This kind of prediction suggests that a match will feature at least two goals. While soccer offers this wager for the full-time at low odds, due to its frequent occurrence, hockey limits it to a single period, thus yielding greater rewards. Some sports, like volleyball, do not allow this type of bet. But let’s get to it.
What Does Over 1.5 Total Mean?
The wager Over 1.5 is from the category of ‘Totals’ or ‘Over/Under’ betting. This bet indicates the total number of goals scored by both teams in a single match will be at least two. You can also place it on a certain period in the game or one of the teams (individual total).
How Does It Work?
When you place a bet on Over 1.5, you predict the event will end with a minimum of two goals scored. For example, a score of 2-0, 1-1, or any other combination of two or more goals would mean the bet was successful. if it was only scored once or a match ends with clean sheets, the wager is lost. This bet is settled at the end of regular time, without extra time or penalties.
With a total Over 1.5, only two outcomes can happen:
- the game ends with clean sheets or one of the teams scores only once (e.g. 0-0, 1-0): the bet loses;
- two or more scored (1-1, 2-0, 2-1, etc.): your bet is successful.
Advantages and Risks
With a necessity for only two goals, the probability of a win surpasses that for totals above 2.5. Also, if two goals are scored early in the game, the bet is won, no matter what happens next.
Cons include unexpected low-scoring games and low odds due to the higher probability of winning.
Over 1.5 Goals Wager Strategy
An effective approach includes choosing games where teams frequently score and concede. The absence of key defence/attack players and the team’s form can also affect the game.
As wagers on such a total in prematch often have low odds, you can consider strategies for live betting:
- It makes no sense to choose the Over 1.5 total with low odds like 1.15 in pre-match, as such a choice will be a losing one on a long distance. But if there are a lot of shots at the beginning of the game and xG is increasing, you can place a live bet, as the odds will rise by the middle of the first half. And from 1.30 you can already try.
- If you are sure of late goals, this is a good choice. When the outsider-team stands in defence all game, players become fatigued, moving without the ball. As the favourite’s pressure increases, the chances of goals after the 75th minute are higher. The team that missed the first goal opens up even more and concedes the second. This is a risky move, but many playoff games follow this pattern.
You might also develop your personal approach for in-play bets. You can select this total not only for goals scored but also for statistical indicators (cards, offsides and others). It is also possible to specify parts of the match (Total Over 1.5 for a half in football or a period in hockey).
Premier League Examples
For example, in the EPL season 2023-24 out of 26 fixtures of Arsenal, 20 were played with a total of more than 1.5. So, 76.9% of wagers on a Total Over 1.5 in these matches were successful.
But for such a scoring team, the odds on the total 1.5 in pre-match are usually low, but in live it rises from the middle of the first half.
In the Arsenal vs Fulham game played in August 2023, The Gunners conceded in the first minute and failed to score in the first half. Considering this, we could expect that the favourite will make maximum efforts after the break, and the bet Over 1.5 goals for the second half will be successful. It took Arsenal 70 minutes to score twice after 11 shots on target.
At the same time, in the match against Manchester City on October 23, the Londoners were missing their top scorer Saka Bukayo, and the usually productive team scored only once, ending the game with a 1-0.