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What is Asian handicap? Asian handicap betting is where one team is handed a pre-match boost in terms of their goal allocation. This method of betting, almost exclusively available on football matches, effectively eliminates the draw. Thus, there will only be two possible outcomes, a home or away win. On this page, we will deliver the Asian handicap meaning in greater detail. Meanwhile, we will also explain how Asian handicap odds work and outline the best sites for an Asian handicap bet. So, without ado, let’s get started!
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Almost all online bookies now offer Asian handicap markets. However, not all are worth signing up with. So, just how can punters separate the best from the rest? When looking to bet on Asian handicap markets, the following factors are important. So, before you place an Asian handicap bet, ensure that a potential bookie delivers across the board:
Availability – Asian handicap markets should be available on the vast majority of football matches. While this bet type is specific to football, there are still a number of different options for punters here. For example, 1st half, goal line, total corners and total cards. As such, punters are never short of options. The best UK bookies will have recognised just how popular Asian handicap betting now is. When it comes to availability and coverage, there are few better sites than Bet UK.
Odds – There are often significant differences between the odds offered by bookies. This is especially true when it comes to Asian handicap betting. Punters will want to know that they are getting the best prices. While all of our recommended bookies are competitive in this area, there are some that stand out. Having compared Asian handicap odds over an extended period of time, it is 888Sport that regularly comes out on top.
Promotions – While promotions are not the be-all-and-end-all, they can certainly come in handy. Those placing Asian handicap bets are likely to automatically qualify for certain offers. Whether it be boosted winnings, free bet or acca insurance offers, punters are often given a helping hand by bookies. When it comes to promos, QuinnBet is among the standout names. The bookie caters for both new and existing customers, while their terms and conditions are realistic too.
Mobile – With many punters now using their mobile device to place bets, it has never been more important for bookies to accommodate such customers. Betting apps and sites can be accessed with ease on smartphones and tablets in most cases. Mobile customers will be looking for an efficient experience, with all of the same markets and features as found on desktop platforms. As with their desktop site, the 10Bet mobile app makes betting on the go simple. The app includes many Asian handicap options.
Features – Fans of Asian handicap markets are likely to be in a position to take advantage of some appealing features. Live streaming, cash out, bet builders and statistics pages will all be of use along the way. Bet365 offers a variety of features, helping to make them one of the world’s leading online bookies.
What is Asian Handicap Betting?
As the name suggests, this method of betting originated in Asia. Most commonly associated with football, Asian handicap betting effectively rules out a draw. There are therefore two possible outcomes, Team A win or Team B win. Virtual handicaps are given to the teams involved, giving one the lead over another. A deficit (-) is given to the favourite, while the underdog is handed a surplus (+).
Asian handicap betting options are referred to as lines, whether it be full, half or totals lines. How does Asian handicap work? In order to outline the Asian handicap meaning in greater detail, we will deliver some common examples. Asian handicap betting is far from simple. It therefore takes time to get to grips with. In order to help you along the way, let’s take a closer look at some of the types of Asian handicap bets available:
Asian Handicap Full Lines
Simply put, Asian handicap full lines come with a full number, whether it be 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 etc. Either a minu (-) or plus (+) symbol will be used to show who is the favourite and outsider. For example, Liverpool -2 to beat Norwich City +1. Those betting on Liverpool with such a bet are basically predicting that the Reds will win by a margin of 2 goals or more. Depending on the bookie, bets may be void in the event of the match result being a draw after handicaps have been applied.
Asian Handicap Half Lines
This market can be difficult to get your head around. So, be sure that you 100% understand the concept before taking advantage of it. Here, different handicap variants are available, including +0.50 and -2.5. For example, if a particular team is available at +0.50, they effectively have half a goal lead from the start. So, should the match ended in a draw, they would be the winner. However, teams with a -0.50 handicap will have to win in order for bets to be successful. Half lines are often compared to the double chance win/draw market.
Asian Handicap Quarter Lines
While not being as common, quarter lines, ending in .25 or .75 are available at some betting sites too. As a result, teams are given a quarter deficit or surplus. However, the format also means that there can be half stake wins and losses, depending on the result.
Asian Handicap Betting Examples
In order to ensure that punters have an excellent understanding of Asian handicap markets, it is time to look at some examples. Below are examples from some of the most popular handicaps available at betting sites today:
0.0
Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal
You place a £10 bet on Tottenham on the 0.0 Asian handicap market.
If Tottenham win, your bet wins,
In the event of the match ending in a draw, your stake is refunded.
If Arsenal win, your bet loses.
+/- 0.25
Borussia Dortmund -0.25
Bayer Leverkusen +0.25
You place a £10 bet on Dortmund to win.
If Dortmund win 1-0, your bet wins.
Should the game end in a draw, your bet loses.
If Leverkusen wins, your bet loses.
+/- 0.5
Juventus -0.5 vs AC Milan +0.5
You bet £10 on AC Milan to win.
If Juventus wins, your bet loses.
Should the game end in a draw, your bet loses.
If AC Milan wins, your bet wins.
+/- 0.75
Villarreal +0.75 vs Barcelona -0.75
You bet £10 on Villarreal to win.
In the event of Villarreal winning, your bet wins.
If the match ends in a draw, your bet wins.
If Barcelona wins by 2+ clear goals, your bet loses.
+/- 1
PSG -1 vs Lyon +1
You bet £10 on PSG to win.
