In reality, you’ll often come across the 1 1/4 handicap (1.25) in matches where there’s a significant difference in strength between the two teams. So, do you truly understand what the 1 1/4 handicap means? And how do you accurately read the 1.25 Asian handicap odds? Don’t worry — in the following article, win betting tips will explain the 1.25 handicap bet in the simplest and clearest way possible.
What is the 1 1/4 Handicap Bet?
Detailed Explanation of the 1 1/4 Handicap Bet
The 1 1/4 handicap is also known as 1-1.5 or 1.25. When a team is giving a 1.25 goal handicap, it means the bookmaker rates their chances of winning very high. However, even if the stronger team (favorites) win the match, it doesn't guarantee a win on the handicap bet.
Here’s how it works when you place a bet on a match with a 1.25-goal handicap:
If you bet on the favorite (upper team) and they win by 2 or more goals, you win the full bet amount.
If the favorite only wins by 1 goal, you lose half your stake, while those who bet on the underdog win half their stake.
If the match ends in a draw or the underdog wins, then the favorite bet loses entirely, and the underdog bet wins fully.
The 1.25 handicap is a very common form of Asian handicap betting.
Example of a 1 1/4 Handicap Bet
To help you better understand, let’s look at a specific example:
Match: Manchester United vs Norwich City
Handicap: Manchester United -1.25
Odds: Manchester United at 0.93, Norwich City at 0.99
See more: what does 1st half 3 way mean?
If you place a $100 bet:
If Man Utd wins by 2 or more goals, your total return is:
$100 + ($100 x 0.93) = $193 (full win).
If Man Utd wins by exactly 1 goal, the favorite bet loses half, so you lose $50.
The underdog bet wins half:
$100 + ($100 x 0.5 x 0.99) = $149.50
If the match ends in a draw or Man Utd loses, the favorite bet loses the full $100.
The underdog bet wins fully:
$100 + ($100 x 0.99) = $199
Tips for Effectively Betting on the 1 1/4 Handicap for Beginners
When playing the 1 1/4 handicap, it's important to equip yourself with the right experience and skills to analyze the odds effectively. Here are some helpful tips for betting smart and winning big:
Understand the key factors: performance, squad strength, and head-to-head results are important, but they’re just the surface. The 1.25 handicap is usually offered when there’s a clear gap in strength between the two teams — which means higher win probability, but not without risk.
Avoid betting on the favorite if they’re weak offensively, or if they tend to win by small margins. In such cases, backing the favorite may not be ideal.
Consider betting on the underdog if they’re in good form and can pose a strong challenge to the favorite.
Never bet based on emotions or loyalty to your favorite team — this is a common trap that bookmakers exploit to lure fans into losing bets.
Use the Martingale strategy (progressive staking) when backing the underdog at 1.25 handicap. Pay attention to the odds timing, as there are phases where underdogs tend to perform better than expected.
Always choose a reputable bookmaker to place your bets. Some trustworthy sites in Vietnam include: FB88, Fun88, W88, 188BET, Fabet, Dabet, and more.
This article has provided a detailed breakdown of what the 1 1/4 handicap bet means. We hope this information helps you better understand and master this interesting betting type. Good luck and may the odds be in your favor!
