Seen on:
as known from New York Timesas known from USA Todayas known from yahoo!
VA
The Grueling Truth - Where Legends Speak / Betting Guide / What Does Asian Handicap Mean? Asian Handicap Explained in 2026 with Examples

What Does Asian Handicap Mean? Asian Handicap Explained in 2026 with Examples

Publish Date: 02/12/2022
Fact checked by: Mike Goodpaster

Asian Handicap 0.5 + 1.5 Examples

If you’re looking for Asian handicap explained in detail, then you’ve come to the right place here at TheGruelingTruth.com. Our experts are on hand to walk you through step-by-step.

As well as running through the basics – such as the Asian handicap 0.5 meaning – we’ll also go into more detail. Ultimately, not only do we want to increase your understanding of this betting type, we want to help you get the best out of it.

Asian handicap betting explained – In brief

Asian Handicapping is essentially a soccer version of betting on an NFL points spread, a hockey game’s goal line or a baseball game’s run line. Instead of betting by whole or half numbers, you would bet with numbers in between.

Let’s look at an Asian handicap example. A line on a soccer match of +1.25 is splitting your bet between two lines, +1.5 and +1. If the team you bet on loses by 1, the +1 bet is a push, and the +1.5 would win. If, say, the teams tied or the team you bet wins, you would win both bets.

Asian handicap explained using spreads

There are multiple ways that Asian handicap can be explained using spreads. You can bet an Asian Handicap +0.5, which means that the team you bet on essentially starts with a 0.5 goal lead betting-wise. They would either need to win or tie, and you would win the bet. If the team loses, you would lose the bet.

Asian handicap 1.5 meaning: An Asian handicap of +1.5 means the team you bet on basically starts with a 1.5 goal lead. Meaning that you would win the bet if the team you bet on wins, ties, or loses by only a goal. If they lose by two goals or more, you lose the bet.

In the next part of our Asian handicap explain guide, let us look at a very common type of Asian handicapping, an Asian handicap +0.25 bet.

Example: Asian handicap +1.25 Spread

A $10 +1.25 bet on a match with the USA against Mexico would give odds at say, -141 made by oddsmakers (the party responsible for setting the odds of a bet – you can find out more in our oddsmaker explained guide. Mexico wins the match 1-0. Remember, this form of betting splits bets into two separate parts. In this example, one bet would be +1 would be a push. At the same time, the second part of the bet would be at +1.5 and would be a win. This would net a bettor a total profit of $3.05.

Asian handicap explained using game totals

Just as the case was with spreads, there are several ways Asian handicapping can be applied to game totals wagering. Betting on goal totals is similar; if you bet quarters and the over is at +1.25, that means splitting the bet in half or two parts, one part is at +1, and the other half is +1.5.

Betting totals for half goals and saying a bet is +0.5 for goal total means there are only two possible outcomes. Win or a loss if you bet the over and there is one goal, you win, but if there are zero goals, you lose. It’s as simple as that.

Example: Asian handicap +1.25 game total

Going back to the USA Mexico scenario, where Mexico won the match 1-0. In this scenario, the bet is split at +1 and +1.5. This scenario meant the +1.5 part of the bet is a loss while the +1 one is a push, and you would get your money back on that half of the bet.

Asian handicap, good or bad bet

As in all betting, whether it is sports gambling, casino gambling, or any other scenario, the probability of an event occurring directly affects the odds. Asian Handicapping splits bets into two parts frequently, affecting the odds, but it also gives a bettor more chances to win.

Providers with Asian handicap betting markets

DraftKings
1.
4.6/5
New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $300 in Bonus Bets if it wins!
USA
USA Players Welcome
PayPal
VIP Preferred
Play+
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Bet now
21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 2/1/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/25/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
FanDuel
2.
4.6/5
Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!
USA
USA Players Welcome
Prepaid Card
PayNearMe
PayPal
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Bet now
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, KY and present in select states for KS in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.
BetMGM
3.
4.5/5
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
USA
USA Players Welcome
PayNearMe
Skrill
PayPal
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Bet now
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
Bet365
4.
4.5/5
Bet $5 & Get $200 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
USA
USA Players Welcome
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Bet now
Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you will receive $200 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5! Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
Caesars
5.
4.5/5
Up to $250 Bonus Bet
USA
USA Players Welcome
E-Check
PayNearMe
PayPal
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Bet now
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)

Asian Handicap explained – Positives: Why you may want to try it

A betting guide would, at times, recommend this form of betting for various reasons. For one thing, it gives you multiple chances to win on a single bet. At times both parts of a bet can be won. There is also the potential that one part of the bet wins while the other is a push, netting a positive wager. Essentially it gives the bettor more security and more opportunities to have a net positive or, in a sense, hedge their bets a little. In this way, Asian handicapping could be considered to be a slightly better version of the points spread.

