Asian handicap betting is a popular sports betting method that aims to level the playing field between two unevenly matched teams. Similar to the puck line in hockey, or run line in baseball, an Asian handicap is soccer’s spread betting. In typical soccer betting, you need to select either team to win the game outright or pick the game ending in a draw scenario. Asian handicapping gives you three options: win, lose or draw.
Bettors can utilize Asian handicap lines in a variety of markets, including full-time match results, first-half results and total goals. Let’s take a closer look at a few Asian Handicap betting examples.
How to Read Asian Handicap Betting Lines
0.25 Asian Handicap
| Team | Asian Handicap Odds |
|---|---|
| Real Madrid | -0.25 |
| Barcelona | +0.25 |
This line means the favored team is equipped with a -.25 spread, and should they win, you win your bet. By wagering a "quarter bet" you minimize the risk as you have two options to draw even on your bet.
If the game ends in a draw, if would be considered a “half loss” and you would receive half your original wager back.
0.5 Asian Handicap
| Team | Asian Handicap Odds |
|---|---|
| L.A. Galaxy | -0.5 |
| Toronto FC | +0.5 |
These -0.5 odds demonstrate that the favored team, in this case the L.A. Galaxy needs to win outright to cash your bet. Betting on the underdog at a +0.5 line is a win if TFC manages to win or draw the contest.
0.75 Asian Handicap
| Team | Asian Handicap Odds |
|---|---|
| Arsenal | -0.75 |
| Manchester City | +0.75 |
In this scenario, the favorite, Arsenal, would need to win by two or more goals to cash your bet. Should Arsenal prevail by only one goal, you'd get half your winnings, while the other half would be considered a loss. If Arsenal lose or draw, you lose your bet.
1.0 Asian Handicap
| Team | Asian Handicap Odds |
|---|---|
| Bayern Munich | -1.0 |
| Paris Saint-Germain | +1.0 |
Here Bayern Munich would need to win by two or more goals to cash your full winnings. Should Bayern win by one, your bet is considered a draw and refunded. However, if they lose outright, your bet is also considered a loss.
Odds Shark Soccer Picks
How Asian Handicap Works
| Your Wager | Full Win | Partial Win | Full Loss | Partial Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| -0.25 | Win by 1 Or More | Lose By 1 Or More | Draw | |
| +0.25 | Win By 1 Or More | Draw | Lose By 1 Or More | |
| -0.5 | Win by 1 Or More | Lose By 1 Or More Or Draw |
||
| +0.5 | Win by 1 Or More Or Draw |
Lose By 1 Or More | ||
| -0.75 | Win by 2 Or More | Win By 1 | Lose By 1 Or More Or Draw |
|
| +0.75 | Win by 1 Or More Or Draw |
Lose By 2 Or More | Lose By 1 | |
| -1.0 | Win by 2 Or More | Lose By 1 Or More Or Draw |
||
| +1.0 | Win by 1 Or More Or Draw |
Lose By 2 Or More |
Asian Handicap Betting Strategies
- Boost Parlay Odds: Add Asian handicap bets into a parlay for a safer boost to the overall odds.
- First-Half Markets: Use Asian handicap lines for first-half spreads and totals to focus your research on specific match timeframes.
- Safer Selections: Create safer selections by using Asian handicap lines to minimize the risk of a straight win/loss bet.
Understanding and utilizing Asian handicap odds can help bettors explore new dynamic betting strategies and increase betting success.
Though it may seem confusing at first, Asian handicap soccer betting is an excellent way to minimize risk. Instead of a typical bet that gives bettors a one-in-three chance to win, the Asian Handicap gives you a one-in-two chance to at least get some money back. Whether you’re betting on the Champions League or EPL, handicap odds will be available at most soccer sportsbooks.