What is Asian handicap?
The Asian Handicap is a type of sports betting often used in soccer, designed to “level the playing field” between two teams of varying strengths.
By applying a handicap or a head start in terms of goals, it removes the possibility of a draw, offering only two outcomes: either the favorite wins by covering the handicap, or the underdog wins with the help of the handicap.
This makes it popular with bettors looking for less risky or more evenly balanced bets.
Table of Contents
Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
1. Whole Number Handicaps (e.g., -1, +2)
- A team may have a handicap of -1, meaning they need to win by more than one goal for the bet to win. If they win by exactly one goal, the bet is refunded as a “push.”
- Conversely, if you bet on a team with a handicap of +2, they can lose by up to one goal for the bet to win. If they lose by exactly two goals, the stake is returned.
2. Half-Goal Handicaps (e.g., -0.5, +1.5)
- A -0.5 handicap means the favored team must win outright (even by one goal) for the bet to succeed. Any other result loses the bet.
- A +1.5 handicap means the underdog can lose by up to one goal for the bet to win.
3. Quarter-Goal Handicaps (e.g., -0.25, +0.75)
- Quarter-goal handicaps split the stake between two close handicap values, offering partial wins or losses. For example, a -0.25 handicap splits the bet between -0.5 and 0. So, if the team draws, half the stake is refunded, and half is lost.
Advantages of Asian Handicap Betting
- No Draws: It removes the possibility of a tie, providing only two possible outcomes.
- Enhanced Payouts: Bettors can receive partial wins or refunded stakes.
- Reduced Risk: Asian Handicaps can mitigate risk by providing a cushion, especially for underdog teams.
Asian Handicap bets are especially useful when there’s a clear favorite, as it balances odds and provides more options for bettors looking for an edge.
Asian Handicap example
To understand the Asian Handicap market, let’s use an example from an English Premier League game between Liverpool and Chelsea:
- Liverpool (0): You win if Liverpool wins the game, lose if they lose, and get your money back if the game ends in a draw.
- Liverpool (-0.25): You win if Liverpool wins the game, lose your full stake if they lose, and get half your bet back if it’s a draw.
- Liverpool (-0.5): You only win if Liverpool wins the game. If it’s a draw or if Chelsea wins, you lose your entire stake.
- Liverpool (-0.75): For this bet to fully win, Liverpool needs to win by two or more goals. A draw or loss results in a lost bet. If Liverpool wins by exactly one goal, you get a ‘half win,’ receiving half the profit. For instance, if a two-goal win earns you $10, a one-goal win will bring you a $5 profit.
- Liverpool (-1): You get your money back if Liverpool wins by a single goal, win the bet if Liverpool wins by two or more goals, and lose your full stake if Chelsea wins or if the match is a draw.
These examples highlight how different handicap levels impact your potential returns in the event of a win, draw, or loss.
What is an Asian Handicap in football betting?
An Asian Handicap in football betting is a type of wager that eliminates the possibility of a draw, giving bettors only two potential outcomes: a win or a loss. It works by applying a “handicap” or goal advantage/disadvantage to the teams, leveling the playing field between teams of varying strengths.
This handicap, shown in goals or half-goals (e.g., -1, +0.5), balances the odds by giving the underdog a theoretical head start or by requiring the favorite to win by a greater margin.
How It Works:
- Whole Number Handicaps (e.g., -1, +2):
- A -1 handicap means the favored team must win by more than one goal. If they win by exactly one goal, the stake is refunded (a “push”).
- A +2 handicap on the underdog allows them to lose by up to one goal; a two-goal loss returns the stake.
- Half-Goal Handicaps (e.g., -0.5, +1.5):
- A -0.5 handicap on the favorite means they must win outright. A draw or loss results in a lost bet.
- A +1.5 on the underdog allows them to lose by one goal or less for a win.
- Quarter-Goal Handicaps (e.g., -0.25, +0.75):
- A -0.25 handicap splits the bet between -0.5 and 0, resulting in partial wins or losses. If it’s a draw, half the stake is refunded, and half is lost.
- A -0.25 handicap splits the bet between -0.5 and 0, resulting in partial wins or losses. If it’s a draw, half the stake is refunded, and half is lost.
Benefits of Asian Handicap Betting:
- No Draw Outcome: Only win or lose, making it a popular option among bettors.
