One of the biggest attractions of online sports betting is the availability of various markets. One of the most popular bet types you will find online is the 1×2 betting market, which involves predicting the outcome of a match or event.
What Is 1×2 Betting?
So, what is the meaning of 1×2 in betting? 1×2 or 3-way betting is a simple option considering the 3 possible outcomes of a sports event or match. A 1×2 bet is the same as a money line or 2-way bet, except it includes a draw as a potential outcome. It covers the three outcomes in most sporting events: team A wins, team B wins, or the game ends in a tie. The “1” in the term represents the home team, the “2” represents the away team, and the “X” denotes a tie result.
Ultimately, a 1×2 bet is a straightforward betting option that involves making predictions on the outcome of a match or game. You are wagering on what you think will happen in the match. If your prediction is accurate, you win;
if you wager on any of the other two inaccurate options, you lose the bet.
One important thing to note about the 1×2 betting system is that it only considers the regular time in games. There are some sports matches, like tournaments and qualification games, where a tie is not an option since one team has to advance to the next stage. If such a game ends in a tie, they are often settled in extra time or with penalties. But 1×2 bets would only consider the result at the regular stoppage time of the game, such as the 90 minutes of play in football.
How to Calculate Your Payout for a Back Bet on a 1×2 Market
It is important to understand how to calculate payouts for your bets to be successful with 1×2 bets. Understanding the math behind your bet will help you make informed decisions. Like most betting options, the payout calculation for 1×2 bets is simple. You don’t need professional 1×2 tips or complex stats to understand it. Your payout is simply the multiplication of your stake and the odds offered.
For example, let’s say there is a football match between Real Madrid and Sevilla in the La Liga league, and a sportsbook offers the following market for the match:
| Contestants |
Home (1) |
Draw (X) |
Away (2) |
| Real Madrid vs. Barcelona |
2.31 |
3.10 |
3.50 |
From the example, here are the potential payouts for the three possible outcomes for a $100 wager:
| Criteria |
Home (1) |
Draw (X) |
Away (2) |
| Real Madrid vs. Barcelona |
2.31 |
3.10 |
3.50 |
| Potential payout ($100 wager) |
$231 |
$310 |
$350 |
| Potential Profit |
$131 |
$210 |
$250 |
It means that backing the home team would earn a $131 profit for a correct prediction; an accurate away team prediction will earn you $250, while the tie option can yield $210.
How to Calculate Your Payout for a Lay Bet on a 1×2 Market
Another exciting thing about 1×2 betting is that it allows punters to lay bets. If you don’t understand what a lay bet means, it is when bettors place a wager against an outcome occurring. Instead of betting on another outcome, a lay bet means you bet that anything else except that outcome will happen. For instance, in the example denoted above, if you place a Barcelona lay bet, you will only lose the bet if the team manages to win the game. Conversely, you will win the bet if Real Madrid wins or the game ends in a tie.
That said, the payout calculation of lay bets is quite different from your typical calculation. In lay betting, you essentially act as the bookmaker by betting against other bettors. As such, the profit for your lay bet will equal the stake.
So, if you lay Barcelona with a $100 bet, you will win $100 in profits if your prediction is accurate.
Another important thing to note about lay bets is that there is liability attached to them. Liability refers to the amount you will need to payout if your prediction is inaccurate, i.e., Barcelona manages to win the game. There is a liability because you are the sportsbook in this scenario and must payout wins. The formula for liability is:
Liability = ((odds -1) x stake)
So, in the case of our example with a $100 stake, laying Barcelona at the same price means you risk losing $250. You should note that you can usually find lay bets on betting exchanges, not sportsbooks.
1×2 Bet Types
One of the most appealing things about 1×2 bets is that it comes in different types and varieties. Many sportsbooks provide different types of safe bets 1×2 that punters can place when they place bets online. These 1×2 bets offer punters different opportunities, each with specific rules that guide their usage. Understanding and then utilizing these variants can help improve bettors’ betting experience and increase their winning chances.
Now, let’s take a look at some of these bet types.
1×2 First Half
The first-half 1×2 bet means that a punter focuses on only the outcome of a game’s first half. So, instead of wagering directly on the outcome of the entire match, this bet type allows punters to bet on the outcome at the halfway point.
