Asian Handicap Betting: A Complete Guide

Asian handicap betting is similar to spread betting in that both create a more level playing field for both parties in a particular game or event.

This form of betting may seem a bit confusing (and while not as popular as the more common spread bet), it basically eliminates the dreaded draw when betting on soccer matches. It's also quite easy to understand once the basics have been introduced.

Betting markets have exploded over the years with the help of online sportsbooks, and how to handicap those contests has evolved as well. The Asian handicap method is just one way of doing that.

What Is Asian Handicap Betting?

It’s not a recent handicap method, but it may be new or confusing to sports bettors in the U.S. Asian handicap betting is one of the best ways to bet on soccer, and since the sport isn’t as popular in the States, it’s a method that doesn’t get a lot of traction.

The sole purpose of Asian handicap betting is to eliminate the draw (tie) from the betting ticket while identifying a favorite and an underdog. With the handicap, a bet can still push, but the draw option is not on the betting card.

The main difference is that the Asian handicap offers quarter-increments for potential partial wins or losses on a particular bet.

Key Features of Asian Handicap Betting

You noticed this method is referred to as a handicap and not a spread. While similar, there are key features that set Asian handicap betting apart from the more traditional fixed-odds method.

Since a high percentage of soccer matches end in a tie, many sportsbooks offer that outcome on the betting line. The Asian handicap removes the draw as a possible outcome with enhanced odds.

And like a point spread, the handicap levels the playing field by taking into account each team's skill level.

Quarter-goal handicaps split your bet between the two closest half-goal numbers.

Asian Handicap Betting Examples

There are occasions when the best way to understand something is through a visual example. The Asian handicap method can be confusing with all the numbers, but a simple example could easily help you understand the method.

The Asian handicap method involves a whole number (+1), a half number (+0.5), or a quarter number (+0.25, +0.75), offering more betting choices beyond the standard win, lose, or draw options.

Full Goal Handicap Examples

Since the Asian handicap is used primarily for soccer, we’ll use a fictional match in our example.

The full goal handicap works like a spread in that the favorite is laying a goal (-1.0) and the underdog is getting a goal (+1.0). In an EPL contest between Liverpool (-1.0) and Chelsea (+1.0), Liverpool is the favorite. To cash a winning ticket, Liverpool would need to win the match by at least two goals to cover the handicap. If Chelsea were to win outright or the match ended in a draw, it would win the bet. And, if Liverpool won the match by exactly one goal, the match would be graded a push and the original stake returned.

Half Goal Handicap Examples

The half-goal handicap is similar to the hook in a spread bet, meaning there are no draws on any wager. Like all Asian handicaps, the idea is to offer a more balanced betting situation to even the action on both sides.

The half-goal also eliminates draws in every scenario. Let’s say you bet on Man U at -0.5, they’d need to win the match by any amount to make you a winner. If Man U loses or the match ends in a draw, the bet is a loss. The 0.5 puts the favorite in a hole to start the match, requiring it to win outright for a winning ticket.

Asian Handicap vs. Traditional Spread Betting

Asian handicap betting can be considered a specialized form of spread betting commonly used in soccer matches, with more options when broken down into quarter-goal increments.

Some view the method as soccer’s version of the point spread. It allows bettors to essentially split their wager into two separate bets when using the quarter-goal handicap (0.25, 0.75) with the potential for partial wins or partial losses.

Better Value with Reduced Juice

It pays to shop around for the best odds, and while Asian handicap betting typically offers better odds, especially on the favored clubs, it’s not a foolproof method. As with any wager, there is always risk; however, seeking better odds for the team you’re willing to back makes the wager that much better.

The vigorish, or “juice” charged by a sportsbook, is unavoidable and impacts the odds and payouts on a winning bet. While the “juice” can’t be completely removed, there are ways to reduce its impact.

No Draw = Higher Winning Potential

Every bettor is looking for ways to improve their return on investment. More favorable odds are one way of doing that, while another is removing one option from the betting ticket.

Asian handicap betting is more commonly associated with soccer because it eliminates the possibility of a draw (tie). Betting on a straight two-way (win/loss) market normally offers higher odds with the potential for more winnings than a ‘draw no bet option’, which grades a tie as a push.

With the higher odds, though, comes a greater chance of losing the bet since nearly a quarter of all soccer matches end full-time in a draw.

Pros and Cons of Asian Handicap Betting

Again, there is no foolproof betting strategy, but Asian handicap betting offers a strong list of advantages.

The first is the potential for better value by eliminating the option for a draw and setting odds while considering the handicap.

Also, with the quarter-goal handicap, risk can be reduced by splitting the initial wager into two separate bets, allowing for a partial win or a partial loss rather than losing the entire stake.

There is a risk with any form of wager, and Asian handicap has a few drawbacks. It’s not a widely known method, especially in the U.S., and it can be a difficult concept to grasp.

The quarter-goal handicap can be confusing to novice sports bettors. To make informed wagers, a high level of research and analysis is required.

Lastly, since it’s not a well-known method in the U.S., Asian handicap betting is not available at all sportsbooks. And the shops that offer it likely have limited options.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Asian Handicap Betting

There is one rule that every bettor should adhere to: always bet with your head and never bet with your heart. Stay objective and don’t let personal feelings regarding a team or individual player influence your decision.

A common mistake with any strategy, but more closely associated with Asian handicap betting, is not understanding how the system works.

The whole, half, and quarter numbers can get confusing, so ensure you have a firm grasp of how to implement this strategy.

Responsible gamblers can help themselves by doing in-depth research and not simply relying on the media-driven narrative.

Also, it’s common to overestimate the likelihood of success for heavy favorites. With favorable odds in the Asian handicap, it’s more enticing to back them, which can lead to financial setbacks.

Study the teams and motivational factors to determine if backing the favorite is a smart play. Don’t just ignore the potential value of an underdog.