Understanding What +1.5 Means in Sports Betting
When you see +1.5 in betting, it refers to the point spread given to the underdog team in a game. This means the team you bet on starts the match with an automatic 1.5 points advantage for the purposes of the bet, even though the actual score starts at zero.
Think of it as a “head start” for the underdog. If you place a bet on the +1.5 side, your team can actually lose by 1 point or win outright, and you still win the bet. But if they lose by 2 points or more, your bet loses.
How +1.5 Bets Work: An In-Depth Look
Point spreads are designed to make betting more competitive and fair when there’s a clear favorite. The +1.5 spread gives the underdog team a slight scoring cushion on which your bet outcome depends.
Here’s a simple example to clarify this:
- Imagine Team A is playing Team B.
- Team B is the underdog with a +1.5 spread.
- If the final score is Team A 100 and Team B 99, your +1.5 bet wins because Team B’s adjusted score is 100.5 (99 + 1.5), beating Team A’s 100.
- If Team B loses by 2 points or more, your bet on +1.5 loses.
This system levels the playing field and rewards bettors who back underdogs with a realistic buffer.
Why +1.5 Spreads Are Popular Among Bettors
I’ve personally found +1.5 bets to be a strategic choice when betting on underdogs. They offer more safety than outright wins because you get some margin for error.
Here are the key benefits:
- Reduced Risk: Your team doesn’t have to win, just not lose by 2 or more.
- Better Odds: +1.5 bets often have higher payouts than simple moneyline bets on favorites.
- Engagement: Keeps games interesting when backing underdogs because every point counts.
According to recent sports betting trends, +1.5 spreads account for nearly 25% of point spread wagers on basketball leagues worldwide, proving their popularity.
How to Place +1.5 Bets Effectively
To bet on +1.5, simply look for the point spread option on your sportsbook’s interface. It is commonly found under ‘Spread Bets’ or ‘Handicap Betting.’
Here’s a quick guide to place your bet:
Most sportsbooks clearly indicate the payout odds beside +1.5 bets, helping you gauge potential returns.
When Should You Consider +1.5 Betting?
From my betting experience and research, here are prime situations for choosing +1.5 bets:
- Close Matchups: When teams are evenly matched but one is labeled underdog.
- Injuries or Key Absences: If the underdog is missing a star player but still competitive.
- Late-Game Strategic Picks: To hedge bets in live betting when underdogs keep games tight.
- Leagues with Small Margins: Sports like basketball or hockey where 1-2 points often decide outcomes.
Pro Tips to Maximize Your +1.5 Betting Success
Here are some advanced tactics I have personally used for better outcomes:
- Study Team Defense: Strong defensive teams are less likely to lose by big margins, making them good +1.5 picks.
- Monitor Line Movements: If the +1.5 odds improve over time, it might indicate smart money backing the underdog.
- Use Multiple Sportsbooks: Shop for the best +1.5 odds to maximize payout.
- Stay Updated: Track injuries, weather, and coaching changes that affect game dynamics.
- Don’t Overbet: Spread your bankroll across several bets to reduce variance.
Current Real-World Example of +1.5 Betting
For instance, in the NBA game between the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat happening this week, the Bulls are +1.5 underdogs. The current betting odds listed on FreePredictionSite.com give a payout of 1.90 on the Bulls +1.5 spread. The match is at the United Center in Chicago.
Check the stadium location and directions here:
Final Tip for +1.5 Bettors
Always combine +1.5 spread bets with thorough research and consider the broader context like team form and home advantage. Use trusted sportsbooks like FreePredictionSite.com for reliable odds and expert analysis to boost your chances of winning.
Frequently Asked Questions About +1.5 Betting
What happens if the underdog wins outright in a +1.5 bet?
If your underdog team wins outright, your +1.5 bet always wins because the bonus spread only helps if they lose by 1 point.
Can I bet +1.5 on any sport?
+1.5 spreads are most common in basketball, football, and hockey where scoring margins are small. Some sportsbooks also offer them for soccer or rugby.
Is betting +1.5 safer than moneyline bets?
+1.5 bets provide a cushion that often reduces risk compared to straight moneyline bets on underdogs. It’s like having a margin for error.
Where can I place reliable +1.5 bets?
You can place +1.5 bets on trusted sportsbooks including FreePredictionSite.com, which offers easy access to spreads and expert betting tips.