handicap noun (CONDITION)\n\n an illness, injury, or condition that makes it difficult for someone to do some things that other people do, and that is usually permanent or lasts for a long time. This word is now considered offensive by many people, who prefer the word disability.
In sports betting, a handicap of 1.5 means that one team is given a 1.5 goal advantage before the game starts. This means that if you bet on the team with a handicap of 1.5, they would need to win the game or draw for your bet to be successful.