Double chance is a
football betting market that allows bettors to back two of the three possible outcomes in a match with a single wager. The bet wins if either selected outcome occurs. The three choices that bettors have in this market are home win or draw, draw or away win and home or away win.
What Does Double Chance Mean?
Double Chance means players have the option to select two options as possible outcomes in a single match. Instead of picking just one winner, players can split their bet to cover two results, making it a lower-risk market. Double chance betting is one of the mostly common in football and popular among new bettors as it provides additional coverage.
Example
Match: Chelsea vs Arsenal
Possible outcomes:
A double chance bet combines two of those outcomes.
How Does Double Chance Betting Work?
A traditional football betting market offers three possible outcomes:
- 1 = Home win
- X = Draw
- 2 = Away win
Double chance combines two of the possible outcomes.
1X (Home Win or Draw)
The bet wins if:
- The home team wins or if the match ends in a draw.
The bet loses if:
Example
Chelsea vs Newcastle
Selection: Chelsea or Draw (1X)
Results:
✅ Chelsea win
✅ Draw
❌ Newcastle win
X2 (Draw or Away Win)
The bet wins if:
- The away team wins or the match finishes in a draw.
The bet loses if:
Example
Liverpool vs Aston Villa
Selection: Aston Villa or Draw (X2)
Results:
✅ Aston Villa win
✅ Draw
❌ Liverpool win
12 (Home Win or Away Win)
The bet wins if either team wins. The only losing outcome is a draw.
Example
Real Madrid vs Barcelona
Selection: 12
Results:
✅ Real Madrid win
✅ Barcelona win
❌ Draw
Double Chance Betting Example
Scenario
Match: Nigeria vs Ghana
Selection: Nigeria or Draw (1X)
Stake: ₦5,000
Results:
| Match Result |
Outcome |
| Nigeria Win |
✅ Win |
| Draw |
✅ Win |
| Ghana Win |
❌ Lose |
Important Note
Because two outcomes are covered, double chance odds are typically lower than standard match-result odds.
Why Bettors Use Double Chance Bets
- The Double Chance market covers two possible outcomes.
- Reduces betting risk by allowing bettors to cover two possible outcomes instead of one.
- Useful for unpredictable matches.
- It is easy to understand, making it suitable for beginner bettors in Nigeria.
- Can be included in accumulator bets.
- It can protect players against unexpected draws.
Double chance is particularly useful when a match appears closely balanced or when a team is expected to avoid defeat but may not necessarily win.
Advantages of Double Chance Betting
Higher Probability of Winning
Two possible outcomes can result in a successful bet.
Easy to Understand
The Double Chance market is one of the simplest football betting markets.
Useful for Competitive Fixtures
Provides additional security when both teams appear evenly matched.
Ideal for New Bettors
Can help beginners avoid some of the volatility associated with outright result betting.
Works Well in Accumulators
Can be used alongside other selections in a multi-bet.
Disadvantages of Double Chance Betting
Lower Odds
Double Chance betting has lower odds because it covers two of the three possible outcomes, which increases the probability of winning.
Lower Potential Payouts
Winning bets may return less than a straight match winner bet.
Not Always Good Value
In heavily one-sided fixtures, odds may be extremely short.
No Guaranteed Success
Despite covering two outcomes, the bet can still lose.
Double Chance vs Draw No Bet
| Feature |
Double Chance |
Draw No Bet |
| Outcomes Covered |
Two outcomes |
One outcome |
| Risk Level |
Lower |
Medium |
| Typical Odds |
Lower |
Higher |
| Draw Outcome |
Usually wins for relevant selection |
Stake refunded |
| Best For |
Additional protection |
Greater potential returns |
Double Chance prioritises coverage, while Draw No Bet prioritises value by removing only the draw outcome from consideration.
When Should You Use a Double Chance Bet?
Closely Matched Teams
When both sides appear capable of avoiding defeat.
Derby Matches
Derbies often produce unpredictable results and surprise outcomes.
Fixtures With Strong Draw Potential
Suitable when a draw looks likely.
Underdogs That Are Difficult To Beat
Useful when the underdog regularly earns draws.
Accumulator Risk Management
Can reduce the likelihood of one unexpected outcome ruining a multi-bet.
Common Double Chance Betting Mistakes
Ignoring Recent Form
Always consider team performance trends.
Blindly Choosing Safer Options
Lower risk does not always mean better value.
Overusing Double Chance in Accumulators
Too many low-odds selections can reduce overall returns.
Forgetting Team News
Check injuries, suspensions, and squad rotation before placing a bet.
Tips for Using Double Chance Bets
- Review head-to-head meetings.
- Assess home and away records.
- Consider injuries and suspensions.
- Focus on fixtures where the market offers genuine value.
- Avoid relying solely on the perception of safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does double chance mean in betting?
Double chance is a betting market that covers two of the three possible outcomes in a football match with a single wager.
What does 1X mean in betting?
1X means your bet wins if the home team wins or the match ends in a draw.
What does X2 mean in betting?
X2 means your bet wins if the away team wins or the match finishes in a draw.
What does 12 mean in betting?
12 means your bet wins if either team wins. The only losing outcome is a draw.
Is double chance good for beginners?
Yes. Many beginners use double chance because it offers extra coverage compared to traditional match-result betting.
Why are double chance odds lower?
The odds are generally lower because bettors are covering two possible outcomes rather than one.
Can I use double chance in an accumulator?
Yes. Double chance selections can typically be included in accumulator bets.
Double chance betting is one of the simplest football betting markets available. By covering two possible outcomes instead of one, it offers additional protection against unexpected results, making it a popular option for beginners and experienced bettors alike. Readers should understand the differences between 1X, X2, and 12 selections and recognise when this market may provide value within their overall betting strategy.
Kick start a non-stop world of sports
Start your sport beting journey with Betway Malawi and enjoy solid action and heart-racing thrills when you bet on soccer leagues such as the Spanish La Liga, the English Premier League, the Italian Serie A and many more.
Join our Telegram Channel
Get way more with Betway. Enjoy the thrill of sports betting, casino games, and more. Join our community for tips, bonuses, and exciting offers. #BetwaySquad
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, Instagram and YouTube. Download the Betway App.