Online Betting » Betting Guide » Explaining Asian Handicaps in Betting and How They Work

Explaining Asian Handicaps in Betting and How They Work

Dave Kuzio
Editor
Fact checked by: Jim Knight
Publish Date: 31.01.2024

We live in a different world nowadays when it comes to betting on sport – and soccer in particular. Gone are the days where you would just back on the home or away team to win, lose or draw. The betting world has expanded and it is only getting bigger and this includes Asian Handicap Betting.

One of the most popular markets around is the Asian Handicap market. In this article, I will explain how an Asian Handicap works and how you can use them.

What is Asian Handicap Betting?

Asian Handicap betting is primarily used in soccer and it is based on both teams being handicapped in preference to their form ahead of that game. For example, the stronger team will receive a handicap to win by more than a required number of goals. If you back Man City -1.0, they would need to win the game by two or more goals. You could back Everton +2 and your bet would be a success if the Toffees won, drew or lost by one goal. This is different to the traditional handicap betting market.

Team & Handicap Outcome Needed End Result
Man City -1.0 Win by two or more
Win by 1
Draw or lose
Win
Void/Push
Lose
Everton +2.0 Win, draw or lose by 1
Lose by 2
Lose by three or more
Win
Void/Push
Lose

Asian Handicaps remove the chances of a draw. So like the example above, if you have Man City -1.0, they would need to win by two or more goals because effectively they are already a goal down. If City won by one goal, the bet would be void – or more known as a push. This would see your initial stake refunded.

Hopefully the above table will help you with the basic terms of Asian Handicap betting. The Asian Handicap market is very confusing and hard to master at first. Please make sure you fully understand the ins and outs of Asian Handicap before you start betting with real money.

Asian Handicap Outcomes Explained

The minus (-) you see on an Asian Handicap betting slip is handed out to who the bookmakers believe are the favourites to win the game. The plus (+) symbol is for the underdog. The best online betting sites will often list dozens of asian handicap outcomes for popular matches.

Below I have created an easy to understand table on what you would need for your Asian Handicap bet to be successful. Hopefully, it makes sense as it can be confusing.

Minus Asian Handicaps – Backing the Favourite

Handicap (-) Team Result Bet Outcome
0 Win
Draw
Lose
Win
Void
Lose
– 0.5 Win
Draw
Lose
Win
Lose
Lose
– 1.0 Win by 2+ goals
Win by 1 goal
Draw
Lose
Win
Void
Lose
Lose
– 1.5 Win by 2+ goals
Win by 1 goal
Draw
Lose
Win
Lose
Lose
Lose
– 2.0 Win by 3+ goals
Win by 2 goals
Win by 1
Draw
Lose
Win
Void
Lose
Lose
Lose

Positive Asian Hanicaps – Backing the Underdog

Handicap (+) Team Result Bet Outcome
0 Win
Draw
Lose
Win
Void
Lose
+ 0.50 Win
Draw
Lose
Win
Win
Lose
+ 1.0 Win
Draw
Lose by 1 goal
Lose by 2 goals
Win
Win
Void
Lose
+ 1.5 Win
Draw
Lose by 1 goal
Lose by 2+ goals
Win
Win
Win
Lose
+ 2.0 Win
Draw
Lose by 1 goal
Lose by 2+ goals
Lose by 3+ goals
Win
Win
Win
Void
Lose

Is Using The Asian Handicap Betting Market Worth It?

The Asian Handicap market offers a different perspective for bettors. When betting on soccer in the traditional sense, you have three possible outcomes to bet on. With an Asian Handicap, you are effectively making it a two-way market. That is very appealing to some people.

Just because it narrows down the market, do not assume it is easy and it’s the gateway to riches. You still need to do plenty of research to ensure you know what you are doing. Asian Handicap betting is very confusing and you need to master it before taking the plunge.

The main difference between Asian Handicap and regular Handicap betting is that the Asian Handicap effectively makes it a two-way market. This differs to a regular handicap which prominently works in whole numbers and has three possible outcomes.

The flexibility of an Asian Handicap makes it more enticing for punters. With the different levels of handicaps on offer, this allows you to get a feel for the market and get the best value for you bets.

If Manchester City are in sublime form and are playing a team in the relegation places and conceding goals for fun. You can back the overwhelming favourite with a higher handicap line in a bid to get improved odds.

So, overall yes. There is plenty of worth to betting on the Asian Handicap market as long as you fully understand the system. If you’re taking advantage of a bonus from a betting site, be sure to check if this market qualifies. Due to the nature of the push being a possibility, it may be excluded from some promotions or offers.

What Are The Pros and Cons to Asian Handicap Betting?

Here are a couple of pros and cons on Asian Handicap Betting before you lay your first Asian Handicap bet.

