Asian Handicap Betting Explained: Meaning, Types and Examples

Asian Handicap betting is a popular form of wagering that levels the playing field between teams of varying strengths, making the bet more engaging and strategic.

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Florian Güde editorLast updated: 31.10.2024
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Asian Handicap Explained

Asian Handicap betting eliminates the possibility of a draw, offering two outcomes instead. This type of betting gives a virtual advantage or disadvantage to teams, thereby levelling the playing field. For instance, if a strong team plays against a weaker team, the stronger team might start with a negative handicap. This adjustment makes the betting more balanced and is common in football betting.

Asian Handicap Meaning

The term “Asian Handicap” originated from Asia, where this form of betting was first popularised. It mathematically evens out the perceived difference in ability between two teams. Essentially, a handicap is applied to the match, either subtracting goals from the favourite or adding goals to the underdog, before the match starts. This method not only adds a layer of complexity to betting but also increases the potential for favourable odds.

How Asian Handicap Betting Works

Asian Handicap betting works by assigning a handicap to each team. For example, if Team A is significantly stronger than Team B, a handicap of -1.5 might be given to Team A. This means Team A must win by at least two goals for a bet on them to pay out. Conversely, Team B will have a +1.5 handicap, meaning a bet on Team B will win if they lose by one goal, draw, or win the match. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

Types of Asian Handicap Bets

Asian Handicap 0.0

Example and Explanation: This is also known as Draw No Bet. If you place a bet on a team with a 0.0 handicap, you win if your team wins. If the match ends in a draw, your stake is refunded. It’s a safe bet when you’re unsure of the outcome but confident your team won’t lose.

Asian Handicap -0.5 and +0.5

Example and Explanation: A -0.5 handicap means the team must win outright for the bet to win. Conversely, a +0.5 handicap means the team can win or draw for the bet to win. For example, if Chelsea is playing Manchester United and you bet on Chelsea with a -0.5 handicap, Chelsea must win for you to win the bet.

Asian Handicap -1.0 and +1.0

Example and Explanation: With a -1.0 handicap, the team must win by more than one goal. If they win by exactly one goal, your stake is refunded. A +1.0 handicap means the team can draw or win, and if they lose by exactly one goal, the stake is refunded. For instance, if Liverpool plays Arsenal and you bet on Liverpool with a -1.0 handicap, Liverpool must win by at least two goals for you to win the bet.

Asian Handicap -1.5 and +1.5

Example and Explanation: A -1.5 handicap means the team must win by at least two goals. A +1.5 handicap allows the team to lose by one goal, draw, or win. For example, if Manchester City plays West Ham and you bet on Manchester City with a -1.5 handicap, Manchester City must win by two goals or more.

Split Handicaps (e.g., -0.25, +0.25)

Example and Explanation: Split handicaps divide your bet between two handicaps. For instance, a -0.25 handicap splits the bet between 0.0 and -0.5. If your team wins, both bets win. If they draw, you lose the -0.5 bet but get a refund on the 0.0 bet. This provides partial protection against certain outcomes.

Asian Handicap Tables

Betting on the Favourite
Handicap Team result Bet result
0 Win Win
Draw Stake refund
Lose Lose
– 0.25 Win Win
Draw Half lose
Lose Lose
– 0.50 Win Win
Draw Lose
Lose Lose
– 0.75 Win by 2+ Win
Win by 1 Half win
Draw Lose
Lose Lose
– 1.00 Win by 2+ Win
Win by 1 Stake refund
Draw Lose
Lose Lose
– 1.25 Win by 2+ Win
Win by 1 Half lose
Draw Lose
Lose Lose
– 1.50 Win by 2+ Win
Win by 1 Lose
Draw Lose
Lose Lose
– 1.75 Win by 3+ Win
Win by 2 Half win
Win by 1 Lose
Draw Lose
Lose Lose
– 2.00 Win by 3+ Win
Win by 2 Stake refund
Win by 1 Lose
Draw Lose
Lose Lose
Betting on the Underdog
Handicap Team result Bet result
0 Win Win
Draw Stake refund
Lose Lose
+ 0.25 Win Win
Draw Half win
Lose Lose
+ 0.50 Win Win
Draw Win
Lose Lose
+ 0.75 Win Win
Draw Win
Lose by 1 Half lose
Lose by 2+ Lose
+ 1.00 Win Win
Draw Win
Lose by 1 Stake refund
Lose by 2+ Lose
+ 1.25 Win Win
Draw Win
Lose by 1 Half win
Lose by 2+ Lose
+ 1.50 Win Win
Draw Win
Lose by 1 Win
Lose by 2+ Lose
+ 1.75 Win Win
Draw Win
Lose by 1 Win
Lose by 2 Half lose
Lose by 3+ Lose
+ 2.00 Win Win
Draw Win
Lose by 1 Win
Lose by 2 Stake refund
Lose by 3+ Lose

Conclusion

Asian Handicap betting offers a strategic and engaging way to wager on sports at the best betting sites, especially football. By understanding the various types of handicaps and how they work, you can make more informed betting decisions and potentially increase your chances of success.

FAQs

1️⃣ What is an Asian Handicap in football betting?

Asian Handicap in football betting is a system that eliminates the possibility of a draw, offering only two outcomes by giving one team a virtual advantage or disadvantage.

2️⃣️ How do you read Asian Handicap odds?

Reading Asian Handicap odds involves understanding the handicap applied to each team and how it affects the bet outcome. For example, a -1.0 handicap means the team must win by more than one goal for a winning bet.

3️⃣ Can beginners use Asian Handicap betting?

Yes, beginners can use Asian Handicap betting. It’s advisable to start with simpler handicaps like 0.0 or +/-0.5 and gradually move to more complex ones as you gain experience.