| Asian Handicap Explained | | | | will always be a loser as well. |
| The Asian handicap is named for its origins in the east. | | | | Let’s now take a look at the ¼ point bet as it |
| It can best be described as point spread betting in | | | | performs a bit differently from the ½ point bet. |
| soccer matches. It is a relatively new concept to | | | | Let’s continue with our Manchester United vs. |
| soccer although it has been used in hockey for years. | | | | Fulham example. This time you take Fulham with 1 |
| Its popularity is mostly due to the fact that the punter | | | | ¼ points and bet $500. The bet is split in this manner: |
| has an increased probability for winning the bet | | | | $250 at 1 point and $250 and 1.5 points. With a final |
| compared to traditional wagering systems. The Asian | | | | score of Manchester United 3-2 Fulham, the result is |
| handicap model differs from fixed odds betting by | | | | the bet tied ($250 at 1 with a final score of 3-3) and |
| using a handicap to force a winner and thereby | | | | won ($250 at 1.5 with a final score of 3-3.5.) In this |
| eliminating the tie as a possible outcome to the match. | | | | particular case you would get back $750 from your |
| This gives the punter a 50% chance of winning. Higher | | | | original $500 bet The flip side of this scenario is that |
| odds are always offered by bookmakers on Asian | | | | you can also tie and lose. |
| handicap, which has payout rates routinely at 97-99% | | | | We can give an example of a tie and lose bet if we |
| as compared to 89-94% with traditional betting. | | | | place the same $500 bet with a line of 1 ¾ points |
| Here’s how the Asian handicap works: the bookies | | | | and give Manchester United another goal. The actual |
| determine a handicap or “line” for the weaker | | | | final score of the match is Manchester United 4-2 |
| team in the match to bring the odds of winning for | | | | Fulham which translates into a line score of |
| each team as close to even as possible. Lines begin at | | | | Manchester United 4-3.75 Fulham. This would result in |
| 0 and go as high as 3. The disparity in the odds each | | | | a tie ($250 at 2 with a final score of 4-4) and a loss |
| team has of winning is what determines the handicap. | | | | (($250 at 1.5 with a final score of 4-3.5). This means |
| To explain the application more clearly, let’s | | | | that you would lose half your $500 bet and be |
| demonstrate it through the use of a few examples. | | | | refunded the other half. |
| Say you want to bet on a match between | | | | Not all Asian handicap bets use fractional handicaps, |
| Manchester United and Fulham using the Asian | | | | some lines are in whole numbers. This can result in a |
| handicap. The handicap is 1.5 to Fulham and you take | | | | tie, but in this system it is administered as a push, |
| the points. In a betting context this means that Fulham | | | | meaning there is no winner or loser and your bet is |
| starts the match with a 1.5 goal lead over Manchester | | | | refunded. |
| United. If the final outcome of the match is Manchester | | | | For the most part the Asian handicap is very attractive |
| United 3-2 Fulham, then you would win, as with the | | | | for the increased odds of winning it offers and for the |
| handicap figured in the final score would be | | | | variety of options that will pay out even money or |
| Manchester United 3- 3.5 Fulham. | | | | better. Since the Asian handicap odds on any given |
| Most of the matches handicapped with the Asian | | | | match change very quickly and often, it is advisable to |
| system are in lines of ¼ and ½ intervals. This | | | | check the current odds with a reputable online odds |
| eliminates the possibility of a push as no fractional | | | | comparison service like BeatBookies before placing a |
| points are given in soccer. This system guarantees | | | | bet. |
| there will always be a winner. It also guarantees there | | | | |