In sports betting, 1×2 bets are one of the most popular types of bets, especially in soccer. If you’re new to betting or exploring matched betting, understanding how 1×2 bets work is key. These simple bets are used in nearly every soccer match and are also a big part of matched betting, which helps you make consistent profits with no risk. In this article, we’ll explain what 1×2 bets are, give examples, and show you how they fit into matched betting.

What Are 1×2 Bets?

A 1×2 bet is a simple way to bet on the outcome of a soccer match. You have three possible options to choose from:

• 1: The home team wins.
• X: The match ends in a draw.
• 2: The away team wins.

This type of bet is also called a “three-way” bet because there are three possible outcomes. It’s mostly used in soccer, but can also be used in other sports like basketball, rugby or tennis.

Example of 1×2 Bets

Let’s look at a simple example of how a 1×2 bet works.

Imagine there’s a football match between AC Milan (home) and Inter Milan (away). The odds might look like this:

• 1 (AC Milan wins): +330
• X (Draw): +245
• 2 (Inter Milan wins): -125

If you bet $10 on Inter Milan to win and they do win, you get $18.00 back (your $10 stake plus $8,00 profit). The same applies if you bet on a draw or AC Milan winning, just with different odds. 

In our example, if you bet $10 on a draw and you win, you end up with $34,50. And if you bet $10 on AC Milan and win, you end up with $43.

Why 1×2 Bets Are Popular in Sports Betting?

1×2 is one of the most common and straightforward markets, especially in soccer betting. Their popularity comes from several key advantages that appeal to both casual bettors and matched betting pros.

• Simple to understand: Unlike more complex bets like handicaps or accumulators, you’re just choosing between three clear outcomes: Home Win (1), Draw (X), or Away Win (2). This makes them perfect for beginners who are just starting with sports betting.
• Universal availability: Whether you’re betting on a Champions League final or a lower division match, you’ll always find 1×2 markets. They’re also offered across many sports where draws are possible, including hockey, rugby, and some basketball leagues.
• Perfect for matched betting: 1×2 markets are particularly useful. These markets have high liquidity on exchanges and are often included in sportsbook promotions, making them perfect for qualifying bets or using free bets. The clear three-way outcome also makes it easy to calculate your opposing bets and guarantee profits.
• Great for Live Betting: Since the odds constantly shift during a match, 1×2 markets are perfect for in-play betting. If a strong team is losing at halftime, their odds to win (1) might become very tempting.
• Trusted by Bookmakers: Since 1×2 bets are the most common type of bet, many bookmakers give special promos specifically for that market, making them even more attractive.

Can You Use 1×2 Bets in Matched Betting?

Absolutely! 1×2 bets are one of the most useful markets for matched betting. Their simple three-way outcome makes them perfect for both qualifying bets and free bet strategies. When placing a qualifying bet, you can easily match your back bet with a corresponding opposing back bet to cover all possible outcomes.

Since 1×2 bets are available for nearly every soccer match, they’re ideal for beginners learning matched betting. They also work well for free bet conversions. You can place a free bet on one outcome at a sportsbook while placing a bet on the Double Chance market with another sportsbook, thus covering all possible outcomes.

Not to forget that sportsbooks tend to boost the 1×2 market, sometimes even to a 0% margin. That’s a great opportunity in matched betting and can help you improve your profits.

Understanding 1×2 Bets in Matched Betting

In matched betting, 1×2 bets are often used in qualifying bets or free bet offers. To make a guaranteed profit, you place two opposing bets: a back bet on the 1×2 market and a second opposing back bet using the Double Chance market. This covers all possible outcomes of the match, allowing you to profit no matter what happens. This process is called Dutching and it allows you to cover the other outcome(s) using regular back bets.

Let’s explore how the Double Chance market works and how it relates to 1×2 bets:

• If you place a back bet on “1” (home win), the opposing Double Chance market is “X2” (draw or away win).
• If you bet on “X” (draw), the opposing Double Chance market is “12” (home win or away win).
• If you back “2” (away win), the opposing market is “1X” (home win or draw).

By using the right Double Chance market, you can cover the opposite outcomes when Dutching between two sportsbooks. This is useful when betting exchanges have poor liquidity, or when odds are better with another sportsbook.

Double Chance vs. Draw No Bet: What’s the Difference?

While Double Chance and Draw No Bet might seem similar, they work in different ways. And in matched betting, it’s important to know which one to use.

Double Chance covers two outcomes in a match. For example, “1X” means you win if the home team wins or the match ends in a draw. It’s a safer bet, but the odds are usually lower.

Draw No Bet removes the draw from the market completely. If the match ends in a draw, your stake is refunded. You only win if your team wins, and you lose if the other team wins.

👉 In matched betting, especially when Dutching, you want to use the Double Chance market, not Draw No Bet.

Why? Because when you’re trying to cover the opposing outcome of a 1×2 bet, you need to cover two outcomes at once. That’s exactly what Double Chance is designed for. Draw No Bet only covers one outcome, and gives your money back if it’s a draw, which makes it unsuitable for matched betting strategies where you need full coverage of all outcomes.

Most Common Questions About 1×2 Bets

Is 1×2 betting only for soccer?

No! While 1×2 bets are most common in soccer, you can also find them in other sports. For example, 1×2 is sometimes available in basketball betting. Since this is a high-scoring sport, the draw is pretty unlikely and therefore the odds are almost always quite high. Other sports where the three outcomes sometimes can be found are rugby and tennis.

Can I make consistent profits with 1×2 matched betting?

Yes, you can! With matched betting, you can make consistent profits from 1×2 bets, as long as you follow the right strategy and use the correct tools like Dutcher and Calculator that do all the difficult tasks for you.

Which sportsbooks offer the best 1×2 odds?

Odds for 1×2 bets can change quickly. To find the best odds, you’ll need an odds matching tool, which compares odds from different sportsbooks in real time, like the Dutcher.

What happens if the match goes into extra time?

1×2 bets only apply to the 90 minutes of play, plus any injury time. If the match goes into extra time, it won’t affect your bet unless the sportsbook offers special markets for extra time.

Can I cash out a 1×2 bet?

Yes, you can use the cash-out feature at some sportsbooks. But, be careful! Cashing out can affect your matched betting calculations, so it’s usually best to avoid doing so with risk-free bets. If you have placed the right bets, you will profit no matter how the game ends.

Mastering 1×2 Bets for Risk-Free Profits

1×2 bets are the perfect starting point for matched betting. Simple, widely available, and packed with profit potential. Whether you’re placing qualifying bets, converting free bets, or Dutching across sportsbooks, these three-way markets give you multiple ways to lock in guaranteed profits.

Now that you understand how to:

✅ Use 1×2 bets for basic matched betting strategies
✅ Apply Double Chance markets for Dutching
✅ Avoid common pitfalls like cash-out and extra time confusion

You’re ready to turn sportsbook promotions into risk-free earnings. The best part? You can start today!

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