In traditional handicap betting, a team is given a handicap or point spread to overcome. For example, in a soccer match, a weaker team may be given a 1-goal handicap to make the game more even. The bettor can then choose to bet on either team to win, lose or draw. However, if the game ends in a draw, the bet is refunded.

In Asian Handicap betting, the draw option is eliminated, and the handicap is adjusted to ensure that there is a winner. The handicap is expressed in half or quarter goals, which eliminates the possibility of a tie or draw result.

Asian Handicap Betting Example

For example, in a soccer match between Team A and Team B, the Asian Handicap line might be set at Team A -1.5. This means that Team A is given a handicap of -1.5 goals, and they must win by two or more goals for the bet to be successful. If Team A wins by one goal, the bet is a push, and the stake is refunded. If the game ends in a draw or Team B wins, the bet is a loser.

Asian Handicap betting can also be expressed in quarter goals, which can be a little more confusing. For example, a -0.75 handicap means that half the stake is placed on Team A -0.5 and half on Team A -1.0. If Team A wins by two or more goals, the bet is a winner. If Team A wins by one goal, half the stake is refunded, and the other half is a winner. If the game ends in a draw or Team B wins, the bet is a loser.

Asian Handicap Betting Odds

The main reason the bettors love this betting market is that it can provide better odds compared to the traditional European handicap market. In general, the profit margin for this market is very low for the bookmakers but they compensate this problem by offering this very popular market. 

When the clear favorite teams have very low odds to win, such as 1.10 or 1.20, this handicap goals market manages to increase the odds above 2.00, or even more if the favorite team manages to score more than 3 goals and concedes none.