The world of sports betting offers many options, each promising a chance to turn your predictions into profits. But navigating these options can be tricky, especially when encountering unfamiliar terms like “double chance.” You’re not alone if you’ve ever stumbled upon this phrase and wondered what it means.
Double chance betting is a strategic approach that injects a dose of security into your wagers. Unlike traditional bets focusing on a single outcome, double chance allows you to cover two possible results in one go. This significantly increases your chances of winning, making it a popular choice for cautious bettors and those looking to hedge their bets.
This comprehensive blog post will be your one-stop guide to understanding double-chance betting. We’ll explore the concept in detail, explaining how it works across various sports, not just soccer. You’ll learn about the different types of double chance bets available, the benefits and drawbacks of this strategy, and how it can enhance your overall betting experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned sports enthusiast or a curious newcomer to the betting world, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and unlock a safer, more strategic way to place your wagers. So, discover how double chance can become your secret weapon for sports betting success!
What is a Double Chance Bet?
So, what exactly is a double chance bet? Unlike traditional bets focusing on a single outcome (win, lose, or draw), double chance allows you to cover two possible results in one wager. This doubles your chances of winning compared to a standard bet.
Imagine a high-stakes soccer match between Team A and Team B. You strongly feel Team A will win, but a nagging doubt whispers about the possibility of a draw. With a standard win bet on Team A, a draw results in a loss. However, with a double chance bet, you can choose the “Team A Win or Draw” option (often denoted as “1X”). Your bet wins if Team A emerges victorious or the match ends in a tie.

Soccer Example
Let’s look at a hypothetical football (soccer) match between Manchester United (MU) and Liverpool (LIV) to illustrate a double chance bet:
The Matchup
- Manchester United (MU) is a strong team playing at home, but they’ve been inconsistent lately.
- Liverpool (LIV) is a top contender but has struggled away from home in recent games.
Scenario 1: Backing Manchester United with a Safety Net (Home Win or Draw – 1X)
- You believe Manchester United has a good chance of winning at home, but you acknowledge the possibility of a draw due to Liverpool’s strength.
- You place a double chance bet on “Home Win or Draw (1X)”.
- Outcome: If the match ends in a Manchester United win (MU 2-1 LIV) OR a draw (MU 1-1 LIV), your double chance bet wins!
- Reasoning: By covering both a win and a draw, you’ve increased your chances of winning compared to a straight-win bet on Manchester United.
Scenario 2: Taking a Chance on Liverpool (Away Win or Draw – 2X)
- You believe Liverpool can pull off an upset or at least hold Manchester United to a draw.
- You place a double chance bet on “Away Win or Draw (2X)”.
- Outcome: If the match ends in a Liverpool win (MU 0-1 LIV) OR a draw (MU 1-1 LIV), your double chance bet wins!
Reasoning: This option offers a higher potential payout than a straight-win bet on Liverpool due to their underdog status, but it comes with the added risk of Manchester United winning.
Advantages of Double Chance Betting
Double chance betting offers several advantages that can enhance your football betting experience:
- Reduced Risk Compared to Single Bets: By covering two outcomes, you significantly reduce the risk of losing your entire bet due to an unexpected draw. This is particularly beneficial in high-pressure matches where the outcome might be uncertain.
- Safer Bet for Backing Underdogs: If you believe an underdog team can pull off an upset or at least secure a draw, a double chance wager allows you to back them with a safety net. For instance, if you fancy a surprise result where a lower-ranked team holds Manchester City to a draw, a double chance bet on “Draw or Away Win” (2X) could be a good option.
- Potential for Winning Bets on More Games: The increased chance of winning with a double chance bet allows you to place bets on more games and accumulate more winning bets over time. This can be particularly appealing if you want to build your bankroll steadily.
- Hedging Other Bets: Double chance betting can be valuable for experienced bettors looking to hedge other bets. Imagine you place a large parlay bet (a combination of multiple bets) on several favorites to win their respective matches. You can use a double chance bet on another match as a safety net, mitigating some potential losses if one of your favorites in the parlay encounters a draw.

