Two of the most common types of handicap bets are Asian Handicap and European Handicap bets. While they are very similar, there are some key differences between the two.
In this article I explore the differences between Asian Handicap and European Handicap bets.
What Is Asian Handicap Betting?
Asian Handicap betting is a form of sports wagering that originated in Asia. It eliminates the possibility of a draw — common in football, basketball and rugby — by applying a handicap to the perceived under-dog, giving that team a theoretical head-start before kick-off.
The handicap is expressed in half- or quarter-goal increments (e.g. –0.5, +1.5). The team with the negative handicap (–0.5) must win the match for the bet to pay out, whereas the team with the positive handicap (+1.5) can still lose by a single goal or point and the stake is settled as a winner. Because the draw is removed, there are only two possible outcomes.
Learn more about Asian Handicap bets.
What Is European Handicap Betting?
European Handicap betting, which originated in Europe, uses whole-number handicaps and therefore still allows for the draw. The handicap is applied to the favourite, with the under-dog receiving a theoretical advantage.
For example, if the favourite is given –2 on the handicap, it must win by three clear goals for the bet to pay. The opposing team can win outright or lose by a single goal and still return a profit for backers. If the favourite wins by exactly two goals, the result is a draw on the handicap.
Bettors can therefore choose from three outcomes on a European Handicap: Home, Draw or Away.
Learn more about European Handicap bets.
What About Handicap Betting in the USA?
In the United States there’s no distinction between whole-number handicaps and half- or quarter-goal lines — both are simply called the “point spread”.
Half-point increments help US sportsbooks avoid a “push”, where the spread lands exactly on a whole number and stakes are refunded. By posting half-points, a sportsbook ensures each bet ends in a clear win or loss. A typical American-football spread might be –3.5 or +7.5, rather than –3 or +7.
Key Differences
The key distinction is the way the handicap is expressed. Asian Handicap lines use half- or quarter-numbers, removing the draw; European Handicap lines use whole numbers, so the draw remains.
Asian Handicap markets usually carry a lower house edge, so they often provide better value for bettors.
In terms of player preference, Asian Handicap betting is favoured by professional gamblers because it rewards nuanced understanding of the game, whereas European Handicap betting is typically preferred by casual punters for its simplicity.
Ultimately, the choice between the two handicap formats comes down to personal preference and betting strategy.
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