Asian Handicap is a form of betting that eliminates the possibility of a draw by giving one team a virtual head start (handicap) and the other team a virtual deficit. This creates a more balanced betting market and often provides better value than traditional 1X2 betting.
Traditional Match: Manchester City vs Brighton
City are heavy favorites, so the odds might be:
Asian Handicap Alternative:
Now City must win by 2+ goals to win your bet, making it more challenging and offering better odds.
Eliminates the draw, giving you a 50/50 chance instead of 33/33/33 in traditional betting.
Lower bookmaker margins mean better value and higher potential returns for bettors.
Push scenarios and half-wins/losses provide insurance against total loss in close matches.
Multiple handicap lines for the same match give you more ways to find value.
The handicap is added to your team's final score. If the result is exactly equal after applying the handicap, your stake is returned (push).
• Liverpool wins 2-1: Liverpool (-1) = 1, Everton (+1) = 2 → Everton wins
• Liverpool wins 2-0: Liverpool (-1) = 1, Everton (+1) = 1 → Push (stake returned)
• Liverpool wins 3-1: Liverpool (-1) = 2, Everton (+1) = 2 → Push (stake returned)
The .5 in the handicap ensures there's always a winner. No ties are possible, making this the simplest form of Asian Handicap betting.
• Arsenal wins 1-0: Arsenal (-0.5) = 0.5, Chelsea (+0.5) = 0.5 → Arsenal wins
• Match draws 1-1: Arsenal (-0.5) = 0.5, Chelsea (+0.5) = 1.5 → Chelsea wins
• Chelsea wins 2-1: Arsenal (-0.5) = 0.5, Chelsea (+0.5) = 2.5 → Chelsea wins
Your stake is automatically split equally between two handicaps. For example, -0.25 becomes half your stake on 0.0 and half on -0.5.
Premier League - Saturday 3:00 PM
Manchester United
+0.5
1.95
Liverpool
-0.5
1.85
Chelsea (-1.5) vs Brighton (+1.5)
£20 stake on Chelsea (-1.5) at odds 2.10
Chelsea must win by 2 or more goals for your bet to win. Brighton gets a 1.5 goal head start.
Arsenal (-1) vs Watford (+1)
£15 stake on Arsenal (-1) at odds 1.90
Arsenal must win by 2+ goals to win. If they win by exactly 1 goal, it's a push (stake returned).
Use our free calculator to understand different handicap scenarios without risking money.
Select a bookmaker licensed by the UK Gambling Commission with good Asian Handicap markets.
Decide how much you can afford to lose and stick to it. Start with small amounts.
Begin with simple ±0.5, ±1.5 handicaps on leagues you know well.
Track every bet - stake, odds, outcome, and profit/loss. This helps you improve.
Analyze your bets weekly. What worked? What didn't? Adjust your approach accordingly.
Once comfortable, explore whole number and quarter handicaps, but never rush the learning process.
Stick to your budget, avoid chasing losses, and remember that betting should be enjoyable.
Gambling should be entertaining and never interfere with your daily life. Please bet responsibly, set limits, and seek help if gambling becomes a problem. You must be 18+ to participate in gambling activities.