For example, you place a 1×2 first-half bet for Manchester United against Liverpool. Manchester United doesn’t necessarily have to win the match for your bet to win. Your bet will win if Manchester United leads the game at the end of the first half. But if Manchester United is on the losing end at the end of the first half of the game or it stands at a draw, you will naturally lose the bet. That said, like the normally fixed bet 1×2 for the entire match, many of the same rules apply here.
The first-half 1×2 bet can be an appealing option for punters who want to back a team they know would often go hard on the offensive in the first half. It provides quicker results and a unique betting opportunity. However, the downside is that this betting option is riskier than the overall result.
1×2 Second Half
Many betting 1×2 sites also offer punters the chance to place their wagers on the second half of the game. It is similar to the 1×2 first-half betting option but focuses on the outcome of only the second half of a match or event. This betting option completely dismisses the results of the first part and takes the second half as an independent event. It essentially offers bettors the chance to bet on the potential comeback of teams, something quite common in football and many other sports.
For instance, let’s say that Manchester United wins the first half of the game from the example above, with 2-0 as the score by half-time. But by the end of the second half, Liverpool had managed to make some comeback, but the game ended with 4-3 results. So, although Manchester United managed to win the game, Liverpool won the second half with a 2-3 result. It means a second-half 1×2 bet on Manchester United would lose in this scenario.
The rules for the normal 1×2 betting system also apply here, such as 1 stand for home, 2 for away, and X for home. Also, unless stated otherwise by the sportsbook, this betting option does not count extra time results. Similar to the first-half option, this bet type too often provides better odds and quicker results. The downside is that the limited timeframe results in more uncertainty and risk.
1×2 Handicap
Another way that sportsbooks allow punters to make the most of their 1×2 bets is through handicaps. So what is handicap meaning in 1×2 betting? 1×2 handicap bets essentially work the same way as what punters know as “point spread,” where sportsbooks attempt to level the betting field and create a more balanced market. But this handicap bet type has a draw outcome, which is why it is called a 3-way handicap in many circles.
In this betting type, sportsbooks will assign a virtual disadvantage (negative handicap) to the stronger team (known as the favorite) and a virtual advantage (positive handicap) to the weaker team (i.e., the underdog). The actual handicap that will be on any game will depend on the sports, sportsbook, and the strengths of the teams involved in the game. But, it is usually calculated and placed at a good range that often makes it hard to predict what outcome will happen. This bet type aims to give the underdog a fighting chance and for players to win bets on them potentially.
For instance, let’s say that Arsenal is the favorite in a matchup against Southampton. A sportsbook may place a “-2” disadvantage on Arsenal and a “+2″ advantage on Southampton as the underdog. If you place a 1×2 handicap bet on Arsenal to win, you will only win the bet if Arsenal beats Southampton with at least a two goals difference. Anything less than that will lose. On the other hand, Southampton doesn’t necessarily have to win the game for punters to win a handicap-fixed bet 1×2 on the team. The bet wins if they keep the goal difference under two goals.
Naturally, there are pros and cons to this betting type. A major pro is that this bet type skews things to players’ advantage, but the downside is that it also introduces additional uncertainties.
1×2 Value Bets
Aside from the typical 1×2 bets we have explained, there are other ways that punters can maximize their betting experience for the best value. One of the ways you can do this is through 1×2 value bets. 1×2 value bets refer to wagers that offer favorable odds and a much higher expected return. In simpler terms, it is a bet where the odds offered by a sportsbook are lower than the true probability of the outcome. It means that with 1×2 value bets, you have a higher chance of winning than the odds provided by the sportsbook.
For example, let’s say there is an upcoming matchup between the New York Rangers and the Boston Bruins on an NHL game night, and you want to place a hockey 1×2 bet. After you analyze the game, you discover that the New York Rangers have a 55% chance of winning, Boston Bruins have a 25% chance, and a 20% probability of the game ending in a tie.
However, a sportsbook offers the following 1×2 hockey bet market on the game:
- New York Rangers – 1.92 (52% implied probabilities)
- Draw – 4.45 (22% implied probabilities)
- Boston Bruins – 3.3 (30% implied probabilities)
Based on what a value bet means, in the case of our example, a bet on the New York Rangers would be considered a 1×2 value bet. You can usually find value bets on tipster sites that provide betting tips 1×2 and many useful tools.
