Asian handicap explained with examples

What is Asian Handicap Betting?

Asian Handicap betting, often simply referred to as "Asian Handicap," is a specialized form of betting that originated in Asia. Unlike traditional football (soccer) betting, where three outcomes are possible (a home win, a draw, or an away win), Asian Handicap effectively reduces this to two possible outcomes by eliminating the draw option. This is achieved by giving one team a head start in terms of goals, leveling the playing field and making the betting proposition more attractive.

The term "handicap" in this context refers to the advantage (in goals) given to one of the teams. For instance, if a powerhouse team plays against a lesser-known team, the former might be given a handicap to level the odds. This means that even if the stronger team wins, bettors might not win their bets unless the team overcomes its handicap.

How Does Asian Handicap Work?

The mechanics of Asian Handicap revolve around goal advantages (or disadvantages) given to teams. These handicaps can be whole numbers, half numbers, or even quarter numbers. Here's a basic breakdown:

Level Handicap (0 Handicap)

No team is given an advantage. This is used when teams are perceived to be equally matched. A bettor wins if the team they bet on wins the match. If it's a draw, the stake is returned.

Example 1: Match: Manchester United vs. Liverpool
Handicap: Manchester United 0
If you bet on Manchester United (0) and they win, you win the bet. If Liverpool wins, you lose the bet. However, if the match ends in a draw, your stake is returned, meaning you neither win nor lose.

Example 2: Match: Juventus vs. Inter Milan
Handicap: Juventus 0
You bet on Juventus. The match ends 2-2. Since it's a draw and you bet with a Level Handicap, your stake is returned to you.

Half Handicap (e.g., 0.5)

One team is given a half-goal advantage. For instance, if you bet on a team with a +0.5 handicap, you win if your team draws or wins the match. If you bet on a team with a -0.5 handicap, they need to win the match for you to win the bet.

Example 1: Match: Chelsea vs. Arsenal
Handicap: Chelsea -0.5
If you bet on Chelsea, they need to win the match for you to win the bet. A draw or an Arsenal win means you lose. If Chelsea wins, you win your bet.

Example 2: Match: Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Dortmund
Handicap: Dortmund +0.5
You place a bet on Dortmund. Even if the match ends in a draw, you win because of the +0.5 advantage. If Dortmund wins, you also win. But if Bayern Munich wins, you lose your bet.

Quarter Handicap (e.g., 0.25 or 0.75):

This is where it gets a bit more complex. If you bet on a team with a +0.25 handicap and the match ends in a draw, half of your stake is returned, and the other half is a winning bet. If the team you bet on wins, the entire bet is a winner.

Example 1 (0.25 Handicap): Match: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) vs. Lyon
Handicap: PSG -0.25
You bet on PSG. The match ends in a draw. Half of your stake (the -0 part) is returned, while the other half (the -0.5 part) is lost.

Example 2 (0.25 Handicap): Match: AC Milan vs. Roma
Handicap: Roma +0.25
You place a bet on Roma. If Roma wins, you win the entire bet. If the match is a draw, half of your stake is returned, and the other half wins. If AC Milan wins, you lose your bet.

Example 3 (0.75 Handicap): Match: Atletico Madrid vs. Valencia
Handicap: Atletico -0.75
You bet on Atletico. If they win by 2 or more goals, you win the entire bet. If they win by exactly 1 goal, half of your stake is returned, and the other half wins. If the match ends in a draw or Valencia wins, you lose your bet.

What is a +1.5 Asian Handicap?

A +1.5 Asian Handicap is a type of betting where one team is given a 1.5 goal advantage before the match starts. This means that the team with the +1.5 handicap starts the game effectively 1.5 goals ahead. Here's how it works:

+1.5 Asian Handicap Explained:

If you bet on a team with a +1.5 Asian Handicap:

You win the bet if:
Your team wins the match.
The match ends in a draw.
Your team loses by exactly 1 goal.
You lose the bet if:Your team loses by 2 or more goals.

The +1.5 handicap is particularly useful when betting on a clear underdog in a match. Even if the favored team wins by a single goal, a bet on the underdog with a +1.5 handicap would still be successful.

Example:

Match: Barcelona vs. A smaller club, let's say Granada.
Handicap: Granada +1.5

You decide to bet on Granada with the +1.5 handicap. Here are the potential outcomes:

If Granada wins or draws, you win your bet.
If Barcelona wins 1-0, you still win your bet because, with the +1.5 handicap, it's as if the match ended 1-1.5 in favor of Granada.
If Barcelona wins 2-0, you lose your bet because, with the +1.5 handicap, it's as if the match ended 2-1.5, still in favor of Barcelona.
If Barcelona wins by 3 or more goals, you also lose your bet.

The beauty of Asian Handicap betting lies in its ability to level the playing field, offering more value to bettors and eliminating the frustrations of draw outcomes. It's a dynamic way to bet, especially for those who seek more action and nuanced strategies in their betting endeavors.