Most bettors are familiar with straight match-winner bets, but modern sportsbooks offer a range of alternative markets designed to reduce risk, improve odds, or better reflect how a match is likely to play out. Understanding these bet types — and when to use them — is one of the fastest ways to become a smarter, more consistent bettor.
Below are some of the most important bet types beyond the basics, explained simply and with clear examples.
Betting glossary – 50 terms every punter should know
Asian handicap
Asian Handicap removes the draw as an outcome by applying a virtual head start or deficit to one team. This market is popular because it offers fairer odds and clearer outcomes.
There are two main types:
Whole-number Asian handicaps
These include options like -1, +1, -2, +2.
Example:
Bulls -1.0 vs Lions
If the Bulls win by 2 or more, the bet wins.
If the Bulls win by exactly 1, the bet is refunded.
If the Bulls draw or lose, the bet loses.
Split Asian handicaps (quarter lines)
These include options like -0.25, +0.75, -1.25.
Example:
Stormers -0.75 vs Sharks
Half the stake is placed on -0.5, half on -1.0.
If the Stormers win by 2+, the full bet wins.
If they win by 1, half the bet wins and half is refunded.
If they draw or lose, the full bet loses.
Asian Handicap is ideal when you expect one team to dominate but want better value than a short outright price.
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Draw no bet (DNB)
Draw No Bet removes the draw from the equation entirely. If the match ends in a draw, your stake is refunded.
Example:
Ireland vs France – Ireland Draw No Bet
If Ireland win, the bet wins.
If the match is a draw, the stake is refunded.
If France win, the bet loses.
This market is particularly useful in tight fixtures where you have a clear lean but want protection against a stalemate.
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Double chance
Double Chance allows you to cover two of the three possible match outcomes in one bet, at the cost of reduced odds.
The three options are:
-
Home win or draw (1X)
-
Away win or draw (X2)
-
Home win or away win (12)
Example:
Manchester United vs Chelsea – United or Draw (1X)
If United win or the match ends in a draw, the bet wins.
If Chelsea win, the bet loses.
Double Chance is often used in accumulators to reduce risk, especially when backing strong home sides or resilient away teams.
How to avoid betting scams and fake tipsters
Both teams to score (BTTS)
This market simply asks whether both teams will score at least once during the match.
Example:
BTTS – Yes
If both teams score, regardless of the final result, the bet wins.
BTTS is popular in football matches involving attacking teams with defensive vulnerabilities, and is often combined with other markets.
Totals (over/under)
Totals betting focuses on the total number of points, goals, or runs scored in a match.
Example (rugby):
Over 45.5 total points
If the combined score is 46 or more, the bet wins.
Example (football):
Under 2.5 goals
If the match ends with 0, 1, or 2 goals, the bet wins.
Totals are especially effective when you understand game tempo, weather conditions, and team styles.
When to use these bet types
Each of these markets exists to solve a different problem:
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Asian Handicap improves value in mismatched games
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Draw No Bet reduces downside in tight contests
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Double Chance protects accumulators
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BTTS and Totals allow you to bet on game flow rather than winners
Understanding why a market exists is just as important as knowing how it works.
What is a value bet – The secret to long-term wins
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