Whole: −1, 0, +1
There can be a tie after the line is added. In that case your stake is refunded.
Guide · worked example
Asian handicap in betting: what it is and how each line settles
A handicap adds or subtracts goals for a team before the result is read. This makes a bet between a favorite and a weaker opponent more even. We explain it with an imaginary Avellaneda derby: Racing against Independiente.
Racing −1
If Racing wins 2-0, with the line it becomes 1-0: win. If it wins 2-1, it becomes 1-1: refunded. If it draws 1-1, it becomes 0-1: loss.
Each line, each result
W win · R refunded · L loss
| Line | 3-0 | 2-0 | 2-1 | 1-1 | 0-1 | 0-2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| −1.5 | Gwin | Gwin | Ploss | Ploss | Ploss | Ploss |
| −1 | Gwin | Gwin | Drefunded | Ploss | Ploss | Ploss |
| −0.75 | Gwin | Gwin | ½Ghalf wins, half refunded | Ploss | Ploss | Ploss |
| −0.5 | Gwin | Gwin | Gwin | Ploss | Ploss | Ploss |
| −0.25 | Gwin | Gwin | Gwin | ½Phalf loses, half refunded | Ploss | Ploss |
| 0 | Gwin | Gwin | Gwin | Drefunded | Ploss | Ploss |
| +0.25 | Gwin | Gwin | Gwin | ½Ghalf wins, half refunded | Ploss | Ploss |
| +0.5 | Gwin | Gwin | Gwin | Gwin | Ploss | Ploss |
| +1 | Gwin | Gwin | Gwin | Gwin | Drefunded | Ploss |
- Wwin
- ½Whalf wins, half refunded
- Rrefunded
- ½Lhalf loses, half refunded
- Lloss
Final Racing-Independiente score in the columns; the line is added to Racing's goals. The program calculates each cell.
Three types of line
Half: −0.5, −1.5
There is never a tie with the line: the bet is won or lost in full.
Quarter: −0.25, −0.75
It is half a bet on each of the two neighboring lines. −0.75 is half on −0.5 and half on −1.
Calculate your handicap
any line from −3 to +3, in quarters
How much comes back on quarter lines
example odds, not from a real site
Racing −0.75 at odds of 1.90
- 2-0G$ 1,900
- 2-1½G$ 1,450
- 1-1P$ 0
- 0-1P$ 0
Returns $ 1,000 on the amount staked, stake included
Racing −0.25 at odds of 1.90
- 2-0G$ 1,900
- 2-1G$ 1,900
- 1-1½P$ 500
- 0-1P$ 0
Returns $ 1,000 on the amount staked, stake included
The handicap changes how the result is divided, not the bookmaker's margin: the odds on each line include it too. You can measure it with the margin calculator.
European handicap: a different bet
not to be confused with the Asian handicap
Asian (this page)
Two outcomes: your team or the opponent. If the line leaves a tie, your stake is refunded. Lines can be whole, half or quarter.
European or 3-way
Three outcomes, like a 1X2: home, draw with the handicap and away. With Racing (−1) and a 2-1, the “draw (−1)” option wins: there is no refund. Lines are always whole.
Other calculators
no operator data, the program calculates everything