Asian Handicap Defined: Removing The Draw From Football Betting

The main principle of Asian handicap betting is to remove the draw and make it a two-way bet. The underdog receives a virtual advantage over the favourite. This allows bookmakers to offer more competitive odds.

What Asian Handicap Means in Football Betting

A standard football bet sees you bet on home win, draw, or away win. An Asian handicap removes the draw. 

Instead of betting on 1X2, a typical bet may look like this:

• Team A -0.5

• Team B +0.5

Team A still has to win by one goal or more for the bet to win - meaning no change. The main difference comes with Team B, who, with a +0.5 start, can win or draw for your wager to be successful. 

Why Asian Handicap Removes the Draw

Removing the draw makes a bet more of a 50/50 call, meaning you have to find that small edge to be on the right side of the outcome.

It also allows the bookmaker to recalculate the overround as the bet is now a two-outcome, rather than three. This can result in better value bets in certain Asian markets.

Where Asian Handicap Betting Originated

The clues in the name, and to be more precise, Asian handicaps originate from Southeast Asia. They have since been adopted by Western bookies and turned into a major football betting market. 

Serious Bettors Prefer It: Why Professionals Use Asian Lines

Serious bettors don’t muck around with Saturday afternoon £10 acca bets. They like to get stuck into big money singles, making Asian handicap bets ideal.

Reducing Outcomes From Three to Two

Removing the draw makes a football match more of a 50/50 call. Serious bettors prefer clarity, not having a third option to muddy the waters.

Punters can instead focus on how much the favourite will win by, or if the team will cover the spread.

Why Asian Handicap Odds Are Often More Balanced

With the draw removed and a handicap line set, bookmakers can offer better-balanced odds. This makes for better value wins, meaning increased stakes. 

If Man City are playing the team at the bottom of the table and are 1/8 in the 1X2 market, fewer punters are going to back them. However, if their odds are 10/11 to win from -1.5 goals on the Asian handicap, big hitters have better odds to work with and are more likely to take a position.

Lower Margins Compared to 1X2 Markets

Betting for serious punters is all about lowering margins and extracting the maximum value. Every decimal point counts. Experienced bettors see the lower margins found in Asian handicaps more appealing than those on offer in traditional 1X2 markets.

Line Mechanics Explained: How Asian Handicap Numbers Work

In football betting, Asian handicap lines give the underdog a head start in virtual goals, while the favourite has to win and cover the deficit (handicap line).   

Understanding Plus and Minus Handicaps

Plus (+) is the amount of virtual goals head start the underdog is given. Minus (-) is the handicap amount the stronger team must win by to cover the bet. 

Example Bet:

• Arsenal (-1.5) → must win by 2+ goals to cover the bet

• Wolves (+1.5) → can win, draw, or lose by 1 goal and still win the bet

There are also whole-number handicap bets. An example bet would be:

• Arsenal (-1.0) → must win by 2+ goals to cover the bet

• Wolves (+1.0) → can win or draw for the bet to win

If Arsenal wins by just one goal, there is no winner, and the stakes are refunded. Refunds are another huge reason why experienced bettors like the Asian lines.

How Virtual Goals Are Applied

Virtual goals are added at the end of the match. If the match ends 2-1 to Arsenal and you bet on Wolves to win with the +1.5 goals start, then your bet has won. With the 1.5 virtual goals added, Wolves have scored 2.5 goals, while Arsenal has two.

What Happens After the Final Whistle

The bookmakers will pay out if the bet wins or keep the stake money if the bet loses. In the instance of handicap bets with whole numbers (one, two, three, etc), the bookmaker will refund the stake if there is no winner.  

Handicap Line Types: Half, Full And Quarter Explained

There are different types of handicap betting lines. The primary markets are as follows:

Half Goal Handicaps (±0.5, ±1.5)

Any half goal line guarantees a winner or a loser, no matter what the final score of the match is. A +0.5 goal start is giving the underdog the win and the draw. A +1.5 goal start is giving the underdog a one goal defeat, the draw, and the win. 

Full Goal Handicaps (±1.0, ±2.0)

Full goal handicaps come with the third option of money back if there is no winner. This can also be known as a push scenario.

An example bet is: 

• Arsenal -1.0 

• Wolves +1.0 

If Arsenal win by just one goal (1-0, 2-1 or 3-2), the handicap is equal on both sides of the bet and there is no winner. At full-time, the bookmakers will refund all bets.

Quarter Goal Handicaps (±0.25, ±0.75)

Quarter goal lines split your bet across two handicaps and can result in full wins, full losses, or half wins and half losses.

Level Ball Markets: Asian Handicap Zero Explained

Level Asian handicap lines work the same as ‘draw no bet’ wagers.  

How Level Ball Asian Handicap Works

Pretty simple, it’s a bet on either team to win with a no result outcome if the match ends in a draw.

When Stakes Are Refunded

Stakes will be refunded if the match finishes as a draw. Any drawing scoreline qualifies for a refund. 

