Have you heard of Asian handicap betting? This popular betting option, originally from Asia, is a favorite among many sports bettors. While we'll be focusing on how it works in football (soccer) for this review, Asian handicaps also apply to many sports.
This guide will break down everything you need to know about Asian handicap bets with clear, easy-to-understand examples. So, keep reading to become better at handicap betting.
More on Asian Handicap Betting
In Asian handicap betting, one team is considered the favorite, while the other team is the underdog. The favorite has a negative (-) handicap, meaning they start the game at a disadvantage.
The underdog, on the other hand, is given a positive (+) handicap. This positive handicap represents the underdog's advantage over the favorite. So the underdog starts the game with a “head start” over the favorite.
Asian Handicap Lines in Football Betting
In Asian handicap betting, the bookmaker sets the betting lines based on their assessment of the teams' relative strengths and weaknesses. They take into account factors like the teams' records, player form, injuries, and lineup changes.
If the bookmaker believes one team is likely to lose by 3 goals, they may assign that team a +3 handicap. This gives the “underdog” team a 3-goal head start. The favorite team, on the other hand, would get a negative (-) handicap. For example, a -1.5 handicap means the favorite must win by 2 goals or more for bettors on that side to win.
Bettors who pick the underdogs would win the bet if they win outright or lose by 2 goals or less. They would only lose if the underdog loses by 3 goals or more.
Bettors can use Asian handicap calculators to determine the exact payout for different possible outcomes based on the handicaps set by the bookmaker. This allows for more nuanced and strategic betting compared to a simple win/lose wager.
The table below shows the most used Asian Handicap lines in football betting:
|
Handicap (Favourite) |
Team Result | Bet Result | Handicap
(Underdog) |
Team Result | Bet Result |
| -0 | Win | Win | +0 | Win | Win |
| Draw | Stake refund | Draw | Stake refund | ||
| Lose | Lose | Lose | Lose | ||
| -0.25 | Win | Win | +0.25 | Win | Win |
| Draw | Half lose | Draw | Half lose | ||
| Lose | Lose | Lose | Lose | ||
| -0.50 | Win | Win | +0.50 | Win | Win |
| Draw | Lose | Draw | Win | ||
| Lose | Lose | Lose | Lose | ||
| -0.75 | Win by 2+ | Win | +0.75 | Win | Win |
| Win by 1 | Half win | Draw | Win | ||
| Draw | Lose | Lose by 1 | Half Lose | ||
| Lose | Lose | Lose by 2+ | Lose | ||
| -1.00 | Win by 2+ | Win | +1.00 | Win | Win |
| Win by 1 | Stake refund | Draw | win | ||
| Draw | Lose | Lose by 1 | Stake refund | ||
| Lose | Lose | Lose by 2+ | Lose | ||
| -1.25 | Win by 2+ | Win | +1.25 | Win | Win |
| Win by 1 | Half lose | Draw | Win | ||
| Draw | Lose | Lose by 1 | Half win | ||
| Lose | Lose | Lose by 2+ | Lose | ||
| -1.50 | Win by 2+ | Win | +1.50 | Win | Win |
| Win by 1 | Lose | Draw | Win | ||
| Draw | Lose | Lose by 1 | Win | ||
| Lose | Lose | Lose by 2+ | Lose | ||
| -1.75 | Win by 3+ | Win | +1.75 | Win | Win |
| Win by 2 | Half win | Draw | Win | ||
| Win by 1 | Lose | Lose by 1 | Win | ||
| Draw | Lose | Lose by 2 | Half lose | ||
| Lose | Lose | Lose by 3+ | Lose | ||
| -2.00 | Win by 3+ | Win | +2.00 | Win | Win |
| Win by 2 | Stake refund | Draw | Win | ||
| Win by 1 | Lose | Lose by 1 | Win | ||
| Draw | Lose | Lose by 2 | Stake refund | ||
| Lose | Lose | Lose by 3+ | Lose |
Difference Between Asian Handicap and European Handicap
Asian Handicap has split options like +0.25 and + 0.5, thus creating the potential for getting partial wins or losses. For example, a +0.25 handicap means the underdog starts the game up by a quarter of a goal. If they lose by a single goal, the bet would be a push (resulting in the original stake being returned), rather than an outright loss.
European Handicap deals with whole numbers like +1 and +2. The latter has betting options that novices can find easy to grasp.
