Asian Handicap Betting Explained
Level the playing field and eliminate the draw. Asian Handicap offers better odds and more betting options than traditional 1X2.
What Is Asian Handicap?
Asian Handicap (AH) gives one team a virtual head start or deficit. This eliminates the draw as an outcome, leaving only two possibilities: you either win or lose your bet.
Why use Asian Handicap? Better odds (no draw means lower bookmaker margin), more nuanced betting options, and the possibility of getting your stake back (push) on whole number handicaps.
Example: Man City vs Burnley
How Asian Handicap Works
The handicap is applied to the final score. If you bet on a team with a -1 handicap, subtract 1 from their goals. If you bet on +1, add 1 to their goals.
Liverpool -1 vs Arsenal (You bet Liverpool -1)
Common Handicap Lines
Asian Handicap 0 (Draw No Bet)
No handicapNo head start given. If the match draws, your stake is returned (push). You only win if your team wins outright.
Asian Handicap ±0.5
Half goalNo push possible — you win or lose. Team -0.5 needs to win. Team +0.5 wins if they win or draw.
Asian Handicap ±1
One goalTeam -1 needs to win by 2+ (win by exactly 1 = push). Team +1 wins if they win, draw, or lose by exactly 1 (push).
Asian Handicap ±1.5
One and a halfNo push. Team -1.5 must win by 2+. Team +1.5 can lose by 1 and still win.
Quarter Goal Lines (0.25, 0.75)
Quarter lines split your bet between two handicaps. This gives you partial wins/losses instead of all-or-nothing outcomes.
How Quarter Lines Work
A -0.75 handicap means half your stake goes on -0.5 and half on -1.0. A -1.25 handicap means half on -1.0 and half on -1.5.
Results for -0.75 bet (£10 stake)
When to Use Asian Handicap
Good situations for AH
- • Heavy favorite with poor 1X2 odds
- • You want to back an underdog with protection
- • Looking for better value than match result
- • Want to eliminate the draw from consideration
- • Matches where you expect a clear winner
Less ideal for AH
- • Very even matches (use 0 line or avoid)
- • When you specifically expect a draw
- • Low-scoring leagues with many 1-0s
- • If you're new to betting (start with 1X2)
Using pG for Asian Handicap
Our pG predictions can help identify value in handicap markets by predicting the expected goal difference.
Example Analysis
Our pG suggests 1.4 goal difference — close to the -1.5 line. This might be marginal value. Liverpool -1.0 @ 1.70 could be safer if available.
Key Takeaways
- Asian Handicap eliminates the draw — only win or lose (or push)
- Whole numbers (0, 1, 2) allow pushes — stake returned if handicap equals margin
- Half goals (0.5, 1.5) mean no push — clear win or lose
- Quarter lines split your bet — partial wins/losses possible
- Often better value than 1X2 — lower margin due to two outcomes
Continue Learning
Double Chance Betting (1X, X2, 12) →
Another way to reduce risk by covering two outcomes.
Over/Under Betting Guide →
Bet on total goals instead of match result.
Understanding pG (Predicted Goals) →
Use our predictions to assess handicap value.
Betting Odds Explained →
Understand odds formats and implied probability.
See Predicted Goal Differences
Check our match predictions to see pG differences and inform your Asian Handicap selections.
View Predictions