What Does '1h' Mean In Betting? | Definition & Real Examples

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What Does ‘1h’ Mean In Sports Betting?

In sports betting, 1H stands for “First Half”, a popular type of wager that focuses exclusively on the outcome of the first half of a game. Instead of betting on the full-time result, a 1H bet allows you to predict what will happen before halftime, giving you a chance to lock in profits early.

This market is commonly offered in sports like:

Hockey
Soccer
Basketball
Football (NFL and college)

How 1H Bets Work

Let’s say you’re betting on a soccer match between Manchester United and Arsenal. If you place a 1H moneyline bet on Manchester United, you’re predicting they will be winning at halftime, regardless of the final result.

Similarly, you can place 1H spread bets, totals (over/under), and even player props that are limited to first-half performance.

Why Bettors Use First Half (1H) Bets

Many experienced bettors turn to 1H betting markets for strategic advantages:

More Predictability: The first half often reflects teams’ game plans more directly, before fatigue, injuries, or halftime adjustments impact the outcome.
Faster Payouts: Since the bet concludes at halftime, you don’t have to wait until the end of the game to know if you’ve won.
Value Opportunities: Sharper bettors sometimes spot weak lines or mispriced odds in 1H markets, especially when certain teams start strong but fade late.

Example of a 1H Bet

You see the following line for an NFL game:

1H Spread: Chiefs -3.5
1H Total: Over/Under 24.5
If you bet Chiefs -3.5 (1H), they need to be leading by 4 or more points at halftime.
If you bet the Over 24.5 (1H Total), the combined score must be 25 points or more in the first half.

Key Takeaways

1H stands for First Half in sports betting.
It lets you wager on just the first portion of a game, before halftime.
First-half bets can offer sharper angles, quicker outcomes, and less second-half chaos.
Available in major sports like NFL, NBA, soccer, and college games.

Pro Tip: If you follow trends, some teams consistently start strong or slow, which can create profitable 1H betting opportunities. For example, a team that routinely covers the spread in the first half but fades in the second may be a perfect 1H target.