What does double chance mean in betting?
Double chance refers to placing a bet on two outcomes in a sports contest.
The market is very popular in football betting, but can also be used in other sports such as rugby and ice hockey.
Quite simply, you are reducing the risk of your bet, but this is reflected in the lower odds offered.
Double chance betting allows you to cover two of the three potential results in a game, therefore increasing your chances of winning.
In a football game, draws are a common occurrence, so you can cover this by betting on the home team to win or draw, the away team to win or draw, or for either team to win (no draw).
Those are the only double chance selections you can make on a football game.
How does a double chance bet work?
As explained above, there can only be three outcomes in a football match and three outcomes in a double chance bet.
If you back one of the correct outcomes, then you will win your bet, but an element of jeopardy still applies. You are not guaranteed to win, as the third outcome can happen.
In the most popular sport for double chance betting, football, you can bet on a home win (1), a draw (X) or an away win (2).
Beyond a standard single bet on the match in which you would select one of these outcomes, a double chance selection increases your chances of winning.
Here is an example:
You want to have a bet on the Liverpool v Manchester City game, as you don’t believe that the Reds will lose.
As much as they are favorites to win at home, you want to negate your risk.
A 1X bet is a safer option, at reduced odds compared to a home win, meaning you will only lose if the Citizens take all three points back to Manchester.
Best sports for double chance betting
Football, football, football.
The most popular sport with the biggest number of games is undoubtedly the best game for double chance betting, but it is not the only one.
It feels like this betting market was made for football, win, lose, or draw. Yes, that’s how it works as you will be backing two of the three outcomes.
As everyone knows, draws are very common given that so many games are evenly matched, so your double chance bet on a football game will be one of the following:
- Home/Draw 1X
- Home/Away 12
- Draw/Away X2
Double chance betting does exist in other sports, such as ice hockey and rugby, but the nuances of these sports mean that the market is nowhere near as popular as in football.
In Ice Hockey, games can be drawn in regulation time, although an outright winner is decided in overtime.
There is also the option to place a double chance bet on the outcome of the first period in selected matches. This shows there are consistencies, but also differences from football.
In both rugby league and rugby union, draws are very, very rare. Across the entirety of the 2024 Super League season, there was just one draw. One out of 166 matches played.
Double chance betting strategies
Even if you are new to double chance betting, you should have picked up on the key theme.
The market increases your chances of winning, but the odds will be lower and there is still an element of risk.
When picking a double chance bet, there are some strategies to consider, as detailed below.
Do your homework. Don’t jump into the bet ‘blind’. Check out the league tables, form guide, team news, injuries, suspensions and anything else relevant that may impact a particular game, as it could have a bearing on the outcome or the odds offered.
Back the underdog. Do you want greater value and bigger odds? If you fancy a flutter with an added risk element, you could opt for the lesser team. This could be an attractive option in a cup game or a home European tie. If you do fancy an upset, you could back the underdog to win or a draw.
Consider the odds. As previously stated, you will generally get lower odds because you are covering two outcomes, unless you go with the outside bet. It can work both ways, but always make sure the odds are worth the risk.
Combination bet. How about a double chance, double or treble bet? Many bookmakers will allow you to combine selections, even with other types of bets, to boost your odds and potential reward.
In-play market. If you’re watching a game, you can often get a feel that another goal will follow, or that a comeback is mounting. The in-play double chance market can offer value as the match develops, or if the game changes, like a red card or injury to a key player.
How to place a double chance bet
Once you are registered and logged in with your preferred or chosen betting platform, you will need to navigate to the relevant sport or match on the website or app. Then you will need to decide on your selection and your stake (how much you want to bet).
Look for the ‘Double Chance’ listing on the various markets available, as you can see in this PSG v Atletico Madrid fixture.
PSG v Atletico Madrid
The selections can be listed in words or digits.
PSG or Draw (1/X)
Draw or Atletico Madrid (X/2)
PSG or Atletico Madrid (1/2)
Overall, once you have finalised your selection, confirm your stake and add it to your bet slip, which will calculate your full odds and potential winnings.
Pros and cons of double chance betting
While there are attractions to certain betting markets, there is also risk. Like every other market, there are pros and cons for this type of bet.
Pros:
Increased chances of winning. A football game only has three outcomes, so a double chance bet covers two of those.
Attractive in-play option. As you are watching a game, you can see what is happening, react to changes in the game and back two outcomes.
Added choice for balanced fixtures. If there is a game between two evenly matched sides, you can choose for either team to win. However, this also comes with an obvious risk.
Cons:
Increased chances of winning come with lower odds. You can’t have it both ways. Yes, it’s great that you can back two of the three outcomes, but this will come with a lower return on your bet.
Risk factor for balanced fixtures. While it is a positive to be able to bet for either team to win in an evenly contested fixture, there is also the downside that the chance of a draw is high. This is why you need to choose your selection carefully.
No value. In games where there is a clear favourite, let’s say an FA Cup game at Anfield between Liverpool and Accrington Stanley, the chance of an away win will be very unlikely. This means any double chance involving a Liverpool win will have very short odds.
In the example below, the match between Bayern Munich and Auckland City shows a perceived mismatch, with the German giants listed as the clear favourites.
FAQs
What are the benefits of double chance betting?
There are different benefits of double chance betting, but the main one is that you increase your chances of winning as you are backing two of the three possible outcomes.
Can I combine a double chase bet with other bet types?
Yes, you can. Many betting platforms will allow you to add a double chance bet to other selections. You could opt for a double or treble, double chance bet on three different matches, or you could add a double chance selection to a standard single bet type.
What are the odds for a double chance bet?
Generally, the odds offered for a double chance bet are lower because the prospects of winning are increased. The bet provides two of the three possible outcomes in the match, so the odds will reflect this.
The odds will be even lower for a particularly one-sided game.
Am I guaranteed to win with a double chance bet?
No, you are not guaranteed to win.
You can lose with a double chance bet, as you are backing two of the three possible outcomes. Whether you choose a home win or a draw, an away win or a draw, or either team to win, the other outcome can happen.
Good luck with your double chance bet selections.
Responsible gambling with FIRST
You must be 18+ to gamble. Gambling is a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. Our tips and advice help you enjoy gambling, but there is always a chance a bet or casino game can lose.
Never bet more than you can afford to lose. Stop betting if you are angry, emotional or under the influence of alcohol.
Warning signs of problem gambling: chasing losses, betting money needed for bills, or feeling unable to stop.
Need help? Visit our responsible sports betting page or our responsible casino gambling page, or contact the support organisations listed below if you're struggling to control your gambling:
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