Handicap 1 1/4 (also known as 1.25 or 1 handicap 1/2) is a type of Asian handicap where the stronger team gives a 1.25-goal handicap to the weaker team to balance the strength between the two teams.
What does a 1 1/4-goal handicap mean?
A handicap of 1 1/4 goals is a common football betting handicap. It is also referred to as a 1.25 handicap (1+¼=1.25) or a 1 handicap 1/2 (1/1.5). This type of handicap is typically applied in matches where there is a significant difference in the chances of winning between the two teams due to their differing strengths.
Experienced betting professionals usually evaluate the winning probabilities of both teams and provide odds for the handicap. In the case of a 1.25-goal handicap, the stronger team is expected to have a much higher chance of winning than the weaker team. To balance this, a handicap is set for those betting on the weaker team. Bettors who choose to wager on the weaker team accept higher risks but stand to gain higher returns.
How to read a 1 1/4-goal handicap: Illustrated in the England vs. Iran match
It's a well-known fact that the stronger team is likely to have a higher chance of winning in a match. In football betting, everyone wants to win. To maintain balance, higher risks naturally lead to larger potential rewards. This is a crucial factor for bettors participating in a 1 1/4-goal handicap to feel balanced with the risk of losing the bet. The calculation of winnings and stakes ensures this balance.
Match result is a draw or the weaker team wins: Bettors who choose the weaker team to win collect the wager because the stronger team gave a handicap.
Match result is the stronger team winning by exactly 1 goal: Bettors who choose the stronger team to win receive 50% of the stake. Bettors who choose the weaker team lose 50% of the stake.
Match result is the stronger team winning by 2 goals or more: Bettors who choose the stronger team to win collect the entire stake. Bettors who choose the weaker team lose the entire stake.
At bookmaker, let's take a look at an example of a 1 1/4-goal handicap in the SABA SPORTS football lounge for better understanding.
Handicap for England vs. Iran in the FIFA WORLD CUP 2022 (IN QATAR). It is evident that England is stronger than Iran based on the handicap. Here are the betting scenarios:
Match result is a draw or Iran wins: Bettors who choose Iran to win collect the wager.
Match result is England winning by exactly 1 goal: Bettors who choose England to win receive half of their wager. Bettors who choose Iran lose half of their wager.
Match result is England winning by more than 2 goals: Bettors who choose England to win collect the entire wager. Bettors who choose Iran lose the entire wager.
Guide to Placing a Handicap Bet of 1.25 at the Bookmaker
Step 1: Access the bookmaker's homepage and choose the Football section
Firstly, you need to access the bookmaker's homepage to log in or register an account if you are not a member yet. Then, click on "Football" > Choose any of your favorite betting rooms.
Step 2: Select a football match and a handicap bet of 1.25
On the left side of the Football room screen, choose the Football betting section. The page will load the current matches available for betting, and the handicap bets for each match will be displayed. Select the full match handicap of 1/1.5 (1 left – 1.5 left).
Step 3: Enter the betting amount
Enter the amount you want to bet in the blank space, then click "Place Bet" to complete the 1.25 handicap bet.
5 Effective Tips for Betting with a 1.25 Handicap from Experienced Players
In Football betting, to avoid unforeseen risks, you need experience. Here are some important notes when betting with a 1.25 handicap that you shouldn't overlook:
Understand the team's lineup, playing form, ranking, and team information. Make choices based on this information.
Teams with an attacking style and a high goal-scoring tendency should be chosen for over bets. Conversely, for teams with a solid defensive style that tends to score fewer goals, under bets are preferable.
Avoid making choices based on emotions or favoritism towards a particular team in a match. Don't let your fandom be exploited for profit.
In 1 1/4 handicap bets, the odds often lean towards one side. This means that if the under bet wins, the Total Goals bet is likely to be Over, and vice versa. You can play the odds, but it's advisable to limit your betting amount and avoid placing too many bets in one match. This makes it difficult to manage your bets effectively.
Use a smart doubling betting strategy. Also, pay attention to the timing of the bookmaker offering this type of bet, as during a short period, the majority of under bets may win, and vice versa.
Conclusion
The concept of a 1.25 handicap bet in football betting has been explained above. Refer to more betting options at various bookmakers to understand how wins, losses, and actual amounts are calculated.
