Double Chance Betting Explained: What Does It Mean in Football?
If you enjoy betting on football but find some markets a bit confusing, you’re not alone. A simple win-only bet does not always reflect how a match might play out.
Double Chance is a market you may see on most football fixtures, and it lets you cover more than one possible result with a single bet.
In this blog post, you will find what Double Chance means, how it works alongside other markets, and when it might be worth considering.
What Double Chance Means in Football Betting
Double Chance is a football market that covers two of the three possible match outcomes. In any 90-minute league or cup match, the results are home win, draw, or away win. With a Double Chance bet, you choose two of the three possible selections.
If the match ends in either of your two selected outcomes, your bet is settled as a winner. If the only outcome you did not pick is the one that happens, the bet loses.
Because you are covering more selections than a standard result bet, the odds are usually shorter; therefore, this suits people who may prefer more stability in their betting. It is wise to double-check your selections before you place the bet, especially to confirm exactly which two outcomes you have backed.
Although Double Chance bets cover more selections than a standard win bet, it is important to remember that all outcomes are down to chance and choosing more selections does not improve your chances of winning.
How Does A Double Chance Bet Work?
A Double Chance bet is placed in the same way as other football markets, and it pays out if either of your two chosen outcomes lands. Bookmakers often display the options as 1X, X2, or 12, where:
- 1X means home win or draw.
- X2 means away win or draw.
- 12 means home win or away win.
Most markets settle on the result at the end of normal time, including injury time. Extra time and penalties are not included unless the market description clearly says otherwise. If you are betting in-play, the same principles apply, but the price will move with the flow of the match.
One example: if you back 1X on a strong home side and the game finishes 1-1, your bet wins. The same selection also wins if the home team wins the game 2-1. If you back X2 and the game finishes 2-0 to the home team, you would lose the bet.
What Is The Difference Between Double Chance And Draw No Bet?
Double Chance and Draw No Bet both aim to reduce the chances of losing your bet, but they do it in different ways.
- Double Chance lets you win on two outcomes. For instance, X2 pays out if the match ends in an away win or draw.
- Draw No Bet is a single-team pick. If your team wins, the bet wins, and if the match is a draw, your stake is returned. If your team loses, the bet loses.
Double Chance usually has shorter odds because two results can make the bet a winner. Draw No Bet tends to be priced higher, as it only pays when your team wins, with the draw returning your stake.
If you expect a close match where neither side is a clear favourite to win, Double Chance may be the best option. If you favour one team in a match but want a safety net against a potential draw, Draw No Bet can be the better choice.
Double Chance bets can seem more likely to succeed because they cover two possible results; however, this does not guarantee a win. With a Draw No Bet, your stake is returned if the match ends level, yet all outcomes are random. It is important to remember that all outcomes are down to chance, and a winning bet is never guaranteed.
When Is Double Chance Worth Considering?
Double Chance bets may be a wise option when matches are finely balanced and there is no clear favourite to win. A few common scenarios stand out:
- Evenly matched teams, perhaps in a derby or a top-of-the-table clash, where margins are small and a single moment can decide things either way.
- Away fixtures for competitive sides that are strong defensively. X2 can work when you think the visitors can avoid defeat, even if a win is not guaranteed.
- Underdogs with a credible chance of frustrating a favourite. Backing the underdog or draw can reflect that view without needing an outright upset.
- League phases where a point suits both teams. Late-season fixtures can tilt towards safety-first football, making the draw a realistic outcome.
Although these situations may seem like a wise choice for placing a Double Chance bet, it is important to remember that all outcomes are down to chance and winning is never guaranteed.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Double Chance?
Double Chance can be a handy option, but it’s worth considering the pros and cons before placing your bet.
Pros:
- Covers two results out of three, improving the chance of a winning bet.
- It could be useful when there is no clear favourite in a match.
- It can potentially strengthen an accumulator by reducing the risk of one leg derailing the whole ticket.
Cons:
- Shorter odds mean smaller potential returns than a win-only bet.
- Picking obvious favourites may offer limited value.
If you prefer a steadier approach with lower potential returns, Double Chance could be a good option, provided you are comfortable with the price and the reduced upside.
Bet on Football Online at Mr Luck
At Mr Luck, you will find a broad range of football markets, including Double Chance, Draw No Bet, and accumulators across domestic and international fixtures. Everything is set up so browsing matches, comparing prices, and adding selections to your bet slip is straightforward on both desktop and mobile.
If you are exploring Double Chance, you can view 1X, X2, and 12 alongside match odds and other popular markets, which makes it easier to place a bet that suits your preferences. Mr Luck is licenced by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), ensuring all bets are placed in a safe and secure environment.
Always remember to gamble responsibly by setting limits to your playing time, sticking to a strict budget within your means and making use of any responsible gambling tools available.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
