How In-Play Asian Handicap Bets are Settled

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In-Play Spread Betting: A Common Misconception Explained

One of the most persistent myths in sports betting is the idea that when you place an in-play Asian handicap bet, the score "resets" to 0-0. While this misconception is understandable, it's important to note that this only applies to European handicaps (3-way), not Asian handicaps (2-way). This misconception has cost many bettors money and created confusion about bet settlements. Let's clear this up once and for all.

The Reality: Only Future Goals Count

As clearly stated in bet365's rules:

"All bets on the Asian Handicap In-Play market are settled according to the score-line for the remainder of the game/half after the bet has been struck, e.g. any goals prior to the bet being placed are ignored for settlement purposes."

This means that when you place an in-play spread bet, only the goals scored after your bet is placed matter for settlement. The current score when you place your bet is irrelevant.

A Practical Example

Let's walk through a scenario:

Current Score: Home 0-1 Away (when you place your bet)

Your Bet: Home Team -0.5

Final Score: Home 1-1 Away

Many bettors mistakenly believe this bet would lose because they think:

The score "resets" to 0-0

The home team only scoring one goal to finish 1-1 wouldn't cover -0.5

However, this bet is actually a winner. Here's why:

Only goals after the bet matter

After your bet was placed:

Home team scored 1 goal

Away team scored 0 goals

For settlement purposes, it's treated as a 1-0 scoreline

Applying the -0.5 handicap: 1 - 0.5 = 0.5

Since 0.5 > 0, the bet wins

Why This Matters

Understanding this concept is crucial because it affects how you evaluate betting opportunities. When placing in-play spread bets, you need to consider:

The current game state and momentum

The likelihood of future goals, not past ones

How teams typically perform in their current situation (leading/trailing)

Critical Distinction: Asian vs European Handicaps

One of the most important things to understand is that Asian and European handicaps are settled differently in-play:

Asian Handicaps (2-way)

Only goals scored after bet placement count

Previous goals are ignored completely

No draw possibility

European Handicaps (3-way)

Handicap is applied to the full-time score

All goals count, including those before bet placement

Draw is possible

As clearly stated in bet365's rules:

"Settlement will be at the odds displayed using the actual score in the match adjusted for the handicap."

Using our previous example: Current score 0-1, bet home team -0.5, final score 1-1

Asian Handicap -0.5: WIN (1-0 for settlement purposes)

European Handicap -0.5: LOSE (1-1 becomes 0.5-1)

The Bottom Line

Next time you're considering an in-play spread bet, remember:

Don't reset the score to 0-0 in your mind

Only consider goals that will be scored after your bet

The current score matters for game context, but not for bet settlement

This understanding can give you an edge over other bettors who may be operating under the common misconception about score resets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the key difference between in-play Asian and European handicaps?

A: Asian handicaps only count goals after bet placement, while European handicaps apply to the final score regardless of when you bet. For example, if you bet -0.5 at 0-1 and it ends 1-1: Asian handicap wins (1-0 after bet), European handicap loses (1-1 becomes 0.5-1).

Q: Does the in-play Asian handicap rule apply to all sports?

A: Yes, any sport with Asian handicap markets follows this rule.

Q: What about first half/second half Asian handicaps?

A: Same principle - only goals after bet placement count within that half.

Q: If I bet -0.5 Asian handicap in-play at 0-0, do I need two goals to win?

A: No, you just need your team to score one goal after your bet.

Q: What's the difference between European and Asian handicap for pre-match bets?

A: European has three outcomes (win/draw/lose), Asian has two (win/lose with push possibilities).

Q: Can I still lose if my team is winning when I place an in-play Asian handicap bet?

A: Yes, because only goals after your bet matter for settlement.