  • Higher odds
  • Eliminates the draw from the outcomes
  • You can still win if your team loses
  • Confusing to understand

What Are Other Forms of Asian Handicap Betting?

Some soccer betting sites have a market specifically for this kind of betting including lots of other markets outside the match result. Find the ‘Asian Lines’ on the game you want to bet on. Here is a brief list of Asian Handicap betting markets available. The logic applies the same across the different options.

  • Asian Handicap
  • Goal Line
  • 1st Half Asian Handicap
  • 1st Half Goal Line
  • Asian Total Corners
  • Asian Handicap Corners
  • 1st Half Asian Corners
  • Asian Total Cards
  • Asian Handicap Cards

Final Say On Asian Handicap Betting

Asian Handicap Betting is a unique way of adding excitement to your bet, but you need to fully clued up on the rules. If you go into Asian Handicap betting blindly, then you will get confused or struggle to understand what it is you are betting on. Once you have studied what you need to know, Asian Handicap markets could prove quite lucrative. You need to be disciplined at first, but the rewards will be worth it if you persevere.

Best Bookmakers For Asian Handicap Betting

1.
Bet365
  • Bonus: Bet $5 Get $200 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
  • VIP Club, Loyalty Program
  • Cash Out, Partial Cash Out
Play Now
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
2.
BetMGM
  • Bonus: Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
  • VIP Club, Loyalty Program
  • Cash Out, Live Streams
Play Now
T&Cs apply, 21+
PayNearMe
Skrill
PayPal
Bank Transfer
+9
3.
DraftKings
  • Bonus: Bet $5, Get $250 in Bonus Bets and 1 month of NFL+ Premium on us!
  • VIP Club
  • Cash Out, Live Streams
Play Now
T&Cs apply, 21+
PayPal
VIP Preferred
Play+
Discover
+6
4.
BetRivers.com
  • Bonus: Second chance bet: Get up to $500 in Bonus Bets
  • VIP Club
  • Cash Out, Live Streams
Play Now
T&Cs apply, 21+
PayNearMe
Bank Transfer
VIP Preferred
PayPal
+8
5.
FanDuel
  • Bonus: Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets + 3 Weeks of NFL Sunday Ticket + Boost or Bonus every day in the Summer
  • VIP Club
  • Cash Out, Live Streams
Play Now
T&Cs apply, 21+
Prepaid Card
PayNearMe
PayPal
Bank Transfer
+8

Asian Handicap Betting FAQ

What is Asian Handicap Betting?

Asian Handicap is a form of bet that gives a certain team a virtual advantage in terms of goals over their opponents. The Asian Handicap essentially rules out a draw happening, meaning there are only two real outcomes.

What is the Difference Between Asian Handicap and Handicap?

The main difference between Asian Handicap and regular Handicap betting is that the Asian Handicap effectively makes it a two-way market. This differs to a regular handicap which prominently works in whole numbers and has three possible outcomes.

What Does Push Mean In Asian Handicap?

In Asian Handicap Betting, a push is the term used when there is no winner or loser. Your stake will be returned if for example, you bet on Liverpool -1 on the Asian Handicap and they win the actual game 1-0. That means the game is a draw, but as there are no draws on Asian Handicap Betting, your stake will be refunded. That is a push.

Where Does The Term Asian Handicap Come From?

The term Asian Handicap was coined because it was originated in Indonesia. Journalist Joe Saumarez Smith is reportedly believed to have been the first to use the term Asian Handicap after Indonesian bookmaker Joe Phan asked him to provide a translation for the term ‘Hang Cheng’ which was being used around Asia.

Top Betting Sites
Top Betting Bonuses
Bet365
Bet365 Bonus
Bet $5 Get $200 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
T&Cs apply
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It's Never Ordinary at bet365. That's why if you sign up now you'll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
BetMGM
BetMGM Bonus
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
T&Cs apply
DraftKings
DraftKings Bonus
Bet $5, Get $250 in Bonus Bets and 1 month of NFL+ Premium on us!
T&Cs apply
BetRivers.com
BetRivers.com Bonus
Second chance bet: Get up to $500 in Bonus Bets
T&Cs apply
FanDuel
FanDuel Bonus
Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets + 3 Weeks of NFL Sunday Ticket
T&Cs apply
Top Providers
Top Bonuses
Stake.us
Stake.us Bonus
$55 Stake Cash + 260K Gold Coins + 5% Rakeback
T&Cs apply
High5Casino
High5Casino Bonus
Get Up To 200 GC + 40 SC + 100 Diamonds!
T&Cs apply
Wow Vegas
Wow Vegas Bonus
35 SC FREE and 1.75M WOW Coins
T&Cs apply
Jackpota
Jackpota Bonus
25 SC FREE and 57.5K Gold Coins
T&Cs apply
Sweeptastic
Sweeptastic Bonus
33 SC FREE and 67,777 Lucky Coins
T&Cs apply