What is a Double Chance Bet?

Have you ever wanted to place a soccer bet, but just haven’t been able to find a match where you’re confident in either team? That’s where double chance betting comes in. In a three-outcome sport (win, loss, or tie) double chance bets allow you to wager on two outcomes rather than one, lowering the risk while still keeping a window of opportunity open for potential profits.

On this page, you can learn all about how double chance betting works, as well as how to use this risk-averse wagering style to your advantage.

How Do Double Chance Bets Work?

You might be wondering, what is the double chance meaning? Double chance bets offer soccer enthusiasts a strategic way to wager by covering two of the three possible match outcomes in a single bet. For example, in a contest between Manchester City and Arsenal, you can bet on Manchester City or the Draw. This means you win if Manchester City prevails or if the game ends in a draw. However, you lose the bet if Arsenal secures the victory.

These bets provide flexibility, allowing you to tailor your wager based on your match analysis and risk tolerance. They are particularly popular in soccer leagues like the MLS and Premier League, where draws are a common part of the game.

How to Read Double Chance Odds

Double chance soccer bet odds are typically presented in the American odds format, consisting of plus and minus signs alongside a numerical value. In this format, the plus sign signifies underdogs, indicating how much you’d profit on a $100 bet. Conversely, the minus sign represents favorites and shows the amount you need to bet to win $100.

For example, if you see +200 for a team, a $100 bet would yield a $200 profit if they win or draw. In contrast, -150 would mean you need to wager $150 to earn a $100 profit if that team wins or draws.

What are the Three Types of Double Chance Bets?

When it comes to double chance soccer bets, there are three distinct options, each offering a unique way to cover multiple outcomes of a match. These bets are categorized as 1X, 2X, and 12, and they open up a world of possibilities for soccer bettors.

Double Chance 1X

A Double Chance 1X soccer bet allows you to bet on either the home team to win or the match to end in a draw. This is a wise choice when you have confidence in the home team’s strength but aren’t entirely sure they’ll secure the victory. For instance, if Tottenham is playing at home against Brighton, a Double Chance 1X bet would cover you if Spurs win or if the match ends in a draw.

Double Chance 2X

Double Chance 2X, on the other hand, permits betting on either the away team to win or the match to conclude in a draw. Typically, this is used when you believe the underdog has a chance to secure a result but don’t want to commit to an outright win bet. For instance, if Aston Villa is playing away against a powerhouse like Manchester United, a Double Chance 2X bet means you’ll win if Aston Villa wins or if the match ends in a draw.

Double Chance 12

A Double Chance 12 bet is the choice for those matches where you can see either team winning but don’t want to predict the draw. It’s essentially a bet on the match ending in a win for one of the teams, regardless of which one. Reserve Double Chance 12 bets for contests where both teams are motivated to secure a victory, perhaps late in the season with title implications or to grab a European competition spot.

Can Double Chance Wagers be Included in Parlays?

Double chance soccer bet wagers can absolutely play a valuable role in your parlay strategies. These bets are especially useful when you’re dealing with matches where the outcome is uncertain or when you want to balance your risk. For instance, suppose you’re constructing a parlay involving soccer matches. Instead of choosing a team to win outright, you might opt for double chance bets, which cover two of the three possible results: a win or a draw, or a win for either team.

However, a word of caution: while double chance bets can add stability to your parlay, they can also reduce the potential payout compared to selecting a team to win outright. Additionally, as with any parlay, if even one of the bets in your parlay loses, the entire parlay is unsuccessful. So, while double chance betting wagers are a useful tool, it’s essential to strike a balance between risk and reward.

Are Double Chance Bets Only Available on Soccer?

While double chance bets are most commonly associated with soccer due to the sport’s high likelihood of ending in a draw, they are not exclusive to soccer. In theory, you could apply double chance betting logic to any sport where ties or draws can occur.

But, in practice, you’ll rarely find double chance bet options in sports like American football, basketball, or baseball. These sports typically have outcomes that favor either a win or a loss, making double chance bets less relevant. In contrast, soccer’s frequent draw outcomes make double chance bets a valuable addition to the betting landscape, offering more nuanced choices beyond a simple win or lose.

Are Double Chance Bets Good for New Bettors?

