Asian Handicaps in soccer can be confusing to people who are new to betting or those who are used to the somewhat outdated 1x2 (home draw away) betting model. Since the previews I am posting here on Scorum are fully focussed on asian handicaps, I have put them into context below in what should be a very easy way to understand them...

Why asian Handicaps ?
Bookmakers want to create a 50%-50% situation and have equal amount of money on both sides which ensures them a margin. Soccer has 3 possible outcomes as there are also draws which need to be included into the even price somehow. Asian handicaps allow them to do this which makes it possible to create an automated system where to odds adjust directly based on the money that comes in on one side.

How asian Handicaps work
Asian handicaps work similar to handicaps in NBA or NFL with the only difference that somtimes there is a "half win" or a "half loss" where part of the stake is returned. This might be confusing at first but when you put your focus on it for a couple minutes it will become clear and easy to understand. The over / under lines work in a similar way.

Asian Handicap Pros and Cons

Pro + Lower margins and average odds are much higher compared to traditional books.
Pro + Higher limits and no personal limits.
Pro + Winners are welcome as they help to set the lines correct.

Con - The odds tend to be set very sharp close to the real odds which makes it not easy to beat and often a game marginal edges which creates a lot of variance.

Bookmakers that focus on offering asian handicaps and are used by many professional players are Pinnaclesports, SBOBET, IBCBET, ISN, 188BET. Most these bookmakers along with Betfair, matchbook & more are all offered in 1 click software solution by Broker Service Sportmarket Pro so you are guaranteed to always take the best available odds on the market without having to check each of these bookmakers manually!

The latest asian handicaps on the soccer market can be checked at http://asianodds.com/

Feel free to let me know if you have any questions or need more info on Asian Handicaps in the comments...