What Is the 1.5 Handicap Bet (1 1/2 Goal Handicap)? Expert Tips to Place a Winning Bet
Football is often referred to as the “king of sports.” If you have a strong passion for football and want to explore betting odds, various types of football bets can make watching live matches even more thrilling. However, football betting markets are often quite complex. That’s why you need in-depth knowledge to bet successfully. In this article, the team at wintips will help you understand what the 1.5 handicap (also known as the 1 1/2 goal handicap) is and share expert tips to place winning bets on this type of market.
What Is the 1.5 Handicap Bet?
The 1.5 handicap, also called the 1 1/2 goal handicap, is known among seasoned bettors as the "one-and-a-half goal" handicap. It’s a popular type of Asian Handicap bet frequently offered by many online offshore betting site in Vietnam. This type of bet usually applies to matches where one team is significantly stronger than the other—for example, when a top-tier team plays against a team near the bottom of the league table.
In this market, the underdog team is given a +1.5 goal advantage, while the favorite starts with a -1.5 goal disadvantage. To win a bet on the favorite, the team must win the match by at least 2 goals.
How to Play the 1.5 Handicap (1 1/2 Goal) Bet
Once you understand what the 1.5 handicap is, let’s break down how this betting market works:
If you bet on the favorite (-1.5) and the final score is a draw, you lose your bet. If you bet on the underdog (+1.5), you win.(Example scores: 0-0, 1-1, 2-2, etc.)
If the favorite wins the match by only 1 goal, you lose the bet on the favorite and win if you picked the underdog.(Example scores: 1-0, 2-1, 3-2, etc.)
If the underdog wins the match, betting on the favorite results in a loss, while a bet on the underdog wins.(Example scores: 0-1, 1-2, 1-3, etc.)
If the favorite wins by 2 or more goals, a bet on the favorite wins, while a bet on the underdog loses.(Example scores: 2-0, 3-1, 3-0, 4-0, etc.)
See more: top 5 most handsome footballer in the world
Pro Tips for Betting on the 1.5 Handicap
According to experienced punters, the 1.5 handicap bet is usually found in matches with a large gap in team quality. In these cases, many players lean toward betting on the favorite despite the higher risk, because the potential payout is also greater. Below are some expert tips for making smart decisions with this bet:
1. Do Your Research
Spend time gathering information about both teams—objective and subjective reviews can help you analyze and identify the stronger side. Key details to look for include:
Starting lineup
Key players
Head-to-head history
Home/away status
Injuries and suspensionsYou can find this information on sports news sites and reputable media outlets.
2. Place Bets Smartly
The best time to place a 1.5 handicap bet is 15–20 minutes before kick-off, once the odds and team lineups have stabilized.
If the match is between a top-three team and a bottom-tier team, betting on the underdog can be wise, as they often play with less pressure and more freedom.
If the handicap drops from 1.5 to 1, that may be a trap set by the bookmaker. In that case, it's safer to bet on the underdog.
If the underdog is playing at home with a solid defense and typically uses a defensive strategy (e.g., deep formation), betting on the underdog is a good option.
If the favorite is playing at home, and the underdog is in poor form or bottom of the table, betting on the favorite may be more secure.
3. Choose a Reputable Bookmaker
Choosing a trusted sportsbook is crucial for ensuring fair odds and secure payouts. There are many scam bookmakers who manipulate odds, cancel bets, or delay payments. Always research thoroughly and choose a platform with a solid reputation.
Final Thoughts
This article by wintips has provided you with a detailed understanding of the 1.5 handicap and practical tips to bet successfully. As you can see, the rules are not overly complicated. By applying the above strategies, you're more likely to turn your passion into profit. Analyze thoroughly, make informed choices, and hopefully, you'll not only enjoy the match but also celebrate a big win!