Asian Handicap explained – Negatives: Why it may not be worth it to you

Just as it gives more security and more chances to win, it also makes the probability of at least part of the bet winning. This means the odds favor the books more, and if a user wins, their wins would be less than if they placed a more straightforward bet.

Asian handicap explained – understanding the odds

Generally Asian handicap bets will have minus odds – in order to have Asian handicap explained in full, the odds need to be understood. With negative moneyline odds, the number represents the amount you would have to stake in order to win a $100 profit. For example if you place a bet at odds of -120, you would have to stake $120 in order to yield a potential profit of $100.

With plus odds, the figure represents the profit that would stand to win from a $100 stake. For example, odds of +120 would mean that you would potentially win a $120 profit when betting $100. To know more information about odds, we have dedicated  guide to betting odds explained.

Similarities: Things you may be more familiar with that compare to Asian Handicapping

All types of betting have similarities and differences from the various forms of bets a sportsbook may offer. Asian Handicapping can be compared to several different forms of betting.

Lay Betting explained

Asian Handicapping has some similarities to lay betting. Lay betting explained in simple terms is basically betting on an event not to occur, like betting on a horse not to win. To compare it to Asian handicapping betting on an Under +1.25 goal means you think there is no way the game gets more than one goal in it.

System Betting explained

In a system bet, you have multiple legs, yet for the bet to win, only a certain number of legs need to be hit for the bet to win. Asian Handicapping is similar in the fact that a bet can have a two-win part or one part that wins and another that pushes.

Rising Method explained

Need the rising method explained in simple terms? The rising method of betting is where a bettor bets double after losing a bet. Meaning that if they lose their bet, they double their next to win back what they lost and the amount they initially won. This can be done a little differently in regards to Asian Handicap bets. If one part of a bet loses and the other wins, that means the better would have lost a little more than they lost. In the rising method, you would only have to bet about 1.5 times your initial bet on the next to win back what you lost and what you would have won if both parts hit.

Asian handicap explained – What types of bettor is it suited to?

Asian Handicapping is very popular in sports like soccer or hockey. But it can be much harder to apply to sports with much larger scoring spreads. Having that extra half-point in a football game doesn’t help much. If you are someone that bets mainly on football and basketball, Asian Handicaps may not be for you, but fans of soccer and hockey can benefit from its possibilities.

As well, if you are just getting started as a bettor, it can give that extra security and give a bettor a chance at not losing all wagered money like a straight bet on a spread does. If you are looking to lower your risk, whether a seasoned bettor or new to betting, Asian Handicaps is worth a look.

Asian handicap explained – The final word

So there you have it, the Asian handicap explained in detail as well as some similar and alternative bets. At the end of the day, handicaps provide you with an excellent way to even up the contest. As a result, otherwise unevenly weighted games suddenly can become interesting to bet on. You can now go on to use the sports betting site comparison here at TheGruelingTruth.com in order to find your ideal operator for Asian handicap betting.

Great bonuses

DraftKings
1.
4.6/5
New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $300 in Bonus Bets if it wins!
USA
USA Players Welcome
Min. Deposit: 5
Open DraftKings
Get bonus now
21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 2/1/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/25/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
FanDuel
2.
4.6/5
Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!
USA
USA Players Welcome
Wagering (WR): 1x Deposit, Min. Deposit: $5
Open FanDuel
Get bonus now
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, KY and present in select states for KS in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.
BetMGM
3.
4.5/5
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
USA
USA Players Welcome
Min. Deposit: $5
Open BetMGM
Get bonus now
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
Bet365
4.
4.5/5
Bet $5 & Get $200 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
USA
USA Players Welcome
Wagering (WR): 1x Bonus
Open Bet365
Get bonus now
Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you will receive $200 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5! Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
Caesars
5.
4.5/5
Up to $250 Bonus Bet
USA
USA Players Welcome
Wagering (WR): 1x Deposit
Copy
Get bonus now
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)

Asian handicap explained FAQ 

🤔 What is a 1.5 Asian handicap?

Before we can answer this question we must first address the more general question about the concept of Asian handicap betting. You can find Asian handicap explained in full here in the expert betting guide at TheGruelingTruth.com. Our information is created by gambling experts and is kept up to date.

❓ What does Asian handicap mean in betting?

Have you heard or read about the term “Asian handicap betting” but you’re unsure what it means? Someone might have told you it’s similar to the NFL points spread, but is that really true? You can find full details of what Asian handicap betting is and how it works in our guide. Just follow the link on to our site in order to find out more.

🏇 What is the difference between an Asian handicap and regular handicap?

