Over 1.5 | Bookings – Over/Under Sports Betting Explained
Over 1.5 Bookings is a disciplinary market in football betting where you predict whether the total number of bookings (yellow/red cards) in a match will be 2 or more.
This market focuses on player discipline, aggression, rivalry, and referee strictness, not goals.
What “Over 1.5 Bookings” Means
To win your bet, the match must have:
At least 2 bookings in total
Bookings include:
- Yellow Cards
- Red Cards (usually counted as 2 bookings, depending on the bookmaker)
You lose if the match ends with 0 or 1 booking.
How Bookmakers Count Cards
Different books use different systems. The two most common:
1. Booking Points System
- Yellow = 10 points
- Red = 25 points
- 2nd yellow leading to red = 35 points total
(10 + 25)
In this case, Over 1.5 bookings = Over 15 booking points.
2. Cards Count System
- Yellow = 1 booking
- Red = 2 bookings
I’ll use the Cards Count System in the examples for simplicity.
Example Using Real Team Scenario: Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
Let’s explain Over 1.5 Bookings using a Chelsea match.
Scenario 1: You Bet – Over 1.5 Bookings
Match bookings:
- Chelsea: 1 yellow
- Crystal Palace: 1 yellow
Total bookings = 2
Your bet wins (because 2 ≥ 1.5)
Scenario 2: Low-Intensity Match
Match bookings:
- Chelsea: 0
- Crystal Palace: 1 yellow
Total = 1 booking
Your bet loses
Scenario 3: A Red Card Included
Match bookings:
- Chelsea: 1 yellow
- Crystal Palace: 1 red
Booking count:
- 1 yellow = 1
- 1 red = 2
Total bookings = 3
Your bet wins easily
Scenario 4: A Derby Match – More Aggression
Chelsea vs Tottenham (London derby):
- Chelsea: 2 yellow
- Spurs: 1 yellow
Total = 3 bookings
This is why derbies often favour Over markets.
Why This Market Is Popular
- High success rate in physical leagues like EPL, Serie A, La Liga
- Not dependent on goals
- Red cards count extra
- Very predictable with good stats
Teams Known for Higher Booking Rates
(Useful for picking Over markets)
Aggressive or Physical Teams
- Atlético Madrid
- Leeds United (Championship/EPL)
- Everton
- Getafe
- AS Roma
Derby or Rivalry Fixtures
- Chelsea vs Spurs
- Arsenal vs Tottenham
- Real Madrid vs Barcelona
- Inter vs AC Milan
Such games rarely finish under 1.5 bookings.
Examples of Correct Predictions
Example 1: Arsenal vs Wolves
Arsenal: 1 yellow
Wolves: 1 yellow
Total = 2 → Over 1.5 wins
Example 2: Barcelona vs Getafe
Barcelona: 1 yellow
Getafe: 2 yellow + 1 red
Total bookings = 1 + 2 + 2 = 5 → Over 1.5 wins
Example 3: Bournemouth vs Brentford
Bournemouth: 0
Brentford: 1 yellow
Total = 1 → Over 1.5 loses
Betting Tips for Over 1.5 Bookings
1. Check the Referee
Some referees give lots of cards.
If the ref averages 4+ bookings per game, Over 1.5 is almost guaranteed.
2. Look at Team Play Style
- High-press teams = more fouls
- Defensive teams = more desperate tackles
- Injury-prone defenders = more reckless challenges
3. Bet on Derby Matches
Derbies are emotional → more fouls → more cards.
4. Favour Matches with High-Stakes
- Relegation battles
- Champions League qualification games
- Cup finals
Players tend to play aggressively.
5. Avoid “Friendly” Fixtures
These usually have low card counts.
6. Study Head-to-Head Stats
If last 5 meetings all had 2+ cards → Over 1.5 is a strong pick.
Short Summary
| Market | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Over 1.5 Bookings | Match must have 2 or more bookings |
| Wins If | 2+ cards shown |
| Loses If | 0–1 card shown |
| Best For | Derby games, aggressive teams, strict referees |
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