Which are the most common betting methods?

What is...?

Asian Handicap bets are a particular type of Handicap bets for soccer.  Handicap bets and Asian Handicap bets work almost similarly. The single difference between these two kind of bets is that Handicap bets allow for a draw outcome while Asian Handicap bets don't. Should the game draw after the handicap is added, all bets are cancelled and stakes refunded.

Example I - 0 or 1 goal handicap (draw accepted):
Manchester City v Liverpool - Asian 0:1 (Liverpool has a 1 goal head start)
Full-time score: 2 - 1
Asian Handicap result: 2 - 2 (we add 1 goal for Liverpool)
The result of the Asian handicap bet is a draw - all stakes get refunded.

Example II - ½ or 1½ goal handicap (draw option not accepted):
Manchester City v Liverpool - Asian 0:1/2 (Liverpool has a 1/2 goal head start)
Full-time score: 1 - 1
Asian Handicap result: 1 - 1.5 (add 0.5 goals for Liverpool)
Liverpool wins the Asian Handicap bet even though the match was actually a draw.

What is...?

Fixed odds is the most widespread type of betting. When you place your bet, the odds are fixed and written on your ticket. Your earnings are paid at the value stated on your ticket, no matter what happens later.

What is...?

Betting Exchange supposes that you bet against other punters, not against a bookmaker, at odds one sets and the other accepts. You pay a fee only when you win.

What is...?

Spread betting is a type of gambling on the outcome of any event where the more accurate the gamble, the more is won and conversely the less accurate the more is lost. You bet against a 'spread', on whether the outcome will be above or below the spread. The amount won or lost depends on the level of the index at the end of the event. The spread means the index firms' margin. Unlike fixed odds betting the amount won or lost can be very big, as there is no single stake to limit the maximum losses. However, it is usually possible to place a "stop loss" with the bookmaker, automatically closing your bet if the value of the spread moves against you by a specified amount. "Stop wins" are the opposite -- closing your bet when the spread moves in your favor by a specified amount.

Example: In a game between Liverpool and Newcastle the spread for corners is 12-13, the index firm believes there will be 12 or 13 corners in total during the match. A bettor approaches the firm with the belief that there will be more than 13 corners during the game, the bettor 'buys' at £25 a point at 13. If the final total of corners is 16 the bettor has won, receiving 3 x £25. If the final total of corners is 10, the bettor loses 3 x £25. A 'sell' transaction is identical except made against the bottom value of the spread. Often there is live pricing, which changes the spread during the course of an event allowing a profit to be increased or a loss minimized.