The 1x2 market is one of the most common ways to bet on football and other sports, but its name and structure can seem unclear at first. Many people new to sports betting want to know what 1x2 means, how the odds work, and how these bets are used in practice.
This guide explains the essentials in plain language, with clear examples using decimal and fractional odds, plus a simple look at related markets like Double Chance and Draw No Bet. You will also see how bookmakers set prices, how to estimate possible returns, and where 1x2 fits alongside other options.
If you choose to bet, set limits that suit your circumstances and only stake what you can afford.
What Does 1x2 Mean In Football?
In football, 1x2 represents the three possible outcomes at full time. The “1” is a home win, “X” is a draw, and “2” is an away win. So if Arsenal are at home to Chelsea, “1” is Arsenal to win, “X” is a draw, and “2” is Chelsea to win.
Settlement is based on the result after 90 minutes plus injury time. Extra time and penalties do not count for standard 1x2 bets, which is worth checking before placing any selection.
How Do 1x2 Odds Work?
Each outcome in a 1x2 market has its own price. Bookmakers publish three separate odds covering a home win, a draw, and an away win. These odds can be shown as decimals or fractions and indicate the potential return if the prediction is correct.
For example, if a home win is priced at 2.00, a £10 stake would return £20 in total, which is £10 stake plus £10 profit. Higher prices suggest the outcome is considered less likely to occur, while shorter prices indicate the opposite.
Understanding the odds format helps you see what a selection might return at a glance. Once that is clear, the maths behind payouts becomes straightforward.
Calculating Payouts And Implied Probability
To estimate a return, use the odds format provided.
With decimal odds, multiply the stake by the decimal. A £10 bet at 2.50 returns £25 in total, because £10 x 2.50 = £25.
With fractional odds, multiply the stake by the fraction, then add the stake back. A £10 bet at 3/1 returns £30 profit plus the £10 stake, which is £40 in total.
Implied probability converts a price into a percentage view of how likely an outcome is considered to be. For decimal odds, the formula is 1 divided by the decimal, multiplied by 100. So 2.50 implies 40% because (1 ÷ 2.50) x 100 = 40%.
Putting the numbers into context helps when comparing matches. Knowing how to read returns and probabilities makes the next step feel more natural.
Placing A 1x2 Bet Step-By-Step
A typical journey looks similar across most sportsbooks. After joining a licensed operator, a customer heads to the football section, chooses a fixture, and opens the 1x2 market. The three prices for 1, X, and 2 appear for that match.
Selecting an outcome adds it to the bet slip, where the stake is entered and the potential return is shown. It is sensible to review the selection and confirm that it settles on the full time result only, not extra time or penalties. When everything looks correct, the bet is placed.
Many sportsbooks also offer account tools such as deposit limits or reality checks, which can help keep betting within personal boundaries.
Examples: Single Match 1x2 Bets
Below are simple examples showing how a 1x2 bet might work for a single football match using both decimal and fractional odds. The figures are for illustration only.
Decimal Odds Example
A match between Liverpool (home) and Manchester United (away) offers these decimal prices:
Liverpool to win (1): 2.20
Draw (X): 3.40
Manchester United to win (2): 3.10
A £10 bet on Liverpool at 2.20 would return £22 in total, calculated as £10 x 2.20.
Fractional Odds Example
The same match might be shown as fractions:
Liverpool to win (1): 6/5
Draw (X): 12/5
Manchester United to win (2): 21/10
A £10 bet on Manchester United at 21/10 would return £31 in total. That is £21 profit plus the £10 stake.
Common 1x2 Market Variations
The 1x2 market has close relatives that tweak how results are settled. Two of the most popular are Double Chance and Draw No Bet, which can be useful when you want a bit more protection than a straight win selection offers.
Double Chance Explained
Double Chance lets one bet cover two outcomes. The choices are home or draw, away or draw, or home or away. If either covered result happens, the bet wins. Because more outcomes are included, the price is usually shorter than a standard 1x2 selection.
This option is often used when a draw feels quite plausible or when a small safety net is preferred. Checking how the Double Chance price compares with 1x2 can help you judge whether the trade-off suits your view.
Draw No Bet Explained
Draw No Bet removes the draw entirely and refunds the stake if the match finishes level. You simply choose home or away. With one outcome taken out of the equation, prices are again shorter than the full 1x2 market.
It is a straightforward way to back a team while limiting the risk of a draw, and it can be especially appealing in evenly matched fixtures.
How Do Bookmakers Set 1x2 Prices?
Prices are built from data and judgement. Bookmakers look at recent performances, head-to-head records, team news, injuries, and the venue, then feed those inputs into statistical models that estimate the likelihood of each result.
Those likelihoods are converted into odds, and a margin, often called the overround, is added so the book is balanced commercially. Prices can move if significant money arrives on one side or if new information appears, such as an unexpected injury.
Comparing prices across different firms can highlight small differences that matter over time. Understanding how those numbers are formed also helps when assessing value in a market.
The same three-way idea appears beyond football, too, which brings us to other sports.
Can 1x2 Be Used In Other Sports?
Yes, whenever a draw is possible at the end of regular play. Rugby and ice hockey often use a 1x2, usually settled on the regulation-time result. Some basketball and cricket markets also offer a three-way line that includes the draw or tie, again based on regulation or scheduled play only.
The key is to check what “full time” means for that sport. In ice hockey and basketball, for instance, a three-way market generally excludes overtime. In cricket, draws and ties have specific meanings depending on the format, so the rules section on the event page is worth a quick look.
So, when does it make sense to pick 1x2 over something else?
When To Use 1x2 Versus Other Bet Types?
Choose 1x2 when your view is about the match outcome itself, whether that is a home win, a draw, or an away win. It suits situations where you have a clear opinion on who edges the contest in normal time.
If you want a little more cover, Double Chance widens the net, while Draw No Bet removes one outcome at the cost of a shorter price. Alternatively, markets like Over or Under goals, Both Teams To Score, or player-focused bets can be better if your angle concerns style of play or individual impact rather than the final score.
In short, the right market is the one that fits your read on the game and how much uncertainty you are willing to accept with the price on offer.
Common Mistakes To Avoid With 1x2 Bets
A frequent oversight is forgetting that standard 1x2 settles on 90 minutes plus injury time. Extra time and penalties do not apply unless clearly stated. Always check the settlement rules for the specific market you are using.
Another pitfall is leaning on reputation instead of recent evidence. Form, injuries, suspensions, travel, and schedule congestion all affect performance. Interpreting the odds as implied probabilities can keep expectations realistic and helps avoid overvaluing favourites.
It also pays to read the small print on abandoned or rescheduled matches, because policies differ between firms and can affect how bets are voided or settled.
Finally, problems often start when spending goes beyond what was planned. A simple budget, regular breaks, and not chasing losses help keep betting in perspective. If gambling begins to affect your finances or well-being, seek support early. Independent organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware provide free, confidential help.
**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.