What Does Double Chance Represent In Football Betting?
Double chance is a popular football betting option that gives people a safer way to wager on matches by increasing the likelihood of winning.
Unlike a traditional match result bet where you must predict the exact outcome — either a win, draw, or loss — double chance allows you to cover two out of three possible outcomes in a single bet. This feature makes it particularly appealing to those who prefer lower risk.
How Does Double Chance Work?
When placing a double chance bet, you have three options:
- Home Win or Draw (1X) – You win if the home team wins or the match ends in a draw.
- Away Win or Draw (X2) – You win if the away team wins or the match ends in a draw.
- Home Win or Away Win (12) – You win if either team wins, as long as the match does not end in a draw.
This flexibility offers an added layer of protection compared to a straight win/draw bet.
A Safer Betting Option
The appeal of double chance lies in its lower risk. For instance, in the English Premier League (EPL), where top teams like Manchester City and Arsenal dominate, predicting a match outcome can be tricky due to the competitiveness of the league. With a double chance bet, you can back two outcomes instead of one, providing a cushion against unpredictability.
Let’s consider a match between Manchester City and Tottenham. Suppose Manchester City is favored to win, but Tottenham has shown strong form recently. A bet on 1X (Manchester City win or draw) gives you two possible outcomes: either Manchester City wins as expected, or they draw, and you still walk away with a profit.
Real Examples from the Premier League
In the EPL, surprises happen every week. Take the match between Arsenal and Newcastle United last season. Arsenal, being one of the league’s strongest teams, was expected to win comfortably.
However, Newcastle managed to secure a draw. A traditional bet on Arsenal to win would have resulted in a loss, but a 1X (Arsenal win or draw) double chance bet would have protected your stake.
Similarly, in a match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace, where Liverpool was the clear favorite, a 12 (Home win or Away win) double chance bet would have secured you a win if either team emerged victorious, offering some security even if a draw seemed possible.
Why Double Chance is Ideal for New Players
For people just starting in football betting, double chance is an excellent option. It offers a higher chance of winning and minimizes the need for precision.
Unlike betting on the exact score or goal markets, where the margin for error is narrow, double chance bets cover more possibilities, allowing players to relax and enjoy the game without constant worry about exact outcomes.
Double Chance vs. Other Betting Options
Many people might opt for markets such as correct score or first goalscorer. While these markets often provide higher odds, they come with significantly more risk.
Predicting the exact scoreline in a match like Chelsea vs. Manchester United is far more challenging than placing a 1X (Chelsea win or draw) bet. Double chance, therefore, offers a much more reliable way to win, even if the odds are slightly lower.
The Safety of Double Chance Betting
Double chance is particularly beneficial in high-stakes games or evenly-matched encounters. If you’re looking to build your bankroll steadily and avoid the rollercoaster of high-risk bets, this option provides a safer alternative. Instead of relying on a single outcome, you hedge your bet, giving you better odds of walking away with a win.
In conclusion, Double Chance is a practical betting option for anyone looking to minimize risks while still enjoying the thrill of football betting. It’s especially useful for the unpredictable nature of the English Premier League, where even the most dominant teams can have off days.