1X2 Betting Guide: The Recipe for Success in the 1X2 Betting Market

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Betting on sports can be fun, and you will be spoilt for choice with lines to pick from. The 1X2 betting market is a well-trodden path for bettors, so don’t undermine it.

But is the 1X2 betting market worth pursuing? Our guide reveals everything you need to know so you can approach this line with confidence.

The simplicity and predictability of the 1X2 market make it a profitable choice for beginners and experts alike.

What is the 1X2 betting market?

The 1X2 betting market, often referred to as ‘Moneyline 3 -Way’ by some sportsbooks, is a type of wagering option where three potential outcomes need to be considered. Essentially, it’s akin to an advanced moneyline.

Unlike a traditional moneyline where you place your bet on one of two possible outcomes; a team winning at home or away, the 1X2 betting line introduces a third prospect, that of a tie, represented by ‘X.’

This betting market is perfect for both beginners and experienced punters and typically is one of the first lines you will encounter at leading sportsbooks.

The addition of the third potential result can add a new level of excitement to your betting, and often offers higher potential returns.

Mechanics of the 1X2 market

The 1X2 market is a fabulous starting point, and the fact it is simple to understand is a major selling point. You will just be betting on one of three outcomes, and the 1X2 betting market is also highly versatile.

You can combine this line with other markets, such as the halftime or second-half result, something we have discussed later in this guide. It’s a popular strategy for many bettors to combine more games from this market into a single bet, making football accumulator tips incredibly popular.

How to place a 1X2 bet

In the following lines, we’ll succinctly introduce the process of placing a 1X2 bet in four straightforward steps. Get ready to learn!

Step 1: Find a sportsbook

Access your preferred sports betting platform or register on a new one. Regardless of your choice from the range of the best bookmakers, 1X2 bets or Moneyline 3-Way bets will be unexceptionally accessible. Make sure you have sufficient balance in your account.

Step 2: Pick a sport and league to bet on and find a game

Under the ‘All Sports’ tab, seek out the sport of your interest. Upon finding it, proceed to select a particular league you would like to bet on, i.e. UEFA Champions League, English Premier League or Spanish La Liga and pick a game which you intend to stake a wager on.

Step 3: Make your selection of your bet

For betting, make your pick between teams, or if you predict a draw, opt for a ‘Tie’. Take note of the fact that plus odds potentially provide greater returns. Following that, fill in the sum you plan on betting, and then click on ‘Place Bet’.

Step 4: Enjoy the game

Put your feet up, ease up, and soak in the game’s highlights. Don’t forget, it’s only possible to retrieve your earnings from a successful bet after the game is finalized.

Popular sports for the 1X2 betting market

Soccer isn’t the only sport you can use for 1X2 betting, albeit it is a focal point. We have listed a few other sports where you can apply the 1X2 betting market. Remember, the 1X2 betting market will only take into account what happens during regular time and not overtime:

Soccer

Being the most popular sport in the world, soccer offers countless 1X2 betting opportunities. The three possible outcomes (Home Win, Draw, Away Win) make it an ideal sport for this type of betting.

High profile leagues such as the UEFA Champions League, English Premier League, German Bundesliga, Italian Serie A and Spanish La Liga offer numerous games for bettors to consider and capitalize on in the 1X2 market.

Hockey

1X2 bets are also placed on hockey games, in particular those in the NHL, though it’s less common due to the rarity of draws. However, despite the best CA sportsbooks often focusing on Moneyline or Against the Spread bets, the 1X2 betting option is still available for those looking to wager on this high-intensity sport.

Basketball

While typically more common in soccer, some bookmakers offer 1X2 bets for basketball where the three outcomes would be Team A wins, Team B wins, or a Draw at the end of regular time.

However, it’s worth noting that US sportsbooks often favor the Moneyline as the main market for basketball betting.

Cricket

For international matches, usually there is a result for ODIs and T20s or limited-overs cricket. However, with Test games that are played over 5 days, a tie is factored in, and this could be due to play affected by weather or a team holding out facing a colossal target.

Rugby

Rugby Union does have ties, and that is down to the point system. This includes five points for a try, three points for a penalty, and two points for a conversion. You can even locate inviting odds for there to be a tie at our recommended sportsbooks.

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Different types of 1X2 betting

As mentioned, 1X2 betting is very versatile, and it comes in various forms. We have highlighted some of the most popular markets for you to check out:

Full Time

With this market, you are betting on what happens once the referee blows the whistle after the 90 minutes and stoppage time is up. This is a more traditional version of the 1X2 betting line because when you make a pre-match wager, you usually bet on how things will finish at full time.

Half Time

The halftime market will represent what will happen solely in the first 45 minutes of a game. EPL games can be tense in the first half, especially if a side storms into a lead and blitzes past their opponent. This is a different but fun dimension to the full-time market. It’s worth pointing out that you can bet on the result at halftime AND at fulltime.

Second Half

As opposed to the first-half line, you will be betting on how the action unfolds in the second 45 minutes of a game. Sometimes, the second 45 minutes of a game can be thrilling, especially if a side mounts a late comeback, and you can source decent odds here.

Handicap

A handicap is usually applied to level out the playing field in soccer. With an Asian handicap, you could bet on say Newcastle to cover the -2.5 spread against Southampton, so if they score 3 or more goals, your bet will be returned as a winner.

There are also other betting types you can combine with the 1X2 betting market should you choose to be more adventurous:

1X2 with Double Chance

With double chance, you have more chance of winning, as you are covering two of three outcomes. This could be to wager on a home win and a draw, but the odds might be lower, so less of a return.

