What is Asian Handicap?
Asian handicap in online betting is a unique betting system designed to reduce the chance of a draw in football matches, creating a more dynamic and strategic betting experience, but also a more profitable one. Instead of traditional 1X2 betting, where the bettor wagers on the final result of a team winning, drawing or losing, the Asian Handicap concept is based on the balance of the game, giving a virtual advantage or disadvantage to teams before the match starts. This method ensures that the weaker teams gain an advantage while the stronger teams start with a goal deficit, making the odds more competitive and reducing the difference in betting outcomes.
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This approach is particularly popular with both experienced bettors, as it provides more opportunities to find value bets compared to traditional markets and newer ones by providing value bets. Using fractions or whole numbers, handicapping effectively evens out the competition, minimizing the impact of unpredictable outcomes such as last minute goals. Plus, because there is no possibility of a draw, bettors are only given two possible outcomes, increasing their chances of winning compared to typical fixed odds bets. This format makes Asian handicap betting a preferred option for those looking to maximize their odds while still managing risk.
What is Asian Handicap?
Asian handicap is a form of online betting designed to reduce the chance of a draw in football matches, making betting more attractive and tactical. The importance of the Asian handicap is in its ability to balance the competition between two teams by applying a virtual betting goal handicap before the match starts. This system is very popular in regions where football online betting is a lot popular. The main idea behind Asian handicap betting is to give an advantage to what is considered to be a weaker team, while imposing a disadvantage on the stronger team. Instead of a traditional 1X2 market, where players choose between a win, draw or loss, the method of Asian handicapping adjusts the odds so, that both teams have a more even chance of winning. Handicaps are expressed in fractions or integers, such as -1, +1.5, -0.25, etc.
A key advantage of what is Asian handicap betting is that it often results in reduced variance and offers bettors higher chances of success compared to traditional betting. Since the outcome of the tie is removed, bets are settled in a two-way market, increasing the chances of winning. In addition, in some scenarios, players can get their bets back if the final score aligns with the applied handicap (a feature known as “push” in betting terms).This form of betting is widely used in major football leagues and tournaments, allowing bettors to place their wagers with more confidence while effectively managing risk. With multiple handicapping options available, Asian handicap betting offers a dynamic approach for those looking to take their football online betting strategy to the next level.
Easybet.com - 5 Examples to Explain the Asian Handicap
| Asian Handicap | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 0.0 (Draw No Bet) | The bet is refunded if the match ends in a draw, making it a safer option. |
| -0.5 / +0.5 | The favorite must win, while the underdog wins the bet with a draw or victory. |
| -1.0 / +1.0 | The favorite needs to win by 2+ goals for a full payout; a one-goal win results in a refund. |
| -1.5 / +1.5 | The favorite must win by 2+ goals; the underdog wins if they lose by one goal or better. |
| -0.25 / +0.25 | A split bet where half of the stake is refunded in case of a draw. |
Asian Handicap 0.0 (Draw No Bet)
This is one of the safest asian handicap betting options, commonly known as “Draw No Bet” and if the team wins, you get full winnings, but if the match ends in a draw, the bettor receives back the stake. However, if the team loses, the bettor loses the bet. This market is widely used when betting on closely matched teams where a draw is a possible outcome, but a safety net against losing the stake is need.
Asian handicap -0.5 / +0.5
With a -0.5 handicap, the favored team must win the match for the bet to be successful, so if the match ends in a draw or a loss for the favored team, the bet is lost. On the other hand, a +0.5 handicap means that the underdog wins the bet if they avoid defeat. This type of Asian handicap is common in competitive matches where the underdog has a realistic chance of securing a draw.
Asian handicap -1.0 / +1.0
This handicap removes the chance of a draw, but allows for a refund, so a bet at -1.0 requires the favored team to win by at least two goals for a full payout. If they win by exactly one goal, the bet is refunded. A +1.0 handicap on the underdog means that even if they lose by one goal, the bettor’s stake is refunded, while a draw or win results in a successful bet.
Asian handicap -1.5 / +1.5
With a -1.5 handicap, the stronger team must win by two or more goals for the bet to be successful, that means if they win by only one goal, the bet is lost. On the other hand, a +1.5 handicap gives the underdog a significant advantage, as if they only lose by one goal or more, the bet is considered a win. This option is often preferred when betting on teams that tend to keep games close.
Asian handicap -0.25 / +0.25
This is a split handicap, where the bet is split into two parts: one is placed at 0.0 and the other at -0.5 (or +0.25 respectively). A bet at -0.25 means that if the match ends in a draw, half of the stake is returned, while the other half is lost. Conversely, a handicap of +0.25 ensures that if the match ends in a draw, half of the stake results in a win, while the other half is returned. This type of market is usually used when betting on closely matched teams, where a draw is very likely.
HOW ASIAN HANDICAP BETS WORK?
Asian handicap is very simple in use by new bettors or experienced ones, adjusting their betting strategies according to the new odds. The key points of Asian handicapping are the following:
- Handicap: The favorite receives a negative handicap (-0.5, -1.0, etc.), which means they must win by a certain margin to make the bet a success. The underdog receives a positive handicap (+0.5, +1.0, etc.), giving them an advantage, where even a draw or a minimal defeat can result in a winning bet.
- How bets are settled: If a bettor places a bet on a -1.0 handicap, the team must win by at least two goals to ensure a full payout. A bet on a +1.0 handicap wins if the underdog draws or wins. If the underdog loses by exactly one goal, the bet is returned instead of lost.
- Pressures and a few wins/losses: When the final score matches the handicap line (e.g. a -1.0 team wins by exactly one goal), the bet is fully refunded, known as a push. Quarter-handicaps, such as -0.25 or +0.25, split the bet into two parts – one half can be returned, while the other half either wins or loses, depending on the outcome of the match.
Pros
- Removes the draw option and increases the chances of a successful bet.
- Better value in odds, as the handicap balances the teams, the odds offered by online bookmakers are often more competitive.
- Reduces betting risk, as the bettors can receive a stake refund (push) if the result aligns with the handicap, lowering potential losses.
- More strategic betting options, as the bettors can select different handicap lines to adjust risk levels.
- Ideal for close matches, when two teams are unevenly matched, the handicap allows for a fairer betting experience.
Cons
- Can be complex for beginners, as it’s unlike traditional bets, which may be confusing for new bettors.
- No big payouts from underdogs, since the handicap balances the teams.
- Fewer market options, as it is not available for all betting markets.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ASIAN HANDICAP & EUROPEAN
The main difference between Asian Handicap and European Handicap is the betting structure, as Asian Handicap removes the possibility of a draw, creating a two-way market where bets are either won or refunded depending on the handicap line. On the other hand, European Handicap keeps the draw option, meaning bettors can still place wagers on three possible outcomes: home win, draw or away win. Other key differences are:
- Asian Handicap offers half-goal and quarter-goal lines, allowing for partial stakes refunds.
- European Handicap only applies whole numbers, meaning there are no refunds, as the bets are either won or lost.
- Asian Handicap is more flexible for risk management, providing options wih less risk.
- European Handicap generally offers higher odds on clear favorites and underdogs, so it has a more straightforward structure.
FAQs
A betting option that removes draws by applying goal handicaps, creating a two-way market.
The underdog gets a one-goal advantage. A one-goal loss results in a refund.
The stake is refunded (push).
It offers better odds and reduces risk but depends on betting strategy.
Yes, many online bookmakers offer live Asian Handicap markets.