Asian handicap is a way of betting that originates in Asia. Handicap means that one team has a virtual lead over the other side. Asian handicaps eliminate the chance of a draw in a match, so the possible outcomes are two.
A minus symbol (-) is given to the favourite team, which has a handicap disadvantage. A plus symbol (+) assigned to the underdog team, which has a handicap advantage.
You have many handicap betting options which are called “lines”. The following table shows the most used Asian handicap lines and its outcomes depending on the team result:
Alternatively, you can use our Asian handicap calculator to find out the outcomes and the possible profits for each line.
Let’s explain the Asian handicap markets with examples by checking them in detail.
0.0 Handicap Example
Market example: Chelsea odds are @1.90 – Liverpool odds are @1.95.
You are betting £100 on Chelsea on the 0.0 Asian handicap betting market.
- If Chelsea wins, you win the bet.
- If a draw occurs, you stake is refunded.
- If Chelsea loses, you lose the bet.
You may see some companies offer something like DNB, Draw no bet, or Level ball. These are the same bets with 0.0 AH and in most cases used in football markets.
0.25 Handicap Example
The game starts with a score of 0 – 0.25 (1/4 goal handicap). The underdog team has a quarter goal lead prior to kick-off.
You win, win the half, lose, or lose the half stake of your bets. Let’s see an example.
Monaco @2.00 – Lyon @1.90
You are betting £100 on Monaco to win the -0.25 Asian handicap market.
- If Monaco wins, you win the bet.
- If the result is a draw, you lose half of the stake (£50), and the other half (£50), is back to you.
- If Lyon wins, the bet loses.
You are betting £100 on Lyon to win the +0.25 Asian handicap betting market.
- If Lyon wins, you win the bet.
- If a draw occurs, you get the half stake back and win the other half (£50) at 1.90 odds. You are still in profit.
- If Lyon loses, you lose the bet.
0.5 Handicap Example
In this case, the game starts with the score of 0:0.5 (half goal handicaps). The outsider team has an advantage of a half goal prior to kick-off.
Porto @1.85 vs Benfica @2.00
You are betting £100 on Porto to win -0.5 Asian handicap. We use the minus symbol (-) if the team has the lead by the betting markets.
- If Porto wins, you win the bet.
- If Benfica wins or the game ends to a draw, you lose the bet.
You are betting £100 on Benfica to win +0.5 Asian Handicap. We use the plus symbol (+) if the team has the lead by the betting markets.
- If Benfica wins or the game ends to a draw, you win the bet.
- If Porto wins, you lose your bet.
Porto to win and Porto -0.5 AH are actually the same bets, and usually have the same odds.
0.75 Handicap Example
Here the game starts with the score of 0 : 0.75 (3/4 goal handicap). The underdog team has a head start of a quarter goal prior to kick off.
It is different from the 0.25 Asian handicap betting market with a slight exception.
Betis @1.90 vs Real Madrid @1.90
You are betting £100 on Betis to win +0.75 Asian handicap. The home team is the underdog. As a result of it, Betis has the 0.75 goal handicap of the Asian handicap offer.
- If Betis wins or ties the game, you win the bet.
- If Real Madrid wins by one goal difference (0-1, 1-2, 2-3), you lose half of your stake (£50), and the other half (£50) returns to you.
- If Real Madrid wins the game by 2 or more goals (0-2, 1-3, 0-3), you lose your stake.
You are betting £100 on Madrid to win -0.75 Asian handicap. To win your bet, you need Madrid to win by two or more goals difference (0-2, 0-3, 1-3).
- If Madrid wins the game by two or more goals, you win the bet.
- If Madrid wins by one goal (0-1, 1-2, 2-3), you win half of your stake (£50) and win the other half (£50 × 1.90). You are in profit again.
- If the game ends to a draw or Betis wins, you lose your stake.
-1 Handicap Example
In this case, the match starts with a score of 0:1. The underdog team has a head start of one goal before kick-off.
Juventus @1.80 vs Bologna @2.05
You are betting £100 on Juventus to win -1 Asian handicap. To be a winner, you need Juventus to win by 2 or more goals (2-0, 3-0, 3-1).
- If Juventus wins by 2 or more goals, you win the bet.
- If Juventus wins by 1 goal (1-0, 2-1, 3-2), you get your stake back.
- If the match ends on a draw or Bologna wins, you lose the bet.
You are betting £100 on Bologna to win +1 Asian handicap. To be a winner, you need Bologna to win or a draw result.
- If the match result is a draw or Bologna wins, you win the bet.
- If Bologna loses by 1 goal (1-0, 2-1, 3-2), your stake is refunded.
- With any Juventus win by 2 or more goals, you lose the bet.
-1.5 Handicap Example
One of the most famous lines in Asian handicap betting is the -1.5 line. Here the game starts with the 0:1.5 line (1 1/2, a goal and a half handicap).
The underdog team has the advantage of a goal and a half before kick-off. There is no stake back to this market.
Barcelona @1.90 vs Espanyol @2.00
You are betting £100 in Barcelona -1.5 AH. To win your bet, you need Barcelona to win with two or more goals difference. In any other case, you lose the bet.
- If Barcelona wins with two goals or more, you win the bet. Your profit will be £90.
- If Barcelona wins with a goal difference, or the match result is a draw, or Espanyol wins, you lose your stake.
Let’s suppose you bet £100 on Espanyol +1.5 Asian handicap.
- If Espanyol does not lose, or lose with just a goal difference (1-0, 2-1), you win the bet.
- If Barcelona wins with two or more goals difference, you lose the bet.
Barcelona -1.5 Asian handicap is exactly the same as Barcelona -1 EH (European handicap).
Alternative Asian handicap markets
If you already understood the main Asian handicaps described above, it will be easy for you to understand all other alternative handicaps.
The concept is the same, with advantages given to the home or away side, but with bigger handicaps. For example, -1.75, -2, -2.25, -2.5, -2.75 etc.
Each bookmaker lists the Asian handicaps different; for example, Bet365 offers the standard AH option, depending on the odds.
All other AH options listed in a different section as ‘Alternative Asian handicaps’.
Some famous Asian bookmakers have their own unique style and they display alternative options somewhat different.
Conclusion
Many times I choose to add Asian handicap bets to my bet slip. I usually find better odds offer on the classic lines, which are the same as the direct 1×2 outcomes.
I also use it when I foresee some teams with a great form to win more comfortable than expected so that I can get a better return with a little bit more risk.
I would suggest Asian handicap betting to a new player, but he should first understand the lines and the outcomes.
The rules may look difficult with the first point of view, but in the end, you will find it easy, as most of the bettors do. Τake some time to learn the handicaps correctly.
Many players are using Asian handicap bets, especially in football betting. Always remember that there is no draw result in Asian handicap betting.