Limitations of the Double Chance Betting
While double-chance betting in football (soccer) offers a safety net for your wagers, it has limitations. Before diving headfirst into this strategy, let’s explore the downsides to consider:
- Lower Odds, Lower Potential Winnings: The beauty of double chance betting lies in its increased chance of winning. However, there’s a trade-off. Since you’re covering two outcomes instead of one, the odds for double-chance bets are typically much lower than a single bet on a specific winning team. This translates to lower potential winnings. Imagine a high-profile game between two evenly matched-teams. A straight-win bet on one team offers higher odds and a bigger payout, even though the risk of losing is also higher.
- Not Ideal for All Situations: Double chance betting isn’t a one-size-fits-all strategy. A standard win bet might be better if you’re highly confident about a clear favorite winning a football match. For instance, if Manchester City is playing a much weaker opponent at home, a win bet on Manchester City would likely offer better odds and potential returns than a double chance bet (Home Win or Draw).
- Limited Application in High-Scoring Sports: While double chance betting shines in sports with frequent draws like soccer, its effectiveness diminishes in sports with a low occurrence of ties. A double chance bet might not be as valuable in sports like American football (win or tie) or baseball (win or extra innings). In such cases, a standard win bet could be a more strategic choice, especially if you strongly feel about one team’s dominance.
- Reduced Excitement for Some Bettors: A high-risk, high-reward bet can be exhilarating for some gamblers. Double chance betting, with its focus on safety and increased win probability, might not offer the same level of excitement for those who enjoy the adrenaline rush of a single-outcome bet.
- Not a Magic Formula: It’s important to remember that double-chance betting isn’t a guaranteed path to winning every bet. Thorough research on teams, player form, past performances, and external factors still play a vital role in making informed decisions. A double chance bet can increase your chances of winning compared to a single bet, but it doesn’t guarantee success.
- Responsible Gambling is Key: Responsible gambling is paramount regardless of your betting strategy. Always set a budget you can afford to lose, stick to it, and never chase losses. Double chance betting might offer a safety net, but it shouldn’t be used as a crutch to fuel a gambling problem.
What are the Types of Double Chance Bets?
Double chance betting is a strategy that offers a safety net by allowing you to cover two of the three possible outcomes in a single wager. But double chance isn’t a monolithic concept. Here’s a closer look at the common variations you’ll encounter:
- Home Win or Draw (1X): This is a popular choice for backing the home team with a cushion in case the match ends in a draw. It’s ideal for situations where you believe the home team has a strong chance of winning but acknowledge the possibility of a stalemate.
- Away Win or Draw (2X): This option favors the away team while accounting for the possibility of a draw. It’s suitable for scenarios where you believe the away team can pull off an upset or expect a close match that might end in a tie.
- Either Team to Win (12): This option eliminates the draw as a possibility and covers both teams winning. This is typically used when you expect a high-scoring, close match where either team could emerge victorious. It’s also a strategic choice for bettors who want to avoid the outcome of a draw entirely.
Here are some additional points to consider:
- Variations in Notation: While 1X, 2X, and 12 are widely used, you might encounter slight variations depending on your sportsbook. Keep an eye out for equivalent terms like “Home Win/Draw,” “Away Win/Draw,” or “Either Team.”
- Beyond Soccer: Double-chance betting isn’t exclusive to soccer. This strategy is applicable in various sports with three possible outcomes, such as American football (win or tie), basketball (win or overtime), or even boxing (win or draw).
- Exceptional Cases: Some sportsbooks might offer additional double chance variations depending on the sport. For instance, in tennis, you might see options like “Set 1 Winner or Draw” or “Player A to Win 1st or 2nd Set.”
By understanding these different types of double-chance bets and their applications, you can make informed decisions when placing your wagers. Remember, the best approach depends on the specific match, your analysis of the teams involved, and yo

Advantages of Double Chance Bets
If you were offered the opportunity to be on one of three potential outcomes, you’re likelihood of winning the bet is 33.33 percent (one out of three).
With a double chance bet, you increase your chances of winning to 66.67 percent. Your double chance bet covers two of the three possible outcomes.
With this type of bet, you also spread your risk which also greatly increases your chances of winning the bet. The downside, of course, is the lower payout on the other end.
What are the Best Sports for Double Chance Betting?
While double-chance betting can be applied to various sports with three possible outcomes, some sports offer a better fit for this strategy than others. Here’s a breakdown of the top contenders:
- Soccer: The undisputed champion of double chance betting. The high frequency of draws in soccer (compared to other sports) makes it a natural fit for this strategy. You can leverage a double chance to cover a favorite likely to win or hedge your bets on underdogs with a chance of drawing.