If PSG wins by 2+ clear goals, your bet wins.
In the event of PSG winning by one goal, your stake is returned.
If the match ends in a draw or Lyon win, your bet loses.
5 Key Tips To Winning Asian Handicap Bets
There are no guarantees when it comes to placing such bets. However, punters can maximise their chances of success by following a few simple steps. The following tips have been written to give punters the best possible chance of beating the bookies:
Understand the Market – Before placing your first Asian handicap bet, be sure to fully understand the rules. This will ensure that there
are not any unwelcome surprises. There is nothing worse than losing a bet due to misunderstanding the conditions.
Look at the Stats – Perhaps more than other bet types, handicap markets require detailed research. So, before confirming any bet, ensure that you have looked at goals scored, recent form, head to head and other statistics.
Compare Odds – Odds on Asian handicap markets can differ quite significantly between bookies. So, be sure to browse the market before staking your hard earned funds. Remember, there are no rules in terms of the number of betting sites you can sign up on.
Traditional Or Asian – While Asian handicap is a hugely popular market, there are other handicap options available. So, be sure to weigh up which suits your strategy the best. Alternative handicap markets are also available on a wider range of sports, not just football.
Be Realistic – The higher the handicap, the greater the odds are likely to be. However, punters must remember that they are betting using real money. As such, they must be realistic.
What Other Types Of Handicap Betting Are There?
Along with Asian, there are a small number of additional handicap bets worth considering. While the exact number differs between bookies, the following are the most common:
No Draw Handicap Match Betting
Here, given the handicaps offered, there is a guaranteed winner. Half handicaps, such as +1.5 and -2.5 ensure for this, regardless of the final score. For example, ahead of a Champions League tie between Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, the Italian giants are given a handicap of +1.5. The match ended 3-2 to Bayern Munich. However, a bet on Inter Milan at +1.5 would have won. This is because the scoreline was effectively 3.5-3 to Inter.
Handicap League Betting
In this case, punters are placing bets on the performance of a team over the entire season. A handicap of zero will likely be given to the title favourites. Meanwhile, all others are offered a handicap based on their chances of success. All handicaps must be taken into account when calculating the season’s outcome. For example, you may wish to back Chelsea to win the Premier League title at +8.
Best Sports To Bet On For Asian Handicap
The nature of this market means that it is only football that Asian handicap betting is available on. While other handicap markets will be available on other sports, Asian is specific to football. This bet type originated in Indonesia and has gone on to become hugely popular for punters in the UK too.
Bottom Line on Asian Handicap Betting
Offering an alternative to traditional football betting, as well as standard handicap betting, Asian handicap is now a firm favourite for many punters. All of our recommended sites offer a wide range of options in this area. So, no matter whether you are looking to bet on the favourite or underdog, this method of betting could well bring in more significant returns. On this page you will have learned everything there is to know about Asian handicap betting. It is now time to find the bookie that best meets your needs. Remember, when signing up, you can claim a generous bonus too!
T&Cs apply. New customers, Deposit & Place a Bet within 7 days, and settle a £10 minimum bet at odds of 4/5 (1.8) or greater, to be credited with 3x £10 free bets: 1 x £10 Horse racing, 1 x £10 Free Bet Builder and 1 x £10 Football. Stake not returned. Opt-in required. 18+ BeGambleAware.org.
Open only to new BetUK.com players. Aged 18 or over. Opt-in required by clicking on the “Claim” button on the player’s “My Offers” page. Offer is available on mobile browser and app only. Offer must be claimed and qualifying bet must be made within 7 days of registration. Only bets with minimum odds of 1.5 qualify for this promotion. Qualifying bet must be a bet of at least £10. Void, cashed out, or partially cashed out bets do not qualify for this promotion. Once the qualifying bet settles 3x £10 free bets will be awarded. Free bets must be used on bets with 4 or more selections. Each selection must be at odds of 1.3 or greater. The free bets will expire seven days after they are awarded if they remain unused.
This offer can only be claimed once.
Free bet stake not included in any winnings.
Bets placed with free bets do not qualify towards the promotion.
General T&Cs apply
LeoVegas Gaming PLC
2018
Malta
Asian Handicap FAQ’s
What is Asian handicap?
It is a method of betting on football, with the teams involved being given a handicap, based on their form and other factors. Effectively, the favourites must win by more goals in order for your bet to win.
How does Asian handicap work?
Both before and during football matches, both teams are given a handicap. The favourites are handed a deficit, while the underdogs come with a surplus. Bets can be placed accordingly, with the final result determining the success of wagers.
Are Asian handicap odds only available on football matches?
Yes. While the format of this bet type does fit in with other sports, it is generally only football that bookies cover.
What are the most popular Asian handicap football markets?
When it comes to placing such a bet, punters can take advantage of full, half and quarter lines, whether it be 0.5, 1.5 or another variation. The market selected will determine the potential returns, with odds different throughout.
What is an alternative Asian handicap bet?
Here, your bet is effectively split into two parts. For example, the first half goes on a wager on your pick at -1.5, while the other goes on -2. Such markets will sometimes be labelled “AAH” by online bookies.
James Fuller
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James Fuller is a sports journalist based in Bath, England. Specializing in sports and iGaming, he has worked for a variety of leading online publications in the past, having first created content for safebettingsites in 2020. James also has a degree in Sport & Leisure Management from Sheffield Hallam University.
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