What Is a Double Chance Bet? Our Complete Guide
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Last Updated: 1 August, 2025
A double chance bet lets you cover two of the three possible outcomes in a match with one wager: either team to win or the game to end in a draw.
It’s most common in sports where a tie is a possible result, like soccer and hockey.
This type of bet gives you a better chance to win, but at lower odds than a traditional moneyline.
How does a double chance bet work?
A double chance bet covers two possible results in a three-way outcome: a win, a draw, or a loss.
You choose one of three combo options:
1X – Home team wins or draws
X2 – Away team wins or draws
12 – Either team wins (draw loses)
Let’s say you place a soccer double chance bet on Team A to win or draw (1X).
If Team A wins or the game ends in a tie, you win the bet.
You only lose if the away team wins.
Because you're backing two outcomes instead of one, the odds are shorter than a straight moneyline.
But the tradeoff is more stability and a better chance to win, especially in close matchups.
Double chance bet example
Let’s say there’s a soccer match between the LA Galaxy and Austin FC.
An online sports betting app offers the following double chance soccer bet options:
LA Galaxy or Draw (1X): -220
Austin FC or Draw (X2): -160
LA Galaxy or Austin FC (12): -400
If you bet $100 on “LA Galaxy or Draw” at -220, you’d win $45.45 if LA Galaxy wins or the game ends in a draw.
You only lose if Austin FC wins outright.
These lower odds reflect the added security.
By covering two outcomes instead of one, you reduce your risk and your payout.
How to place a double chance bet
Where are double chance bets offered?
Double chance bets are most common in soccer, where draws happen often and matches are scored low.
In fact, most sportsbooks show the double chance bet in soccer right on the main game page.
You’ll usually see it listed as “1X,” “X2,” or “12.”
Some sportsbooks also offer double chance markets in hockey and cricket.
For example, a double chance bet in hockey may apply only to regulation time.
If the game goes to overtime, the result may still be graded as a win or draw depending on house rules.
You won’t find double chance options in sports like football or basketball.
These games rarely end in a tie, so there’s no value in covering two outcomes, there’s usually a clear winner.
In tournament play, like the World Cup or Champions League, double chance bets often apply to the 90-minute regulation result.
Overtime or penalties don’t count unless the book specifically states it.
Is a double chance bet worth it?
We say, yes!
Double chance bets are definitely worth considering if you’re looking to reduce risk while still staying active in a match.
They’re especially helpful when betting on underdogs or evenly matched teams, where the outcome is tough to call.
A double chance bet calculator can show you exactly what you’ll win based on your stake and the odds.
While payouts are lower than single-outcome bets, you’re more likely to win, making this a useful tool for casual or conservative bettors.
We see value in using double chance bets as part of a smart strategy, especially when line shopping or building safer parlays.
Double chance vs draw no bet
Is draw no bet the same as double chance?
Not exactly.
A draw no bet returns your stake if the game ends in a draw.
A double chance bet wins if either your team wins or the match ends in a draw but at lower odds.
Here’s how they compare:
Both bets are good for managing risk, but they serve slightly different purposes.
Double chance increases your win probability, while draw no bet protects your stake.
The best double chance bet strategy
The best double chance bet strategy starts with knowing when to use it.
These bets work best in low-scoring sports with frequent draws like soccer or hockey and in matchups where neither team is a clear favorite.
Start by comparing the standard moneyline and draw odds.
You can often find better value by placing a double chance bet instead of splitting your stake across two separate outcomes.
Use implied probability to estimate whether the odds you're getting are fair.
Line shopping is key. Odds can vary across sportsbooks, especially in smaller leagues or international markets.
Promos or boosted odds can also turn a low-value bet into a good one.
Double chance bet tips
Double chance bets can be a great way to lower your risk, but they work best in the right situations.
These tips can help you spot where the value is and avoid common mistakes:
Target low-scoring leagues: Draws are more common in leagues like Ligue 1 or Serie A, which makes double chance bets more useful.
Look for even matchups: When teams are closely matched, double chance bets offer good protection on either side.
Check team form and motivation: Injuries, player rotation, and must-win scenarios can shift outcomes in your favor.
Use it for underdogs: If you're backing a weaker team, a draw backup gives your bet more room to hit.
Don’t rely on it for every game: Use double chance as a tool, not a crutch. In some cases, straight bets offer better value.
Used carefully, double chance betting can fit well into a larger strategy and help smooth out risk over time.
When not to use double chance bets
Double chance bets are safer, but they’re not always smart.
In some cases, they offer poor value or unnecessary protection.
Avoid them in these spots:
Heavy favorites: If a team is -250 or shorter, double chance odds won’t improve much and you’ll sacrifice payout for minimal gain.
Lopsided matches: When one team clearly dominates, a straight moneyline or spread bet usually offers better value.
High-scoring sports: In leagues or matchups where draws are rare (like NBA or NFL), a double chance bet adds little protection on an online sports betting site.
When you want big payouts: If you're aiming for higher returns or building aggressive parlays, double chance odds may be too low to make it worthwhile.
Used in the right spots, double chance bets reduce risk.
But overusing them can water down your edge.
Double Chance: A bet that covers two out of three outcomes: home win, draw, or away win.
1X / X2 / 12: Shorthand for double chance options.
1X = Home win or draw
X2 = Away win or draw
12 = Either team wins (no draw)
Three-Way Moneyline: A betting line with three possible outcomes: home win, draw, or away win. Common in soccer and hockey.
Draw No Bet: A wager that refunds your stake if the match ends in a draw. Only wins if your team wins.
American Odds: Odds format used in the U.S. (e.g., -150, +200). Negative odds show how much you need to risk to win $100; positive odds show how much you win on a $100 bet.
Implied Probability: The chance of a bet winning, based on the odds. Helps compare the value between betting options.
Vig (or Juice): The sportsbook’s built-in edge, reflected in slightly worse odds than the true probability.
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Contributors
Josh Miller
Author
Josh Miller, Sporting Post’s Sports & Casino Editor, brings over five years of experience in feature writing, blogging, and SEO.
With a strong background in football coverage and sports betting, his work has been featured in VAVEL.
Josh also writes extensively about online casinos, providing expert insights into games, bonuses, and gambling trends.
His engaging and informative content makes him a reliable resource for Sporting Post readers.
Bradley Gibbs
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With over 12 years of experience, Bradley Gibbs is a seasoned sports betting writer and analyst specializing in uncovering value bets across football, horse racing, tennis, and golf.
His extensive coverage of these sports has been featured on numerous websites and in The Racing & Football Outlook, a renowned UK betting publication.
Bradley's expertise lies in identifying betting edges and delivering insightful, data-driven content for informed wagering.