Understanding the intricacies of Asian handicap wagering requires grasping some key concepts. This form of sports betting originated in Indonesia and Malaysia in the late 1990s before gaining popularity across Asia. The main goal was to make betting on soccer matches at Pame Stoixhma more appealing by eliminating the possibility of a draw.
How Asian Handicap Betting Works
The basic premise involves applying a calculated handicap to each team to make the contest more evenly matched. This handicap is expressed in goals so the favorite must win by more goals than the handicap for a bet on them to cash. The underdog receives a head start in goals according to the handicap.
A few examples better illustrate:
- Manchester City (-1.5) vs. Bournemouth (+1.5)
- If you bet Manchester City, they must win by 2+ goals to cover the -1.5 handicap
- If you bet Bournemouth, they can lose by 1 goal or win outright and still cover
- Liverpool (-2) vs. West Ham United (+2)
- Liverpool must win by 3+ goals to cash -2 bet
- West Ham can lose by 1 goal or win to cash +2 wager
This balancing of the playing field makes previously lopsided contests more compelling betting vehicles.
Types of Asian Handicap Bets
Asian handicap lines come in two primary forms:
Whole Handicap
A whole handicap involves applying a whole number handicap to each team. If the handicap has a favorite listed as -2, they must win by 3+ goals for a bet on them to cash. The underdog with a +2 handicap can lose by 1 goal or win and the wager still cashes.
Split Handicap
A split handicap applies a handicap with a half-point to reduce the likelihood of a push. An example would be Chelsea (-1.5, -2) against Arsenal (+1.5, +2). If Chelsea wins by exactly 2 goals, the -1.5 part of the handicap would cash while the -2 portion would lose. Arsenal winning or drawing would cash the +2 handicap, while losing exactly by 1 goal would cash the +1.5 handicap.
Here is a comparison table of a standard money line vs. an Asian handicap line:
Table 1. Comparison of Moneyline and Asian Handicap Odds
| Match: Liverpool vs. Burnley | ||
| Odds | Moneyline | Asian Handicap |
| Liverpool | -400 favorite | -1.5 (-115) |
| Draw | +500 | n/a |
| Burnley | +1000 dog | +1.5 (-115) |
As seen above, the Asian handicap line builds an added element into the Liverpool vs. Burnley match by eliminating the possibility of a push if Liverpool wins by exactly one goal. The adjusted spreads make betting on Burnley more attractive despite their heavy underdog status.
Why Bet Asian Handicaps?
There are some solid reasons why Asian handicap betting has become so widespread:
- Eliminates the possibility of a draw
- Underdogs become more competitive
- Better payouts than 1X2 money lines
- Creative betting opportunities
- Hedging can offset risk
For those uncomfortable betting on traditional fixed odds, Asian handicaps offer an alternative. The adjusted spreads allow you to back favorites at reduced risk or take large underdogs without needing an outright upset. Simply looking for a team to cover a handicap or lose within a margin for error is often easier than picking an outright winner or draw.
While Asian handicaps seem complex at first glance, a bit of familiarity reveals a betting market full of possibility. The opportunity to back favorites at alternate spreads or take dogs with a head start makes for dynamic wagering. Just be sure to shop for the best handicap lines and understand each type of handicap before placing your bets. What seems complicated will quickly become an indispensable approach after you grasp the fundamentals of this unique betting style.