How Asian handicaps work
The handicap is added to your team's score at the end of the match. A −1 handicap means your team needs to win by more than a goal; a +0.5 means they're given half a goal, so a draw is enough. The draw is taken out of the betting, leaving two outcomes with prices usually close to evens.
The three types of line
Half-goal lines such as −0.5 or +1.5 can't produce a tie, so the bet either wins or loses.
Whole-goal lines such as 0 or −1 can finish level once the handicap is applied, and then your stake is refunded.
Quarter-goal lines such as −0.75 or +1.25 split your stake in half across the two nearest lines. A −0.75 bet is half on −0.5 and half on −1, which is how you can end up with a half win or half loss.
Worked example
£10 on a team at −0.75 at odds of 1.95, and they win 2–1. The −0.5 half wins, returning £9.75. On the −1 half the result is level after the handicap, so that £5 is refunded. The total return is £14.75, a half win.
What each line pays
How common handicaps settle for the team you backed, by match result:
| Handicap | Lose by 1 | Draw | Win by 1 | Win by 2 | Win by 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Lose | Stake refunded | Win | Win | Win |
| −0.25 | Lose | Half loss | Win | Win | Win |
| −0.5 | Lose | Lose | Win | Win | Win |
| −0.75 | Lose | Lose | Half win | Win | Win |
| −1 | Lose | Lose | Stake refunded | Win | Win |
| −1.25 | Lose | Lose | Half loss | Win | Win |
| −1.5 | Lose | Lose | Lose | Win | Win |
| −1.75 | Lose | Lose | Lose | Half win | Win |
| −2 | Lose | Lose | Lose | Stake refunded | Win |
Positive handicaps are the same lines from the other team's side. Backing the underdog at +0.75 is the mirror image of backing the favourite at −0.75.
Common questions
Is a 0 handicap the same as draw no bet?
Yes. On a 0 line your stake is refunded if the match is drawn, which is exactly how a draw no bet market works.
Does extra time count?
Normally no. Asian handicap bets are usually settled on the result after 90 minutes plus stoppage time, so extra time and penalties don't count. Check your bookmaker's rules for the specific market.
What about Asian goal lines?
Asian totals work the same way for the number of goals in the match: whole lines can be refunded, and quarter lines split the stake across two neighbouring lines.