This is a very good question, as you could definitely be forgiven for thinking that they are strikingly similar. The experts here at TheGruelingTruth.com have answered your questions in complete detail. Find a full betting guide plus the best sportsbooks for Asian handicap betting here.

💸 Is Asian handicap different from points spread?

You may have heard or read some people saying that the Asian handicap and the points spread are essentially the same thing. It is true that points spreads in football are the same as run lines in baseball. But are Asian handicaps the same or a little different? Our betting guide will explain everything for you.

Read Also
Half-Time / Full-Time Bet Explained: What Does Half-Time / Full-Time Mean in Betting?
As the name a suggests, a half time full time bet involves ...
Each Way Bet Explained: What Is an Each Way Betting and How Does it Work?
There are many different ways to bet and potentially have success, and ...
Bet365 Promo
What Is the Kelly Criterion? Kelly Criterion Betting Explained with Examples & Formula
The Kelly formula, otherwise known as the “Kelly Criterion” helps you to ...
Over Under Betting Explained: How to Bet Over Under?
Perhaps more than any other alternative market, over under betting vastly enhances ...
Best Matched Betting Strategy for 2026: Expert Matched Betting Guide
Finding a great betting strategy can go a long way towards helping ...
Draw No Bet Guide 2026: What Does Draw No Bet Mean?
If you are here to find the answer to the question “What ...
What Does 1×2 Mean in Betting? 1×2 Betting Explained (+ Tips & Strategy)
The world of betting is filled with terminologies that newbies may find ...
Betting Exchange: Sports Betting Exchange Sites & How does Betting Exchange Work?
Have you ever wondered what a draw no bet means? Or asked ...
Which Betting Sites are the Best for Beginners? Bet on Sports With the Easiest Sportsbooks To Use?
Millions of people in the United States and around the world enjoy ...
Best Pick 3 Strategy 2026: Explained by Betting Experts
There are a lot of different betting strategies you can use in ...
Top Betting Sites
Top Betting Bonuses
DraftKings
DraftKings
DraftKings Review
4.6/5
FanDuel
4.6/5
BetMGM
4.5/5
Bet365
4.5/5
Caesars
4.5/5
DraftKings
DraftKings Promo
New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $300 in Bonus Bets if it wins!
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 2/1/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/25/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
FanDuel
FanDuel Promo
Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, KY and present in select states for KS in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.
BetMGM
BetMGM Promo
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
Bet365
Bet365 Promo
Bet $5 & Get $200 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
Whatever the moment. It's Never Ordinary at bet365. That's why if you sign up now you will receive $200 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5! Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
Caesars
Caesars Promo
Up to $250 Bonus Bet
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
Latest Sport News
Nebraska Is 19–0 for a Reason: Why the 2025–26 Cornhuskers Are a Legit Nation...
Nebraska being 19–0 after last night’s 76–66 win ...
Embarrassed Joe Louis fights for redemption against Jersey Joe Walcott
Heavyweight champion Joe Louis felt ashamed. On December ...
Cleveland Browns: Why is the Search for a Head Coach so Difficult?
While the Cleveland Browns’ former head coach, Kevin Stefanski, has signed up to coach ...
The Top 10 Philadelphia Phillies of All Time
The Philadelphia Phillies are one of baseball’s oldest ...
Our Team
Mike GoodpasterMark LewisAuthor IconJohn RaspantiSamuel Teets
+6
Mike Goodpaster
Mike Goodpaster
Chief Editor
Mark Lewis
Mark Lewis
Editor
Author Icon
Christopher Carlson
Author
John Raspanti
John Raspanti
Author
Samuel Teets
Samuel Teets
US Sports Veteran
Daniel Kornhauser
Daniel Kornhauser
Author
Chris Benedict
Chris Benedict
Editor
James Ernest
James Ernest
Author
Shelley Harcar
Shelley Harcar
Sports Writer
Ellis Williams
Ellis Williams
Author
Dr. Jay Gee
Dr. Jay Gee
Author

21+ and present in VA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times.
Virginia Town HallCloudflareSSL
Close
Our Sports Pros recommend these awesome sports betting sites this week:
DraftKings
DraftKings Promo
New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $300 in Bonus Bets if it wins!
Our Favorite
T&Cs and 21+ apply
Code:
Open DraftKings
Get Bonus
FanDuel
FanDuel Promo
Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!
Best Slots
T&Cs and 21+ apply
Code:
Open FanDuel
Get Bonus
BetMGM
BetMGM Promo
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Newcomer
T&Cs and 21+ apply
Code:
Open BetMGM
Get Bonus
×
Your Promo Code:
The bonus offer of was already opened in an additional window. If not, you can open it also by clicking the following link:
Play now