We think that double chance bets are an excellent choice for novice bettors! The double chance meaning provides a safer and more forgiving entry point into sports betting. With double chance bets, you don’t need to predict the exact winner of a match; you’re essentially covering two out of three possible outcomes, greatly improving your chances of winning.

For beginners, this means less stress and a lower risk of losing your entire stake. It’s a way to dip your toes into sports betting without the pressure of making precise predictions. Double chance bets also encourage research and analysis, helping newcomers develop their betting skills. While they may offer slightly lower potential payouts compared to traditional win-lose bets, the reduced risk and valuable learning experience make double chance bets the perfect starting point.

Double Chance Examples in Sports Betting

The best part about soccer betting is just how many leagues that you can bet on. From Australia to Argentina and everywhere in between, you can place double chance bets on soccer matches around the world.

Below, we’ve put together a few examples of double chance meaning betting opportunities from some of the most popular leagues, so you can get an idea of when to use this bet type for yourself.

MLS

It’s derby day in LA between the LA Galaxy and LAFC! LAFC, the heavy favorites, are expected to dominate the match. However, a late injury to their star player, Carlos Vela, raised doubts about their goal-scoring prowess. In such a situation, you might opt for the cautious approach and place a double chance bet. It covers both LAFC to win and the match ending in a draw, reducing your risk.

Premier League

Picture a high-stakes clash between Liverpool and Everton, two prolific Premier League teams. It’s late in the season, and both squads are hungry for a Champions League spot. Sensing a potential goal fest, you decide to place a Double Chance 12 bet, giving you the safety net of either team winning. This way, you’re well-prepared for an action-packed match.

LaLiga

Visualize the iconic El Clásico showdown between Barcelona and Real Madrid. Although Real appears stronger, the match unfolds at Camp Nou, known for its unpredictability. To play it safe, you opt for a bet on Real Madrid to either win or draw, rather than a straight victory. This choice shields you from the uncertainty of a matchup between two elite teams.

Liga MX

Let’s imagine a highly anticipated face-off between Club América and Cruz Azul. While Club América is the favorite, weather reports predict a torrential downpour. Concerned that the game might descend into a goalless muddle, you play it safe. Your double chance bet covers both a Club América win and a draw, ensuring you’re protected against a low-scoring affair.

Ligue 1

Envision arch-rivals PSG and Marseille battling it out for the Ligue 1 title. Marseille, in desperate need of a win, promises an attacking spectacle. This leaves ample room for PSG’s Kylian Mbappé to exploit counter-attacking opportunities. To minimize risks, you place a double chance bet, backing either team to win, a shrewd move in a high-stakes encounter.

Serie A

Consider the Rome derby between Roma and Lazio. Lazio, the home favorite, is expected to triumph. Yet, your faith in José Mourinho’s leadership prompts you to back Roma. To tread carefully, you choose a double chance bet, covering Roma to win or the match to end in a draw.

Bundesliga

Finally, let’s go to the Bundesliga for a match between rivals Bayern and Dortmund. You’ve just seen breaking news that Harry Kane is injured and will miss the game. Combine that with the match being played in Dortmund, and you decide to make a move and bet on the underdogs Dortmund to either come out on top or draw despite the tough opposition.

Double Chance Betting Tips

Double chance betting isn’t the most difficult concept in the world but is a type of bet that can be hard to master if you don’t utilize it correctly. Below are a couple of basic tips that we recommend to all bettors who are new to double chance betting. These aren’t likely to massively increase your profit margins, but they will help you keep your bankroll managed, and avoid unnecessary risk while winning more consistently.

Treat It as a Risk-Management Tool

Double chance betting should be treated as a valuable risk-management tool in your soccer betting arsenal rather than a cash cow. It comes into play when you’re not entirely confident about a single outcome in a match or when faced with a soccer game that seems too unpredictable to call. They allow you to cover two potential outcomes and reduce the risk associated with a specific result.

Instead of worrying about picking the winning team, you can focus on avoiding the losing one, making double chance bets a go-to strategy for cautious bettors.

Think About the Scenario

To excel in double chance betting, it’s crucial to consider the broader context of the match. This goes beyond just team form and past encounters. Delve into the team’s current standing in the league, their upcoming fixtures, and any unique circumstances surrounding the game.

For example, when two mid-table teams desperately need a win for league survival, a double chance wager can be your ticket to smart betting. Or if a top team is resting key players for an important midweek clash, it could affect the match outcome.