Understanding the 1×2 Sports Betting Market

The 1×2 sports betting market is a staple in the world of sports betting, renowned for its simplicity and popularity. It is one of the oldest and most widely used betting formats, prominently featured on most sportsbooks’ platforms, whether websites or applications. This market allows bettors to assess the odds, probabilities, and potential payouts for bets placed on three outcomes: a home team win, a draw, or an away team win.

What is 1×2 Betting?

In the 1×2 sports betting market, bettors place wagers on one of three potential outcomes: 1 (home team win), X (draw), or 2 (away team win). To win the bet, the prediction must accurately reflect the game’s final result. This betting strategy is applicable only in sports with exactly three possible outcomes. For example, in a Champions League match between Manchester United and Barcelona, the odds might be 3.5 for a Manchester United win, 2.0 for a draw, and 1.2 for a Barcelona win, displayed as 3.5–2.0–1.2.

Key Features of the 1×2 Betting Market

Betting on a Single Outcome

In a standard 1×2 betting market, bettors wager on just one of the three possible outcomes. This means predicting either a team win, a loss, or a draw. Compared to sports with only two possible outcomes, the 1×2 market can be more challenging to predict. Sports like T20 or one-day cricket, where draws are rare, do not typically offer 1×2 betting markets.

Betting on Multiple Outcomes

Bettors can also place wagers on two out of the three possible outcomes using other betting markets such as Asian handicap or double chance bets. These bets provide a hedge against two of the three possible results, improving the chances of winning. For instance, if a bettor is uncertain about the definitive result, they can bet on both a win and draw, a loss and draw, or a win and loss.

Applicable to Sports with Three Outcomes

The 1×2 betting market is suitable for sports where three outcomes are possible, such as football, hockey, rugby, and ice hockey. Although sports like basketball, handball, and cricket can theoretically have three outcomes, draws are infrequent, and sportsbooks often do not offer 1×2 markets for these sports.

Probabilities in 1×2 Betting

When betting in the 1×2 market, the bettor has a one-in-three chance, or 33%, of predicting the correct outcome. However, in top leagues like the Premier League, home teams tend to win more often (45%) than away teams (30%), with draws occurring 25% of the time. Bettors should consider various factors and metrics beyond the listed odds to assess the likelihood of each outcome.

Medium Risk/Reward Ratio

The 1×2 betting market offers a medium risk-to-reward ratio. Higher risks come with the potential for larger payouts if the less likely outcome is predicted correctly. While it may not be as lucrative as parlay, mix parlay, combination, or accumulator bets, the 1×2 market offers a relatively higher chance of winning.

Maximizing your winning rate in 1X2 betting

Conduct Thorough Research

Before placing any bets, it’s essential to conduct comprehensive research on the teams and matches. Consider the following factors:

Team Form: Analyze the recent performance of both teams. Look at their last five to ten matches to gauge their current form.
Head-to-Head Records: Examine the historical results between the two teams. Some teams perform better against certain opponents.
Injuries and Suspensions: Check for any key players who might be injured or suspended, as this can significantly impact the outcome of the game.
Home/Away Performance: Some teams have a strong home advantage, while others perform well on the road.
Managerial Changes: A new manager can sometimes lead to a change in team performance, either positively or negatively.

Utilize Betting on Multiple Outcomes

Betting on multiple outcomes can increase your chances of winning. Here are some strategies to consider:

Double Chance Bets

Double chance bets allow you to cover two of the three possible outcomes in a match (e.g., home win or draw, away win or draw, or home win or away win). This reduces the risk but also offers lower odds.

Example: If you believe the home team is strong but want to hedge against a draw, you can place a double chance bet on “Home Win or Draw.”

Draw No Bet

This market removes the draw option, offering a refund if the match ends in a draw. It simplifies the bet to two outcomes (home win or away win) and reduces risk.

Example: If you think the away team has a slight edge but want to avoid losing money on a potential draw, you can place a “Draw No Bet” on the away team.

Analyze Odds and Value Bets

Understanding odds and identifying value bets is crucial in maximizing your winning rate:

Compare Odds: Use multiple sportsbooks to compare odds and find the best value for your bets.
Value Bets: Look for discrepancies where the bookmakers might have underestimated the probability of an outcome. A value bet occurs when you believe the true probability of an event is higher than the implied probability suggested by the odds.
Example: If a team is listed at odds of 3.0 (implying a 33.3% chance of winning), but your research suggests they have a 40% chance, this is a value bet.

Bankroll Management

Proper bankroll management ensures that you can sustain betting over the long term:

Set a Budget: Determine a budget for your betting activities and stick to it.
Betting Units: Divide your budget into units and avoid placing more than a small percentage of your total bankroll on a single bet.
Avoid Chasing Losses: Don’t increase your stakes to recover losses. Stick to your plan and maintain discipline.

Use Statistical Models

Incorporate statistical models and tools to help predict outcomes:

Expected Goals (xG): This metric measures the quality of scoring chances and provides insight into a team’s offensive and defensive performance.
Advanced Analytics: Use data analytics to analyze various aspects of the game, such as possession percentages, shot accuracy, and defensive strength.

Stay Updated

Keep up-to-date with the latest news and trends in soccer:

Team News: Follow credible sources for the latest updates on team lineups, injuries, and other relevant information.
Market Movements: Monitor how odds change leading up to the match. Significant movements can indicate where the smart money is going.

Popular Bookmakers for 1X2 Betting

Nova88

Nova88 is a popular online betting platform that offers 1X2 Betting. The betting are easily accessible in a dedicated tab when viewing the details of a specific match on Nova88, making it user-friendly and convenient for bettors.