- More Balanced Odds: Reduces risks, especially when betting on matches with a clear favorite.
The Asian Handicap appeals to bettors who want more evenly balanced bets and fewer variables than traditional betting lines.
How to read Asian Handicap odds?
Reading Asian Handicap odds involves understanding how the handicap affects your stake depending on the match outcome. Here’s a breakdown of common handicap types and how to interpret them:
1. Whole Goal Handicaps (e.g., -1, +1)
- Example: Liverpool -1 vs. Chelsea +1
- Interpretation:
- Liverpool -1: Liverpool must win by at least two goals for a full win. If they win by exactly one goal, the bet is refunded (a “push”). If Liverpool draws or loses, the bet is lost.
- Chelsea +1: Chelsea wins the bet if they win or draw. If they lose by one goal, the stake is refunded.
2. Half-Goal Handicaps (e.g., -0.5, +1.5)
- Example: Liverpool -0.5 vs. Chelsea +0.5
- Interpretation:
- Liverpool -0.5: Liverpool must win for the bet to succeed. A draw or loss means the bet is lost.
- Chelsea +0.5: Chelsea wins the bet if they win or draw. A Chelsea loss means the bet is lost.
3. Quarter-Goal Handicaps (e.g., -0.25, +0.75)
- Example: Liverpool -0.25 vs. Chelsea +0.25
- Interpretation:
- Liverpool -0.25: The bet is split between Liverpool -0.5 and Liverpool 0. If Liverpool wins, the bet wins. If it’s a draw, half the stake is refunded, and half is lost. A loss means the entire stake is lost.
- Chelsea +0.25: The bet is split between Chelsea +0.5 and Chelsea 0. Chelsea wins if they win the game. If it’s a draw, half the stake wins, and half is refunded. A loss results in a lost bet.
4. Three-Quarter Goal Handicaps (e.g., -0.75, +1.75)
- Example: Liverpool -0.75 vs. Chelsea +0.75
- Interpretation:
- Liverpool -0.75: Liverpool must win by two or more goals for a full win. If they win by exactly one goal, it’s a “half win,” with half the stake winning and half returned. A draw or loss means the bet is lost.
- Chelsea +0.75: Chelsea wins the bet if they win or draw. If they lose by one goal, it’s a “half loss,” and half the stake is refunded. A loss by two or more goals results in a lost bet.
Asian Handicap Tables
When 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 |
Situation when 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 |
Can I use Asian Handicap betting if I am beginner
Yes, beginners can use Asian Handicap betting, and it can even be beneficial for learning! The key is to start with simpler handicap levels (like -0.5 or +1) to get comfortable before trying more complex options.
Tips for Beginners
- Start with Simple Handicaps: Try -0.5, +0.5, -1, or +1 to start, as these are straightforward.
- Focus on One League or Team: Getting familiar with one team or league will help in making informed decisions.
- Set a Budget: Stick to a budget while learning, and consider Asian Handicap a way to practice analyzing matches more deeply.
Asian Handicap betting can seem complex initially, but once you understand the basics, it’s a great tool for balanced betting, even as a beginner.
Five key statistics about Asian Handicap betting:
- Higher Adoption in Football: Approximately 70% of all Asian Handicap bets are placed on football matches, as the handicap balances out team strength differences, making it especially popular in leagues like the English Premier League and La Liga.
- Growth in Popularity: In recent years, Asian Handicap betting has seen a 20% year-over-year increase in use across sports betting platforms, largely due to its appeal in removing the draw outcome.
- Average Odds Variation: Asian Handicap odds typically offer a 5-10% better return on investment (ROI) for underdog teams than traditional betting markets, attracting bettors who favor slightly higher odds with mitigated risk.
- Better Win Rates for Experienced Bettors: Studies indicate that experienced bettors using Asian Handicap strategies often report around a 12% higher win rate than when betting on traditional match outcomes.
- Handicap Options: Over 50% of Asian Handicap bets are placed on half-goal or quarter-goal handicaps, which are preferred by bettors for the nuanced advantage they provide in avoiding a full loss.
Asian Handicap betting has become increasingly popular, especially among football fans. One key feature to keep in mind is that Asian Handicap betting eliminates the possibility of a draw, offering only win-or-lose outcomes.