Why Asian Handicap 0 Appeals to Risk-Averse Bettors

You may feel a team won’t lose, but are not sure enough they will win to fully commit to a bet in the 1X2 market. 

Backing the team from 0 on the Asian handicap allows you to go in bigger and more committed, as you have the insurance of getting your money back if the match is a draw. However, there is still the possibility of your bet losing.

Quarter Line Complexity: Why Beginners Get Confused

Quarter line stakes are split across two lines. These Asian handicap wagers are slightly more confusing than whole or half number goal line bets: 

How Stakes Are Split Across Two Lines

Think of a £10 bet on a team at -0.25 as the following:

• £5 on 0

• £5 on -0.5

Using the above bet example, if the match ends in a draw, your bet is a half loss. This sees you get half your stake refunded while the bookie keeps the other half.

What Half Wins and Half Losses Mean

Half wins mean half your bet gets paid out as a winner, with the other half of your stake returned. Half losses result in half your stake losing, with the other half returned. It’s like hedging your Asian handicap bets. 

Why Quarter Lines Confuse Beginners

Quarter lines are confusing to beginners because of the split stake. Unlike each-way bets, quarter lines are not listed as two bets, so are not as clear as they could be.

Understanding one Asian handicap line can be confusing to a beginner. So grasping two is always going to be even more difficult. 

You obviously don’t want to be betting big on something you don’t fully understand.

Match Scenario Examples: How Asian Lines Settle

There are several versions of Asian handicap bets. Below, we’ve put together some examples with match scenarios to highlight the key differences between the most popular variations: 

Example: Favourite on -0.5 Asian Handicap

We back favourites Manchester City to win from -0.5:

• City win → bet wins

• City draw or lose → bet loses

This is the equivalent to backing Man City to win in the 1X2 market. The key difference between that market and the Asian one is that City's opponents can win or draw. You should find slightly better odds on City to win, as it is a two-outcome bet. If you don’t, check with other bookmakers. 

Example: Underdog on +1.0 Asian Handicap

This time we back Brentford from +1.0:

• Brentford win or draw → bet wins

• Brentford lose by 1 → stake refunded

• Brentford lose by 2+ → whole bet loses

This wager gives us Brentford and the draw, and it also protects us against a narrow one-goal defeat for the Bees.

Example: -0.25 and +0.75 Explained

We back Liverpool to win starting from -0.25:

• Liverpool win → our bet wins

• The match is a draw → half loss, other half of stake is refunded

• Liverpool lose → whole bet loses

The -0.25 line almost acts the same as the 1X2 market. The difference is we have the insurance of getting half our stake back should the match be a draw, as opposed to losing all of it if we wagered on 1X2.

We back Everton to win with a +0.75 goal start:

• Everton win or draw → bet wins

• Everton lose by 1 → half our bet loses, we get the other half refunded

• Everton lose by 2+ goals → whole bet loses

Market Comparison: Asian Handicap Versus European Lines

The Asian and European handicaps are similar in that one team receives a virtual advantage. However, there are some major differences: 

Key Differences Between Asian and European Handicaps

European handicaps stick with the three possible outcomes - win, lose or draw. The bet is also always based on whole numbers. 

The Asian handicap variation removes the draw outcome. It also has quarter, half, and three-quarters of a goal options. 

The major difference is that there is no refund option with the European handicap. A European handicap bet that doesn’t win is a straight loser. An Asian handicap bet on a whole number will have the refund option. 

Why European Handicap Includes Draw Outcomes

Some bettors prefer the straightforwardness of the 1X2 betting market. The European handicap offers these punters an alternative market to the Asian handicap that is easier to understand.

Which Handicap Market Suits Different Betting Styles

The Asian handicap market suits meticulous bettors looking to exploit small margins. Those who are happy to pore over stats to try and outsmart the bookies.

The European handicap offers bigger prices. It caters for bettors looking for larger prices that carry more risks for bigger rewards. They are also more suitable for accumulator bets.

Value Windows Appear: When Asian Handicap Beats 1X2

Asian handicap markets can be a great alternative bet that offers better value on specific teams and in certain types of matches:

Strong Favourites With Inflated 1X2 Odds

Favourites are often not backable at odds of 1/3 or shorter in the 1X2 market. Using the -1.0 or -1.5 Asian handicap market can cover the draw in close wins or improve payouts in wins of 2+ goals.

Underdogs Expected to Keep Matches Close

When weaker teams are defensively well-organised or the favourite has been showing signs of poor form in recent matches, a bet on the underdog to win with a +1.0 or +1.5 start can offer good value.

Low-Scoring and Tactical Matches

Local derbies and matches between two heavyweights can often be close. Using the 0 or +0.25 spread can reduce risk on the draw.

In Play Handicap Movement: How Lines Shift Live

Asian handicaps can be far more effective when used in-play for live betting:

How Asian Handicap Lines Shift In-Play

In-play markets can move quickly. Asian handicap lines are no different. The odds can dramatically shift due to goals, live statistics showing one team is in control, red cards and as the clock counts down.

