In plain English - what is Asian handicap betting?

In Asian handicap betting, the odds-compiler handicaps the two teams in a game before kick-off. He gives a goals deficit to the team he thinks is more likely to win, and a head start to the team he thinks is less likely to win. The handicaps are expressed in goals, or fractions of goals.

Where does this type of betting come from?

It’s the most popular form of football betting in the Far East – hence the name. It’s basically a variation on fixed-odds betting. The handicap is a great leveller, as it effectively takes the draw out of the equation and means you’re betting on one team or other to win the match.