Bookings Handicap (Home –1.5) Explained
A Bookings Handicap (also called Cards Handicap) is a market where the number of card points for each team is adjusted using a handicap before determining the winner.
Card points are usually:
- Yellow card = 10 points
- Red card = 25 points
- Two yellows leading to a red = 35 points total (10 + 25)
Exact scoring can vary by bookmaker, but this is the standard system.
What does “Home –1.5 | Bookings Handicap” mean?
You are betting that the Home team will receive at least 2 fewer booking points than the Away team after applying a –1.5 handicap.
In other words:
- The Home team must have strictly fewer card points by at least 2 cards (or 20 points).
You win if:
Away bookings − Home bookings ≥ 15 card points
You lose if:
- The Home team receives more cards, OR
- The card difference is only 1 card (10 points), OR
- Both teams get similar bookings.
Examples: How the Handicap Works
Example 1 (Winning Bet)
Home –1.5 Bookings Handicap
| Team | Cards | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Home | 1 yellow | 10 |
| Away | 3 yellows | 30 |
Margin:
30 – 10 = 20 points → Home receives 20 fewer points.
20 ≥ 15 → Bet WINS
Example 2 (Losing Bet)
| Team | Cards | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Home | 2 yellows | 20 |
| Away | 2 yellows | 20 |
Margin:
20 – 20 = 0 points
0< 15 → Bet LOSES
Example 3 (Very Close But Still Lose)
| Team | Cards | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Home | 1 yellow | 10 |
| Away | 2 yellows | 20 |
Margin:
20 – 10 = 10 points
10 < 15 → Bet LOSES
Example 4 (Home gets a red – Almost impossible to win)
| Team | Cards | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Home | 1 yellow + red | 35 |
| Away | 2 yellows | 20 |
Margin:
20 – 35 = –15 points
Home gets more points → Bet LOSES
In Summary
Home –1.5 Bookings Handicap means:
You need the Away team to pick up at least 15 more card points (1.5 cards) than the Home team.
If Away receives many more cards → WIN
If home receives similar or more cards → LOSE
Betting Tips for Bookings Handicap (-1.5)
1. Don’t bet it if the Home team plays aggressively
Teams known for intense pressing or tactical fouls often pick up cards.
2. Check the referee stats
Some referees average 5–7 cards per match, while others average 2–3.
- High-card referees can help widen booking gaps.
- Low-card referees make handicap wins less likely.
3. Consider match importance
Cards spike in:
- Derbies
- Cup finals
- Relegation battles
They drop in:
- Friendly matches
- Dead-rubber league games
4. Identify the Away team’s style
A strong angle is when:
- Home = disciplined, possession-based
- Away = reactive, defensive, fouls often
Examples:
- Man City (usually low cards) vs. a defensive underdog like Burnley.
5. Watch injuries and lineup news
If a team starts inexperienced defenders or a second-choice midfield, fouling tends to increase.
6. Weather and pitch conditions
Wet pitches → more slips/fouls → more cards.
Quick Cheat Sheet
| Outcome | Bet Result |
|---|---|
| Away gets 2+ cards more | WIN |
| Away gets 1 card more | LOSE |
| Same number of cards | LOSE |
| Home gets more cards | LOSE |
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