Double chance betting is a
football betting market that allows players to choose two of three possible outcomes in one bet selection. Standard football matches can end in three ways: home win, draw or away win. This is one of the most popular betting markets due to its simplicity and because it gives bettors a greater chance of winning from a single event. This market combines two possible outcomes, either a win or draw for one team, or removes the draw option altogether.
What Does Double Chance Mean?
Double Chance is a popular betting market, especially among new bettors because of how simple the requirements are to place a bet. The market gives bettors extra options in their bet selection, instead of picking only one winner, you split your bet to cover two results. It is considered a lower-risk betting market and typically offers lower odds than a standard match-winner bet. Because you are given two winning outcomes and only one losing outcome, your chances of winning are higher.
Example: Hearts of Oak vs Asante Kotoko
Possible outcomes:
• Hearts of Oak win
• Draw
• Asante Kotoko win
How Does Double Chance Betting Work?
Double Chance betting is one of the easiest football markets to understand. With a single bet, you can cover two of the three possible outcomes in a match. Instead of the usual and traditional betting structure of selecting only a home win, an away win, or a draw, you can pick two results in one bet to increase your win probability. The market offers bettors additional protection for their stake. In a traditional football betting market, there are three possible outcomes on offer and double chance combines two of them:
1X (Home Win or Draw)
This selection means your bet wins if the home team wins or the match ends in a draw. The bet loses if the away team wins.
Example:
Hearts of Oak vs Dreams FC
Selection:
Hearts of Oak or Draw (1X)
Results:
X2 (Draw or Away Win)
Bettors who choose this option will win the bet if the away team wins or the match finishes in a draw. The bet loses if the home team wins.
Example:
Medeama SC vs Asante Kotoko
Selection:
Asante Kotoko or Draw (X2)
Results:
✅ Asante Kotoko win
✅ Draw
❌ Medeama SC win
12 (Home Win or Away Win)
The bet wins if either team wins, but no draw results. Should the game end in a draw, you lose the bet.
Example:
Real Madrid vs Barcelona
Selection:
12
Results:
Double Chance Betting Example
Match: Ghana vs Nigeria
Selection: Ghana or Draw (1X)
Stake: GHS 50
| Match Result |
Outcome |
| Ghana Win |
✅ Win |
| Draw |
✅ Win |
| Nigeria Win |
❌ Lose |
Why Bettors Use Double Chance Bets
Bettors choose Double Chance option when a match appears closely balanced or when a team is expected to avoid defeat but may not necessarily win. Punters use this market to cover two possible outcomes when they can’t decide between two teams who are in good form, known for scoring goals or even two sides struggling to collect points. A home or away double chance bet offers a good option for the above scenarios, as it gives bettors insurance should either team win the game. In a nutshell, this betting method is useful for unpredictable matches, helps protect against unexpected draws and mostly accommodates beginners.
Advantages of Double Chance Betting
Higher Probability of Winning
Covering two possible outcomes increases the probability of placing a successful bet.
Easy to Understand
This is one of the simplest football betting markets, the requirements to play and win are straightforward and clear.
Useful for Competitive Fixtures
Provides additional security when both teams appear evenly matched. By covering two of the three possible outcomes, you reduce your overall risk.
Ideal for New Bettors
Can help beginners avoid some of the unpredictability associated with outright result betting.
Works Well in Accumulators
The market offers lower odds, meaning lower payouts, therefore punters can use this market alongside other selections in a multi-bet.
Disadvantages of Double Chance Betting
Lower Odds
Additional coverage generally means lower returns as the bet stands a higher chance of winning.
Lower Potential Payouts
Winning bets may return less than a straight match winner bet because of the advantage of covering two possible outcomes rather than only one.
Not Always Good Value
Depending on the game, odds may be extremely short especially in heavily one-sided fixtures.
No Guaranteed Success
Despite covering two outcomes, there is still a possibility of losing your bet if the unselected outcome occurs.
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 |
With Double Chance betting, the priority is coverage, as bettors are protected against two of the three possible match outcomes. Draw No Bet prioritises value by removing only the draw outcome from consideration, this means that players must predict a winning team, if the selected team wins then the bet is successful. However, if the other team wins, your bet loses and if the match ends in a draw, the bet is cancelled and your stake is refunded.
When Should You Use a Double Chance Bet?
Closely Matched Teams
Use a Double Chance bet when both teams are in good form and appear closely matched. An example of both teams avoiding defeat includes Asante Kotoko travelling to face Berekum Chelsea.
Derby Matches
Derbies often produce unpredictable results and surprise outcomes, for example the Ashanti Derby where Nations FC and Asante Kotoko clashed last season in Accra and Kumasi.
Fixtures With Strong Draw Potential
Review the teams' recent history and head-to-head record to assess the likelihood of a draw. For example, Asante Kotoko and Medeama SC are known for drawing most frequently in the Ghana Premier League.
Underdogs That Are Difficult To Beat
Use this market when a team that is deemed as an underdog regularly earns draws.
Accumulator Risk Management
Double Chance bet can reduce the likelihood of one unexpected result ruining a multi-bet.
Common Double Chance Betting Mistakes
Ignoring Recent Form
Always consider recent team performance trends, as form can have a significant impact on the outcome of a match.
Blindly Choosing Safer Options
Lower risk does not always mean better value. Assess each team's form and current run of results before placing a bet.
Overusing Double Chance in Accumulators
Too many low-odds selections can reduce overall returns, minimise filling up your slip with less risky outcomes.
Forgetting Team News
Check injuries, suspensions, and squad rotation before placing a bet.
Tips for Using Double Chance Bets
Manage the risk of losing your stake by using Double Chance betting and covering two outcomes in one bet. Before placing your wager, research the recent form of both teams to get a picture of how the game might play out and which team holds the advantage. Review previous fixtures and results, analyse head-to-head meetings, and assess home and away records before deciding on your selection. Injuries play a crucial role in the team’s odds, consider the status of players and suspensions before making that final decision and focus on fixtures where the market offers genuine value. Avoid relying solely on the perception of safety and compare odds across different fixtures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does double chance mean in betting?
Double chance is a popular betting market that allows punters to choose two of the three possible outcomes in a football match within 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. A football match consists of three possible results at the end of the match, double chance betting offers these options in the form of 1X, X2 and 12. Bettors who select 1X means that their bet wins if the home team wins or the match ends in a draw. An X2 bet wins if the away team wins or the match ends in a draw, while a 12 bet wins if either team wins. The only losing outcome for a 12 selection is a draw. Should the game end in a draw, you lose the bet.