Double Chance Bet Meaning & Example

Football matches can end in a home win, an away win, or a draw. For someone new to betting, predicting the exact outcome may seem complicated.

A Double Chance bet is one option that lets you cover more than one result in a single match.

This blog explains how a Double Chance bet works, gives an example with odds, and outlines how to place one. The aim is to provide a clear explanation without assuming any prior knowledge of sports or betting.

What Is a Double Chance Bet?

A Double Chance bet is a type of football market that includes two possible results within one selection. A football match has three possible outcomes:

Home team wins.
Away team wins.
Match ends in a draw.

With Double Chance, two of these outcomes are combined:

Home team or draw (written as 1X).
Away team or draw (X2).
Home team or away team (12).

If the result of the match matches either of the outcomes you chose, your bet is settled as a win.

Because the likelihood of covering two outcomes is greater than covering just one, the odds are usually shorter compared with the standard “Match Result” market. However, as sports betting involves chance, any winnings are never guaranteed.

Double Chance Bet Example

Imagine Manchester United are playing Arsenal. A bookmaker may display Double Chance odds like this:

Manchester United or Draw (1X): 4/6
Arsenal or Draw (X2): 8/11
Manchester United or Arsenal (12): 1/4

If you placed £10 on “Manchester United or Draw” at 4/6 and the match ended with either Manchester United winning or a draw, the return would be:

£6.67 profit.
£16.67 total (including your £10 stake).

If Arsenal won the match, the bet would be settled as a loss.

The figures used here are for demonstration only. Actual odds can differ between bookmakers depending on their assessment of each team and the terms they set.

Double Chance Betting Strategy Explained

Some people may choose Double Chance when they do not want to focus on a single result. Others may use it in matches they expect to be competitive.

Before deciding whether to place a Double Chance bet, it can help to look at:

How each team has performed in recent matches.
Whether they are playing at home or away.
Injuries, suspensions, or other team news.
How the match fits into the wider competition.

Comparing odds across different bookmakers can also show differences in potential returns, as each company sets its own prices. However, no approach can guarantee the outcome of a football match. Results depend on events during the game, and betting always involves chance.

How To Place a Double Chance Bet

To place this type of bet in the UK:

Use a licensed betting site – All legal operators must be authorised by the Gambling Commission. Their website has a register where licences can be checked.
Select the match – Navigate to the football section and pick the fixture.
Choose the Double Chance market – It should be listed alongside other options such as “Match Result.”
Pick your outcome – Either 1X, X2, or 12.
Enter your stake – Confirm the amount and place the bet.

Odds may be shown as fractional (e.g. 4/6) or decimal (e.g. 1.67). Understanding the format is important before placing a wager.

Safer Gambling

Betting on football, including Double Chance bets, always carries uncertainty. Winnings cannot be guaranteed, and outcomes depend on how the game plays out. Setting a clear budget, using deposit limits, or taking breaks can help you manage how much time and money you spend. Licensed sites in the UK provide tools that allow you to stay within limits you are comfortable with. If gambling no longer feels enjoyable, or if it becomes difficult to manage, there are support organisations and helplines available in the UK that can provide advice and assistance.

*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.

**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.