If you are a punter, chances are that you have stumbled across both Asian and European handicap markets. Many people are initially confused and don’t really know what to make of them. Meanwhile, handicaps present one of the most intriguing and sometimes best options to bet on for a certain sports event. In the following post we will outline the differences between the above-mentioned options and with our some of the best sites and sports betting you can find the best place to practice your newly acquired knowledge.

Betting on Handicaps

Before we set into explaining what the difference between Asian and European handicaps is, it is essential that we first explain what exactly a handicap in sports betting is.

Essentially it is a way for bookies to even the playing field in a given fixture. How this presents itself is as a criteria that must be met (hence handicap) by one of the sides in order for the bet to be a winning one. This can be a ‘bonus’ to the weaker of the sides by giving them an advantage before the start of the event or disadvantage to the stronger one that must be overcome.

Asian Handicap Overview

Asian handicap markets are ideal for punters that aim to bet on something more than established traditional markets. What they essentially do is the following – either gives the weaker of the sides a head start prior to the KO or put a goal handicap on the favourite in the game.

The aim of the Asian handicap is to ensure that a game will not end in a draw. By doing that you are left with 2 options – one of the two sides must win, hence why draws are refunded with Asian handicaps.

Here is a Quick Example:

Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich and the handicap is -1.5 for Dortmund.

This means that Dortmund must win 2-0 in order for the bet to be valid. However, if Bayern manage to score, a 2-1 result will be counted as a loss, because Dortmund did not overcome the initial handicap placed of them of -1.5. To summarise – Dortmund must win with a 2 goal difference for the bet to be considered won.

European Handicap Overview

This is the more traditional handicap variant, as it is generally easier to understand by punters. European Handicap is also known as the three-way handicap, since it offers 3 outcomes for a given game – win, loss, draw. In contrast, the Asian variant’s goal is to eliminate the draw option and only provide you with the other two. As a result, draws here are not refunded. European handicaps work in the following way – either they provide a lead for the underdogs before the game or give a penalty to the stronger side.

A Quick Example:

Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich -2 Dortmund

In this case a 2-0 win for Dortmund will not be enough, unlike the scenario above. A 2-0 result here will mean a draw, which in turn will be counted as a losing bet and you will not get refunded. Possible winning outcomes are 3-0, 4-1, 5-2, etc.

Where the Differences Lie

While initially looking complicated, Asian Handicaps actually simplify betting by making sure there is a winner. Generally, odds for Asian Handicap markets are better than those of their European counterparts. However, there are some other things that are worth pointing out.

Fixture Outcomes

As we mentioned above, the most important distinction is the lack of a draw outcome with Asian handicaps. Draws in this variant are refunded, whereas with European Handicaps, draws are counted as a possible result and are not refunded. With the Asian option you either handicap or give a lead to one of the teams. The European options gives you 3 distinct outcomes to bet on – home, away, draw.

Symbols of Representation and Numerical Alternatives

Another area where the two handicap options differ is in the way they use symbols of representation. Asian handicaps focus on non-integral symbols like +2.5 or -2.5, while European ones often use rations akin to 1:0.

Number variants employed by the two variants also differ, The more observant of you might have noticed that Asian Handicaps are often half-ball (e.x. +2.5), while European Handicaps only employ whole numbers (e.x. +1). However, Asian Handicaps also prove other varieties, such as quarter ball (e.x. +2.25) and whole ball handicaps.

Final Thoughts – Which Is Better?

Though relatively niche in the recent past, Asian Handicaps have been steadily growing in popularity as of late and is now on par with the European counterpart. Both variants provide good options and value for your betting strategies but make sure to do your research and weigh the risks. Try TheBingoOnline.com and expand your betting strategies and games even further!