What Does Handicap +1.5 or -1.5 Mean in Darts Betting?
A handicap in darts works similarly to football or tennis handicaps — it’s used to balance the odds between two players when one is a clear favorite.
- +1.5 handicap means the player starts with a 1.5 set (or leg) advantage.
- -1.5 handicap means the player must win by at least 2 sets (or legs) for your bet to win.
The handicap can apply either to sets (in longer tournaments like World Championship) or legs (in short matches, like Premier League Darts).
Understanding It with Examples
Let’s take an example from a PDC World Darts Championship match:
Example Match:
Michael van Gerwen (MVG) vs Luke Littler
Market: Match Handicap -1.5 (Sets)
If You Bet on MVG -1.5:
You’re betting that MVG will win by at least 2 sets.
- Bet wins if MVG wins 4–2, 4–1, or 4–0
- Bet loses if MVG wins 4–3 (only by 1 set)
If You Bet on Luke Littler +1.5:
You’re betting that Littler won’t lose by more than 1 set.
- Bet wins if Littler wins (4–3, 4–2, etc.)
- Bet wins if Littler loses 4–3 (because he only lost by 1 set)
- Bet loses if Littler loses 4–2, 4–1, or 4–0
Leg-Based Handicap Example
In shorter formats like the Players Championship (Best of 11 Legs):
Gerwyn Price (-1.5) vs Rob Cross (+1.5)
- Price -1.5 wins if he wins 6–4, 6–3, or better
- Price -1.5 loses if the match is 6–5 (only a 1-leg margin)
- Cross +1.5 wins if he wins outright, or loses 6–5
Why Bookmakers Use the 1.5 Handicap
It creates balanced odds:
- The stronger player (e.g., Van Gerwen, Price) gets a negative handicap (-1.5).
- The underdog (e.g., Cross, Littler) gets a positive handicap (+1.5).
This gives bettors on both sides a fair chance to find value — instead of just backing the favorite at tiny odds.
Betting Strategy & Tips
1. Use +1.5 for Close Matches
If you expect a tight contest between two top players (like Smith vs Aspinall), the +1.5 handicap is a great value.
Example: Backing Smith +1.5 in a match likely to go 6–5 or 4–3 gives insurance if he narrowly loses.
2. Use -1.5 When a Player Is in Form
If a strong favorite (like Van Gerwen or Humphries) is playing a weaker or inconsistent opponent, -1.5 gives you better odds than the low straight win price.
Example: Instead of MVG @1.25, take MVG -1.5 @1.70 — if he wins comfortably (4–1 or 4–0), you profit more.
3. Check Match Format
- Best of 5 sets? A -1.5 bet means your player must win 3–0 or 3–1.
- Best of 11 legs? They must win 6–4 or better.
Always confirm if it’s legs or sets before placing the bet.
4. Look at Head-to-Head Stats
Some players (e.g. Luke Humphries) often dominate 6–3 or 6–2 — perfect for -1.5 bets. Others often go the distance — ideal for +1.5.
Example Recap Table
| Player | Handicap | Final Score | Result | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MVG -1.5 | 4–1 win | Wins by 3 sets | Win | |
| MVG -1.5 | 4–3 win | Wins by 1 set | Lose | |
| Littler +1.5 | 3–4 loss | Lost by 1 set | Win | |
| Littler +1.5 | 2–4 loss | Lost by 2 sets | Lose |
Expert Betting Tip
Tip: In early tournament rounds, top players often crush lower-ranked opponents → Handicap -1.5 or even -2.5 is smart.
But in semifinals/finals, when both players are elite, go for +1.5 on the underdog — matches are tighter.
Would you like me to create a “Darts Handicap Betting Chart” (visual guide showing what scores win or lose for +1.5 and -1.5) for you next? It’s great for blog or betting content.