1X2 with Over/Under

The over/under is a great prop market, and it can be used for specific outcomes, such as corners, bookings, or goals. The 1X2 betting market combines well here as you could bet on a team to win and there to be say Over 2.5 goals, making it an attractive proposition.

1X2 with BTTS

This is quite intriguing. Soccer games aren’t always the most high-scoring, but if you’ve read up on the stats and the head-to-head, combining 1X2 with BTTS (both teams to score) is worth tapping into.

1X2 with Team to win and Player X to score

If you prefer, you could bet on a team to win and a particular player to be on the scoresheet. For example, you can bet on Liverpool to beat Everton and Mo Salah to score, which could have short odds as the Egyptian talisman has been on fire.

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Advantages and disadvantages of 1X2 Betting

Pros
  1. 1X2 betting is widely available on most sportsbooks
  2. 1X2 market is straightforward and easily understandable
  3. The market typically guarantees a high-percentage return
  4. 1X2 betting can be used in multiples and accumulators, increasing potential returns
Cons
  1. Betting on favorites in 1X2 may yield lower returns
  2. Predicting a draw can be very difficult

Top five key strategies to excel in 1X2 betting

The 1X2 betting market might seem simple on the surface, but insightful strategies can take your betting game to new heights. Here are our top five key strategies to master the 1X2 market:

1. Learn the basics

Understand the workings of odds in a 1X2 betting system. They represent probabilities of a home win, away win, or a draw. Grasping this element can lead to well-informed decisions.

2. Research always pays off

Incorporating in-depth research is crucial. Analysis of team statistics, player conditions, recent performances, and even weather conditions, among other factors, can lead to better predictions and more confident bets.

3. Watch out for team form

Keep an eye on each team’s performance curve. Teams that are currently having a winning streak or showing impressive performances are statistically more likely to yield a favorable outcome.

4. Opt for double chance

The double chance option in a 1X2 betting market allows you to bet on two possible outcomes, hence providing a safety net. This reduces your risk and often makes betting a bit easier, especially for beginners.

5. Don’t ignore value in underdogs and draws

Profit potential can be higher in underdogs and draws as many bettors gravitate towards favorites. This strategy could land you a surprise windfall if the underdog performs up to par or the game ends in a draw.

Common pitfalls to avoid while betting on 1X2 market

Here are three common mistakes to avoid while betting on the 1X2 market:

  • Ignoring team dynamics: Many bettors often underestimate the importance of studying team dynamics like injuries, suspensions, player forms, and morale. Failing to take into consideration these factors can lead to misinformed bets.
  • Overreliance on favorites: One common pitfall is the temptation to always bet on favorites. While favorites often win, upsets are a significant part of sports and disregarding underdogs or draws can be a missed opportunity for higher returns.
  • Lack of diversification: Many bettors put all their eggs in one basket. While placing all your stakes on one outcome or team can reap big if you win, it also means significant losses if you lose. It’s advisable to spread out your bets to mitigate chance-based losses.
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What are the best sportsbooks for 1X2 betting?

1X2 betting is vital for any successful sportsbook operation. There is no shortage of bookmakers offering this line, but the ones we recommend are: Stake, Parimatch, BC Game, bet365, William Hill and 888.

All these operators will be organized in terms of posting pre-match odds early, and in some cases, special promos may be available, so keep your eyes peeled.

When it comes to securing the best sportsbook bonus, Oddspedia is your go-to resource. We simplify the hunt for appealing promotions by bringing you the best sportsbook promos from reputable brands in the betting industry.

For all these sportsbooks we offer free odds comparison to serve you the best football odds, NBA odds, NHL odds and more.

1X2 betting guide: final thoughts

In summary, the 1X2 betting market might not be unique, but for some bettors, it is a trusted option.

Its simplicity is something that shouldn’t be understated, and if you have a basic knowledge of soccer, then it should stand you in good stead. As we have seen, it can be combined with other markets, and this line can be used for different sports.

This betting guide has examined the merits of the 1X2 market, and there are plenty. If you haven’t considered it already, try it today!

More betting guides:

Did you find this betting guide useful? Check out some of the other guides from Oddspedia Insights:

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1X2 betting market FAQs

What is the 1X2 betting market?

The 1X2 betting market is an advanced moneyline where the bettor places a wager on one of three outcomes of a sporting event, including a home win (1), an away win (2), or a tie (X).

What sports can the 1X2 betting market be applied to?

The 1X2 betting market can be applied to many sports, including soccer, hockey, and many more. However, please note that this market only takes into consideration outcomes during regular play and not overtime.

Are there various types of 1X2 betting?

Yes, there are different types of 1X2 betting markets, including Full Time, Half Time, Second Half, and Handicap. Also, you can combine 1X2 betting with other types such as Double chance, Over/Under, BTTS (both teams to score), and Team to win combined with Player X to score.

Can you give a simple example of a 1X2 bet at play?

Let’s say you are betting on a soccer game at FanDuel with these odds: Liverpool vs Arsenal: Home win odds (-140), Tie odds (+180), and Away Win odds (+250). If you bet $10 on a tie and it happens, you′ll win $18. Adding your stake, your total return would be $28.

What are the best sportsbooks for 1X2 betting?

Some of the recommended sportsbooks for 1X2 betting include bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. These sportsbooks offer fair pre-match odds, nice welcome bonuses, and in some cases, special promotions.

What is the difference between Full-Time and Half-Time in the 1X2 betting market?

Full-time market in 1X2 betting refers to betting on the outcome at the end of the match, considering 90 minutes and the stoppage time. Half-Time, in contrast, represents what happens solely in the first 45 minutes of a game.

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