- American Football: Similar to soccer, American football offers a win or tie option, making it suitable for double chance bets. This strategy can be beneficial for close matchups with uncertain outcomes.
- Basketball: Double chance can be a valuable tool in basketball, especially when considering individual sets within a game. Sportsbooks often offer double chance options for specific sets (win or overtime) alongside the game-winner bet.
- Hockey: Much like soccer, hockey matches can frequently end in ties or go into overtime. This creates a good opportunity to utilize double-chance bets to cover a potential win by your chosen team or a draw.
Sports Where Double Chance Might Be Less Ideal
- Tennis: While some sportsbooks offer double chance variations for individual sets in tennis (win or lose), this strategy may not be as applicable to the overall match winner. Tennis matches rarely end in draws, making a standard win bet more rewarding if you’re confident in a player’s dominance.
- Baseball: Similar to tennis, baseball has a low occurrence of ties (resulting in extra innings). Unless you specifically anticipate a close game that might go into extra innings, a standard win bet might be a better option.
Conclusion
The world of sports betting offers a thrilling blend of prediction and potential rewards. Double chance betting emerges as a valuable tool for navigating this landscape, injecting a dose of security into your wagers. This guide has comprehensively explored double-chance betting, equipping you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and potentially enhance your betting experience.
We’ve delved into the core concept: how double chance betting allows you to cover two of the three possible outcomes in a single bet, significantly increasing your chances of winning compared to a standard bet. We’ve explored its application across various sports, not just soccer, highlighting its suitability for sports with frequent draws.
Finally, the importance of responsible gambling was reiterated. Thorough research, sound analysis, and budget discipline are crucial elements, regardless of the betting strategy employed. Double chance betting is a strategic tool, not a guaranteed path to success.
By understanding the nuances of double chance betting and applying it judiciously, you can become a more informed and potentially more successful sports bettor. So, the next time you’re contemplating a wager, consider double-chance betting to manage risk and potentially navigate the exciting world of sports betting with more security. Remember, responsible gambling is paramount, and the thrill of the game should never overshadow financial well-being.

Double Chance Betting FAQs: Your Guide to Safer Wagers
Double chance betting has become a popular strategy in sports betting, particularly in football (soccer) due to the high frequency of draws. But how exactly does it work, and what are the key things to consider? Here are five frequently asked questions (FAQs) to shed light on double-chance betting:
What is Double Chance Betting and How Does it Work?
Unlike a standard sports bet that focuses on a single outcome (team winning, losing, or drawing), double chance betting allows you to cover two of the three possible outcomes in a single wager. This significantly increases your chances of winning a bet compared to a single bet. Imagine a crucial soccer game. With double chance, you can choose options like “Home Team Wins or Draw” (1X) or “Away Team Wins or Draw” (2X), essentially giving you two paths to a winning bet.
What are the Advantages of Double Chance Betting?
The primary advantage of double-chance betting is the reduced risk compared to a single bet. By covering two outcomes (win or draw), you hedge against the possibility of the match ending in a draw, which can be quite common in soccer. This can be particularly beneficial for close games where the outcome is uncertain. It can also be a good strategy for backing underdogs who might pull off an upset or hold the favorites to a draw.
Are Double Chance Bets Easy Wins?
While double-chance bets offer a higher chance of winning than a single bet on a specific outcome, they’re not guaranteed wins. There’s a trade-off involved. Due to the increased chance of winning, double-chance bets typically come with lower odds than a single bet. This means you might win more bets, but the potential winnings for each successful bet might be smaller.
Is Double Chance Betting a Good Strategy for All Sports?
Double chance betting shines in popular sports with three possible outcomes: soccer and American football (win or tie). However, its effectiveness diminishes in sports with a low occurrence of ties, like baseball (win or extra innings) or tennis (win or lose). In such cases, a standard win bet might be a better choice, especially if you have a strong feeling about one team’s dominance.
What are Some Important Considerations Before Placing a Double Chance Bet?
Even with a double-chance betting strategy, responsible gambling is crucial. Always conduct thorough research on the teams involved, analyze player form, and consider external factors that might impact the game. Double-chance betting is a strategy to manage risk and potentially increase your chances of winning, but it’s not a magic formula for success.
Read our soccer betting guide and learn how to bet on Asian handicaps next.