Asian Handicap in Soccer Betting
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Last Updated: 1 August, 2025
Asian handicap betting is a type of sports bet that removes the draw as an option and gives one team a virtual lead before the game starts.
This levels the playing field between teams of different strengths.
The stronger team gets a negative goal handicap (like -1), while the weaker team gets a positive one (like +1).
Your bet wins based on the final score after the handicap is applied.
In simple terms, if you’re wondering what is Asian handicap is, it’s a way to make soccer bets more balanced and offer better value than traditional win-draw-win markets.
How to bet on the Asian handicap
Betting the Asian handicap is all about choosing the right line based on how close or one-sided the match is.
It’s different from regular betting because it gives one team a virtual goal advantage or disadvantage.
Here’s how to bet Asian handicap step by step:
How do Asian handicap bets work?
Asian handicap bets work by adjusting the final score with a virtual goal advantage or disadvantage.
This removes the draw and offers more balanced betting odds, especially useful when teams are mismatched.
So, how does Asian handicap work on US sportsbooks?
It depends on the type of handicap applied:
A negative handicap (like -1.5) means the team must win by more than that amount.
A positive handicap (like +1.5) means the team can win or lose by less than the spread.
Let’s say you bet on Team A at -1.5.
If they win 3–1, your bet wins because they covered the spread bet.
If they win 2–1, your bet loses, because they only won by 1.
If you bet on Team B at +1.5 and they lose 2–1, you still win your bet.
The handicap made up the difference.
Different handicap levels change how bets are settled.
We’ll break those down in the next section.
Types of Asian handicap bets
Asian handicap betting uses different types of goal spreads.
Each one affects how your bet is settled, win, lose, push, or partial payout.
Asian Handicap table
This table helps you quickly understand how each Asian handicap bet works and what outcome you need to win.
Here’s a quick overview of the bets in further detail:
1. Level Handicap (0)
This is used when teams are evenly matched.
You're simply betting on who wins.
If the match ends in a draw, your stake is refunded.
2. Single Handicap
A whole- or half-goal line like -1 or +1.5.
These are simple bets; either you win or lose based on the adjusted score.
3. Split or Quarter Handicap
Used when the difference between teams is less clear.
Your bet is split between two lines, like -0.25 (half on 0, half on -0.5) or +1.75 (half on +1.5, half on +2.0).
When to use Asian handicap bets
Asian handicap betting is most useful when one team is clearly stronger than the other, or when you want to reduce risk in a close match.
Here’s when to consider using it:
Big mismatch? Take the favorite with a negative handicap like -1.5 for better odds than the moneyline.
Close contest? Take the underdog with a positive line like +0.5 or +1.25 for protection in case of a draw or narrow loss.
No value in 1X2 market? Asian handicaps often offer better returns by removing the draw and adjusting the spread.
It’s also helpful when you want more flexibility, like reducing the chance of a full loss or locking in a partial win with split lines.
How to win an Asian handicap Bet
Winning an Asian handicap bet takes more than picking a good team.
You need to match the right line to the matchup and know when to take the risk or play it safe.
Here’s how to win Asian handicap bet situations step by step:
Asian handicap vs 1X2 and point spread
Asian handicap betting stands out because it removes the draw and lets you reduce risk or increase reward, something that 1X2 and standard spreads can’t always offer.
Here’s how they compare:
Asian handicap bets offer more control and better sports betting odds when the draw isn’t worth betting or when teams are mismatched.
Pro Tip: If you want reduced risk without sacrificing payout, Asian handicap lines usually beat moneyline and 1X2 options, especially for serious sports betting.
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Contributors
Bradley Gibbs
Author
With over 12 years of experience, Bradley Gibbs is a seasoned sports betting writer and analyst specializing in uncovering value bets across football, horse racing, tennis, and golf.
His extensive coverage of these sports has been featured on numerous websites and in The Racing & Football Outlook, a renowned UK betting publication.
Bradley's expertise lies in identifying betting edges and delivering insightful, data-driven content for informed wagering.
Josh Miller
Reviewed By
Josh Miller, Sporting Post’s Sports & Casino Editor, brings over five years of experience in feature writing, blogging, and SEO.
With a strong background in football coverage and sports betting, his work has been featured in VAVEL.
Josh also writes extensively about online casinos, providing expert insights into games, bonuses, and gambling trends.
His engaging and informative content makes him a reliable resource for Sporting Post readers.