Fixed Bets 1×2
Fixed 1×2 bet refers to wagers that feature predetermined odds and stakes. Typically, odds work in sporting events because as a game’s date draws near, odds can change to reflect anything that can impact the match result. It is especially so for live and in-play betting, where odds fluctuate as the game progresses
When you place a 1×2 bet before the game starts, the odds at the time of placing the bet get accepted and fixed. These odds remain fixed, regardless of any changes in the market or odds modification. It is often advantageous to punters, especially when the odds experience a negative change.
However, the downside of fixed 1×2 bets is that you tend to miss out on better odds. If the odds on the bet you place improve after the fact, you won’t get the chance to take advantage of the favorable odds.
Points Bet 1×2
Point bet 1×2 is another variant of the typical 1×2 betting system that introduces elements of points in predicting the outcome of games. It involves predicting which team will win a game (i.e., selecting the 1×2 outcome) and predicting the number of points or goals both teams will score. For example, let’s say there is an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat. A typical sportsbook would offer 1×2 points bets attached with points margins that the teams have to meet for punters to win such bets. A 1×2 betting strategy on the Los Angeles Lakers would only win here if the Lakers win the game and the total number of points achieved by both teams meets the assigned margin.
Naturally, there are both benefits and drawbacks to this betting option. The major benefit is that this 1×2 betting option often has higher potential returns than normal 1×2 bets. There are also some drawbacks to this betting option, including the increased complexity and the higher level of risk it adds.
Typical 1×2 betting tips punters need to remember is to understand the teams involved in a matchup, their scoring pattern, performance history, and others. Also, you should note that the point bet 1×2 bets are unavailable for all sports, games, or even sportsbooks.
1×2 Single Bet
1×2 single bet is the simplest variant of 1×2 betting. It is a subset of the typical 1×2 bet, involving choosing one of the three possible outcomes in this betting option – a home win, a draw, or an away win.
The odds that betting 1×2 sites offer for this option depend on several factors, from the strength of the teams involved, to their recent performance and form and much more.
So, sportsbooks often tailor the odds to favor them in the long run. But there is still much room for punters, especially experienced ones, to make decent winnings from 1×2 betting.
To place a 1×2 bet, you choose the outcome you predict will happen and stake the amount you want. The odds offered and the staked amount will determine a punter’s potential winnings should the outcome occur.
The single 1×2 bet is popular amongst punters online today, primarily due to its simplicity and potential for good wins. The downside to this option is that there is usually no margin for error, and it typically offers lower odds for favorites.
Most Popular Sports for 1×2 Betting
Now that we know the meaning of 1×2 in betting and how it works let’s look at which sports it typically works for. One obvious fact about 1×2 betting is that it comes with an added element of a draw, so the betting type works best for sports where a draw is a realistic outcome. Some of the most popular sports here include football, ice hockey, rugby, and others. These sports have room for 3-way betting, making them the perfect options. Now, let’s look at how 1×2 bets work with these sports.
Football is undoubtedly the most popular sport when considering 1×2 betting. The sport attracts many bettors, and its process and structure make 1×2 bets ideal. To win a 1×2 football bet, you need to predict the outcome of the matchup: whether the home team will win, the away team to win, or the game ending in a draw.
With the sport’s widespread popularity and the availability of numerous football leagues and competitions that provide an unending stream of matches, football has abundant opportunities for safe bets 1×2. Some of the most popular football leagues that provide 1×2 bets include the UEFA Champions League, the English Premier League, the Spanish La Liga, the German Bundesliga, the Italian Serie A, and so much more.
That said, you should also note that it is crucial to consider different factors before considering football 1×2 odds. Doing in-depth research and analysis before engaging in any football bets will help you make informed decisions and increase the winning chances of your predictions.
Ice Hockey
Ice hockey is another popular sport suitable for the 1×2 betting system. It is a fast-paced and thrilling sport that attracts significant attention worldwide and much 1×2 betting interest.
Like football, ice hockey has numerous leagues and competitions that provide steady streams of 1×2 betting opportunities. These leagues include the National Hockey League (NHL), Continental Hockey League, Swedish Hockey League (SHL), Liiga, American Hockey League, etc.
As explained, hockey 1×2 bet markets work like typical 3-way bets – you either back the home or away team or bet on the game ending in a tie.