Using Live Asian Handicap for Risk Control

A bettor may have had a wager on a team pre-match and be looking to take the opposite view to hedge their bet late on in the game. 

Backing the team with a +0.5 advantage on the Asian handicap line could cover all outcomes on the other side(s) of the market and either guarantee a profit or limit losses.  

Why Timing Matters With In-Play Handicaps

Events such as goals and red cards cause huge price swings. Predicting them isn’t easy. But if you can get your timing right, in-play handicaps can be very profitable.

Common Errors Exposed: Mistakes Bettors Keep Making

Getting Asian handicaps wrong can be costly. Some easy-to-avoid common mistakes are: 

Misunderstanding Refund Scenarios

We’ve covered the ±0.25, ±0.75 bets earlier. These can be hard to understand betting markets for the inexperienced, and losses can occur when bettors don’t fully grasp the refund rules.

Backing Large Handicaps Without Context

Favourites don’t always win with plenty to spare. Performances can be affected by fixture congestion, injuries, and even squad rotation. 

Look out for teams that might have a big midweek fixture coming up that may influence selection the weekend before. 

Underdogs can also perform better than expected. Don’t just back favourites to cover large handicaps and expect to win. Do your homework first.

Ignoring Match Tempo and Motivation

Some days, teams are just not on it. If you’re betting in-play, then check out the tempo before diving in.

Other common trends to be wary of are favourites that go a goal up and then sit on the lead. This can be costly if you need to cover a 1.5 goal spread. 

Asian Handicap Versus Goals Markets: Choosing The Right Tool

Not all goal-based markets offer the same insurance that Asian handicap markets do. There is no money-back option with some specific markets; it's either lose or cash in with a win.

Asian Handicap vs Over Under Betting

The Asian handicap is a better value if you want to side with a team. Over/under makes more sense if you are not sure who will win, but have a strong position on the number of goals expected in the match.

Asian Handicap vs Goal Line Bets

Goal line bets differ to over/under betting as they have money back options on whole numbers and some bookies offer split goal lines.

Again, these are more popular than Asian handicap bets when you have a position on goals, but not on who wins the match.

Choosing the Right Market for Match Analysis

If you expect a strong team to be dominant against an underdog and want to bet on the winning margin, then you choose the Asian handicap. 

In an open match expected to have goals that could go either way, look to the goal-based markets. 

Bankroll Management With Asian Handicap Bets

Looking after your bankroll is important in any betting. Don’t get drawn into thinking you can take more risks with Asian handicap bets just because you can get money refunded on certain lines.

Why Asian Handicap Encourages Smaller Edges

The levelling of the playing field provides smaller edges in Asian handicaps. You can’t just bet on a favourite to win, you need to be far more accurate. This leads to more competitive prices and harder to predict bets.

Avoiding Overconfidence With Safer Lines

You can bet on safer lines like +1.0 with the insurance of money back. But reduced risk doesn’t guarantee a win or a returned stake. Avoid falling into the trap of thinking a wager can’t lose or piling in just because there is a money-back option.

Staking Consistently Across Handicap Markets

With smaller edges, a consistent staking plan is important. Don’t go big on so-called safe bets and be cautious in bets that look like a close call. Flat staking or a percentage-based staking plan can help avoid busting your betting bank.

Who Uses Asian Handicap Best: Bettor Profiles Explained

Asian handicap betting is available to all bettors. But until you fully understand it, you need to exercise caution.

Experienced Bettors Seeking Value

Experienced bettors often have data-driven systems to help them find an edge. These processes are usually developed over time and can take years to fine-tune.

Football Watchers Who Analyse Matchups

Some underdogs can set up to make life difficult for favorites that play a certain style. Spotting these matchups can help identify mispriced lines.

Why Asian Handicap Is Hard for Casual Bettors

Working out and understanding split stakes and push bets can be difficult for seasoned bettors. Those who regularly place Asian handicap bets will learn the process far quicker than a casual bettor. 

The more you do it, the better you will get at it and understand.

Asian Handicap Guides and Betting Education From LiveGoals

At LiveGoals our aim is to assist you in your betting. Our Asian Handicap guides focus on how lines work, what moves them, and we also advise on the common mistakes to look out for. 

There’s a great section that compares Asian handicaps with other popular markets like goal lines and over/under goals betting, along with bank management advice and golden tips to help you decide when to bet and the types of matchups to focus on.

Final Thoughts: Asian Handicap Is About Precision, Not Guessing

Asian handicap doesn’t mean easy wins just because the draw has been taken out of play. More precision is needed with wagers. You can’t just bet on a favourite to win, you need to know how much they will win by.

Asian betting is more suitable for experienced bettors, those prepared to do the hard yards and research, and punters with plenty of patience and discipline. Understanding the value of the line against the sharper odds on offer is key. 

Get it right, and it’s one of the most rewarding ways to bet on football. See how you can make it work.