Handicap ±5.5 Mean in Betting?

Asian handicap +5.5 and -5.5 (aka point spread) is a betting line that adjusts the starting score by 5.5 goals (or games, pucks, runs – take your pick) to or from a team before the match begins.

The bettor’s aim: To predict the winner of the game, but with the handicap applied to the final score.

This works for any sport where teams can score frequently, such as basketball, table tennis, baseball, and so on.

How an Asian handicap 5.5 looks at 1xBet

The sign (+ or -) signals who’s leading or lagging, while the number (5.5) measures the gap.

Asian Handicap 5.5 Explained

Negative handicap -5.5 means you think your team will win by more than 5.5 goals. For a bet to pay out, the team must score at least 6 goals more than the opposition, as 5.5 goals are subtracted from their final score.

Positive handicap +5.5 means you think your team will not lose by more than 5.5 goals. They can win, draw, or lose by up to 5 goals. Here, 5.5 goals are added to their final score, giving them a cushion.

With ±5.5, there are no draws. It’s all or nothing. Unlike regular handicaps, where a draw can get you a refund, this game plays by different rules.

Why Bet on +5.5/-5.5 Asian Handicap?

Let’s consider a hypothetical match between two German teams: Kaiserslautern, a team struggling at the bottom of their league, and Bayer Leverkusen, a top-tier Bundesliga team.

For this match, the bookies might set a 5.5 Asian handicap to balance the betting odds. If you bet on Leverkusen with a -5.5 handicap, you’re expecting them to win by 6 goals or more. Conversely, a bet on Kaiserslautern with a +5.5 handicap means you believe they will not lose by more than 5 goals.

Here’s how the bet outcomes would be determined based on the actual match score:

How to read? The adjusted score is the real score plus or minus the handicap.

Where to Find +5.5/-5.5 Asian Handicap?

Basketball, Volleyball, and Table Tennis: In these fast-paced games, where scores can soar, the 5.5 handicap provides an intriguing betting option.

Hockey and Football: While less common in football, this bet occasionally appears. It’s typically reserved for matches involving absolute favorites or clear underdogs.

Pre-Match and Live Games: Whether you’re analyzing pre-match odds or making split-second decisions during live play, this handicap keeps you engaged. Consider specific segments — time intervals or periods — to fine-tune your predictions.

Note: When placing your handicap, consider in-game stats beyond the match result. Think corners, yellow cards, and offsides. In tennis, focus on games or aces.

Pros and Cons of Asian Handicap ±5.5

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