Asian vs European Handicap

Like a level in a video game, an Asian handicap bet levels the playing field by adjusting goals before determining the bookie’s profit. It doesn't split the same way as the usual draw/win/loss markets in a European handicap bet — Asian handicap doesn’t include a draw as an outcome.

Bookies adjust the lines to balance action on both sides, reducing their risk regardless of the match outcome. This virtual head start or deficit settles the bet. For example, an Asian handicap line of 0 sees our stake returned on a draw; any other result wins or loses as per normal. To win at the Asian handicap lines, use the following breakdown:

What Asian handicap changes

Unlike other betting lines which settle on the final result, Asian handicap adjusts the odds according to the virtual goal deficit given or goal lead taken. This favours teams who are underdogs in conventional results, but leads to profit for the favourites in a level-ball match, as the goals are lifted or dropped. Whichever way the match ends, the Asian handicap lines are monitored against these adjustments.

Whole goals and push results

This is where things start to get complex. If your bet is on a whole number, such as +1 or -1, and your chosen team neither loses by that number, nor wins by that number, the stake is returned. The adjusted score is level. These lines appeal to cautious punters, though outcomes can still vary. The draw is handled differently in European handicap.

Half-goal and quarter-goal examples

For quarter-goal lines, you could place a bet on, for example, -0.75. You stake is split across -0.5 and -1. To win either, your team must cover the adjusted line.

If it's a wider or closer margin, only part of the stake is returned, which you risk in an attempt to maximise profit. The balance of risk is worth it, if the game is going to be a clean-result win, so it's best to bet this way on proper "football matches," not the games with extra-time.

European handicap lines offer a simpler payout structure for those preferring straightforward outcomes.

When the bet is settled

Unlike the European handicap, Asian handicap bets are settled at the conclusion of the 90-minute game, exclusive of any extra time or penalties. This rule excludes extra-time comebacks from affecting the bet.

The draw is the key difference

Asian handicap and European handicap are actually different beasts. European handicap adjusts odds, while Asian handicap uses virtual goal adjustments. This is where an Asian handicap is distinct with tilting the playing field. European handicap, however, keeps things the way they are and simply adjusts odds. The draw remains a separate outcome, unlike in Asian handicap.

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