That said, a standard ice hockey game features three periods, each of which is usually 20 minutes long. So, unlike football, where first-half and second-half 1×2 bets are available options, this is not the case for ice hockey. The normal 1×2 full-time bets, 1×2 handicap bets, and others are usually the most applicable.
Other Sports
While ice hockey and football 1×2 odds are among the most popular sports for 1×2 betting, they are not the only markets these sports betting types apply to. Rugby is another major sport where 1×2 betting is applicable. While draws can be rare in rugby games, they happen enough to make them an option for punters to place bets.
Aside from the popular options we have looked at, there are many other sports where 1×2 betting is a valid option. If a draw is a typical outcome in a sport, then 1×2 betting is possible. Other sports include baseball, handball, water polo, boxing, basketball, etc.
On the flip side, there are also quite a few sports where 1×2 betting is not an option. These sports don’t allow 3-way betting as their games rarely end in draws. These sports include tennis, volleyball, cricket, and others.
Where Can You Bet on 1×2 Tips?
Now that you know what 1×2 bet means, how it works, and which sports it is best used on, let’s discuss where you can enjoy the betting opportunities.
As mentioned, 1×2 bets are among the most popular and straightforward bet types any punter will find online. As a result, you will hardly find any sports betting site that does not offer 1×2 betting markets to its punters. However, some platforms are naturally better and offer much wider betting opportunities.
Some of the biggest and most popular brands that are offering great betting opportunities for 1×2 bets include:
That said, you should note that there are many factors betting experts consider when choosing 1×2 betting sites to place their bets. These factors include licensing status, security, payment methods available, user experience, mobile optimization, bonuses and promotion, and much more.
Advantages & Disadvantages of 1×2 Bets
As mentioned, the 1×2 betting system is one of the most popular bet types at any betting site online. This is because the betting option has numerous benefits, making it ideal for many punters. However, like any good thing, it also has some drawbacks. So, let’s get into the pros and cons of engaging in this betting option.
| PROS |
CONS |
- Simple bet type
- Widely available across many bookmakers
- Available for live betting
- Provide room for bigger bets
- Offers competitive odds
|
- Not applicable to all sports
- Lower odds are offered for favorites
- It does not account for extra time
|
1×2 Betting Tips
While 1×2 is a simple bet, no strategy can guarantee a win. However, punters can always keep some professional tips 1×2 in mind when placing their bets. While these tips won’t guarantee winning your bets, they would significantly improve your chances of winning.
Now let’s take a look at some of these tips:
- Do your research: Thorough research on the teams involved is key to any successful betting, and 1×2 bets are no exception. Before placing your bets, you must properly analyze the teams’ recent form, injuries, suspension, and other relevant statistics. Doing this will help make informed decisions for safe bets 1×2.
- Find value bet: Value bets are the ones whose perceived odds are higher than the actual probability of the outcome happening. These bets tend to offer better value to punters. So, you should always look for 1×2 value bets.
- Compare Odds: Due to the industry’s competitive nature, many sportsbooks offer better odds than others in some betting markets. So, it would help if you always compared the odds sportsbooks offer to find the best option before placing bets.
- Set a budget and manage your bankroll: For any successful 1×2 betting experience, you need to set a budget and stick to it. It will help you avoid overspending and losing more money than you can afford.
- Be careful of accumulators: 1×2 accumulator bets can be a great way to get more for your bets. However, it also reduces the winning chances. So, it would help to be careful when engaging your accumulators for your football or hockey 1×2 bet markets or other sports.
- Be patient: Remember that you won’t win every bet. There will be times when you will lose money. The important thing is to be patient and employ the right strategy, as this will make you profitable in the long run.
Is 1×2 Betting Worth It?
Now that you understand the 1×2 bet type meaning in betting, you can see that it is one of the best and biggest markets the sports betting industry offers. 1×2 betting offers one of the simplest and most intuitive options, making it ideal for beginners and experts. The betting option is valid across many sports, from football to ice hockey, baseball, handball, and others. As long as a sport allows for a home win, a draw, and an away win, 1×2 bets are applicable, creating huge markets for punters.
Experienced punters can also make the most of this option through different 1×2 betting types like 1×2 first-half markets, 1×2 second-half markets, 1×2 handicaps, and much more. While it has its fair share of downsides, there is no denying the appeal of a good football or hockey 1×2 bet. So, if you want a good way to make lucrative winnings without spending too much, 1×2 betting is a great option.