Asian Handicap includes instances for void bets, especially for drawn matches. When this occurs, you receive your bet amount back. For the European Handicap market, there are no void bets.
The European Handicap model is generally simpler and more beginner-friendly, with no possibility of void bets. The Asian Handicap market is more flexible and involves fewer betting risks.
Placing Asian Handicap Bets
The first step in placing any sports bet is to find a suitable sportsbook. Consider the following properties in choosing a decent Asian Handicap bookmaker:
- It must have an Asian Handicap betting market.
- A mobile-adaptable sportsbook site.
- Signup rewards and promos.
Register as a new player after finding a suitable sports betting website. Proceed to the bookmaker section. The Asian Handicap option is often not visible on the homepage. Click a football match and select the preferred Asian Handicap bet from the list of markets.
Asian Handicap Markets and Examples
Earlier, we shared a table with the most used Asian Handicap lines. It contains handicaps – 0.0, 0.25, 0.25, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, 1.50, 1.75, and 2.0. We will explain these Asian Handicap bets with examples in the following subsections.
0.00 Asian Handicap
0.00 Asian handicap bets apply when there are no favorites. For example, if there are no favorites in a match between Burnley and Sheffield United, a 0.00 handicap bet on Burnley pays if they win. Selecting the same option for Sheffield also pays if they win. However, if your selected team loses, your bet also loses. The sportsbook will return your stake if the match ends in a draw.
0.25 Asian Handicap
To explain this option, we use Newcastle vs West Ham United as our example. In the matchup, Newcastle is considered the favourite. With that in mind, West Ham United will start the match with a 0.25 advantage. A +0.25 handicap bet on West Ham ticks if Newcastle loses. You will get half of your potential winnings if the teams draw.
0.50 Asian Handicap
Let our example be a match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace. With Man City as clear favorites, Crystal Palace has a headstart of 0.50 goals. A -0.50 handicap bet on City only comes through with a win. Your +0.50 handicap stake on Palace pays out if the club draws or wins the game.
0.75 Asian Handicap
Our example is Arsenal vs Luton, with the Gunners as the favourite. A 0.75 handicap bet on Arsenal will record a win if the club wins by two goals or more. You will win half your potential wins if Arsenal wins by just one goal.
Whole Number Asian Handicap Alternatives
Let's use a game between Liverpool and Sheffield United as an example. Based on their recent results, Liverpool is the clear favorite in this match.
If our preferred bookmaker gives Sheffield United a 1-goal advantage, we can place a -1.00 handicap bet on Liverpool. This means Liverpool must win the match by 2 or more goals for us to win the bet. If Sheffield United loses by only 1 goal, we get our wager back.
The same principle applies to the 2.00 Asian Handicap options. In this case, Liverpool must win by 3 or more goals to clear a -2.00 bet on them. If Liverpool only manages a 2-goal win, we get our bet back.
The key difference between the standard handicap and the Asian Handicap is the range of possible outcomes where the bettor gets their stake returned.
Other Split Asian Handicap Alternatives
You can deal with 1.25, 1.25, and 1.75 split options once you grasp the ones above. Be aware that most sportsbooks have unique Asian Handicap lines.
Advantages of Asian Handicap Betting
Asian Handicap betting levels the playing field between teams. It allows placing bets on the stronger or weaker team and still win. It also offers a wide range of betting options compared to its European counterpart.
Disadvantages of Asian Handicap Betting
The concept of Asian Handicaps can be hard to understand for beginners in gambling. Asian Handicap bets are not straightforward, like 1×2, BTTS, and GG/NG bets. You will need a vast knowledge of the betting market and the teams involved in football matches.
Mistakes to Avoid with Asian Handicap Bets
The first error you can make is not understanding the principle of handicap bets. Another mistake is not gathering enough information on the teams in your bet. You can make informed decisions by knowing the strengths and weaknesses of the teams on your bet slip.
Conclusion
The first rule of Asian Handicap betting is understanding its concept. The second is knowing the teams you want to bet on. We have covered the basics of Asian Handicap bets in this review. Do your due diligence before confirming potential bets.
Are you new to online betting? You can learn how to bet on football matches on our official EaglePredit website.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Asian Handicap Market
Yes. You can combine Asian Handicap bets with others like 1x2, GG/NG, and Goal Scorer bets.
You can place Asian Handicap wagers on sports like Basketball, Ice Hockey, and Rugby.
