How Do Double Chance Bets in Soccer Work? (Odds and Payouts)

Picture this: It’s the 90th minute, your team’s up 1-0, and you’re already thinking about cashing in. Then, out of nowhere, the other squad scores a heartbreaker in stoppage time. Draw, 1-1. Your “sure win” bet just went up in smoke. Brutal, right?

If you’ve been around soccer betting long enough, you know the pain of a draw ruining your night. Enter the double chance bet – betting’s version of a safety net for exactly these moments. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill wager; it’s a soccer betting strategy that lets you cover two outcomes in one shot.

Let’s break down what a double chance bet is, how it works, when to pull it out of your betting toolbox, and why some folks swear by this low-risk play.

What Is a Double Chance Bet in Soccer?

A double chance bet does exactly what it sounds like – it gives you two chances to win. In a soccer match, there are three possible results: the home team wins, the away team wins, or it’s a draw. A double chance lets you bet on two of those three outcomes at the same time.

It’s like betting with a bit of insurance. You’re essentially saying, “I’ll take two of these results, and as long as either one hits, I’m good.”

Here are the three ways you can play a double chance, usually shown in sportsbook lingo as 1X, X2, or 12:

1X (Home or Draw): You win if the home team wins or the game ends in a draw. The only way you lose is if the away team wins.
X2 (Draw or Away): You win if the match is a draw or the away team wins. Your bet fails only if the home team comes out on top.
12 (Home or Away): You win if either team wins. In other words, any result except a draw will cash your bet. (This is basically a bet against a draw happening.)

So, a double chance bet is a bit like covering your bases. You’re doubling the possible ways to win compared to a straight win-draw-lose bet.

Naturally, by covering two outcomes, you’re increasing your chances of winning the wager – that’s the whole point.

In fact, many bettors see double chance as a low-risk soccer bet since it’s harder to lose. (After all, two out of three outcomes are in your favor instead of just one.)

This is why it’s popular in soccer betting, a sport famous for its frequent draws. If you’ve ever been snake-bitten by a 0-0 or 1-1 result, you can see the appeal of having that draw on your side.

But hold up – before you think you’ve found a foolproof money printer, let’s talk about the catch. Nothing in betting is free lunch, and double chance is no exception.

Covering two outcomes does come at a cost: the odds you get are lower than if you bet one side straight up. The sportsbook isn’t just giving you double the safety for the same payout – they’ll make you pay for that insurance with shorter odds (meaning a smaller payout when you win).

In short, a double chance bet makes it easier to win but you’ll win less money compared to a single-result bet. It’s a classic risk vs. reward trade-off.

How Does Double Chance Betting Work? (Odds and Payouts)

Now that we know what it is, let’s talk about how double chance odds look in practice. Because you’re betting on two outcomes combined, these bets are usually listed as heavy favorites in the odds.

Don’t be surprised to see negative (-) odds on a double chance, especially if one of the outcomes is very likely. The more likely it is that one of your two chosen results will happen, the lower (less profitable) your odds will be.

For example, imagine a fairly even matchup where the odds for each team to win are around +180, and a draw is about +200. A bet on either team alone could more than double your money.

But a double chance on “Team A or Draw” might be something like -200. Why? Because “Team A or Draw” covers two outcomes that together are pretty likely – maybe around a 70-75% chance of happening in that scenario.

The bookie isn’t going to give you +180 when there’s only a 25-30% chance you lose; instead, they’ll price it so that your $100 stake might win about $50 (at -200). You’re trading a chunk of your potential profit for a much better chance at winning something.

On the flip side, consider a mismatch: a powerhouse team against a big underdog. If the favorite is heavily expected to win, the odds on “Favorite or Draw” might be astronomical (like -1000 or worse) – almost not even worth it, because the favorite was likely to win anyway.

For instance, in the 2022 World Cup, betting England or Draw vs. Iran was around -1900(!). You’d have to risk $190 just to win $10 – that’s how confident the books were that England wouldn’t lose.

On the other hand, the long-shot combo “Iran or Draw” was +220 – a bigger payout because it covered two much less likely outcomes (Iran winning or tying). And “England or Iran” (either team wins, no draw) might be something like -500, since a draw was considered relatively unlikely there.

The key point: Double chance odds are lower (payout-wise) because your win probability is higher. The sportsbook balances it out so the expected value is in line with the regular odds minus a little juice.

Many bettors accept the smaller payout for the peace of mind – especially if you’re the type who’s been burned by that one pesky goal in the 90th minute. It’s a bit like betting with a cushion or training wheels; you won’t go as fast, but you’re less likely to wipe out.

Also, keep in mind that double chance bets only cover the 90-minute result (plus injury time). Just like most soccer bets, they typically do not include extra time or penalties in tournaments.

So if it’s a knockout game and you bet “Team X or Draw,” you win if the game is tied after 90 minutes – even if Team X goes on to lose in extra time. That 1-1 at full time would cash your double chance, because the bet only cares about the regulation result.

When Should You Use a Double Chance Bet?

So, when does a double chance bet make sense as part of your soccer betting strategy?

Here are a few situations where this wager shines:

Tight, Balanced Matches: If two teams are evenly matched, a draw is a real possibility. Instead of picking a side and sweating out a close game, you might take your favored team + the draw to cover yourself. For example, derby matches or rivalry games often end in stalemates. A double chance lets you back one team without totally ruling out a tie. It’s a soccer draw betting approach that acknowledges reality: sometimes nobody wins. By using double chance, you’re basically saying “I like Team A, but I’ll take a draw as a consolation prize.” This is a solid play when you expect a cagey, low-scoring affair where one lucky bounce could decide it – or not.
Backing the Underdog (Cautiously): Maybe you’ve got a hunch that the underdog could surprise everyone – at least enough to not lose. You don’t quite have the guts to call a straight upset, but you believe the dog can grind out a draw or maybe snatch a win. Double chance on the underdog (Dog or Draw) is your friend. This is popular when the favorite looks a bit overrated or maybe has key players missing, and you sense an upset brewing. It’s a way to get behind the little guy with some insurance. Sure, the payout on “Underdog or Draw” won’t be as juicy as the massive odds on a shock win, but your chances of winning shoot up. If the game ends 0-0 or 1-1, you still cash in. Many bettors use double chance to back underdogs in a smarter, low-risk way – you won’t hit a jackpot, but you’ll win more often than if you bet the longshot straight up.
Avoiding the Draw Altogether: Sometimes the matchup screams “someone’s gonna win this thing, no way it ends level.” High-scoring teams, shaky defenses, or a cup match where both sides need a victory – a draw feels like a long shot. In these cases, you might bet “12” (either team to win), effectively betting against a draw. This double chance option (home or away) can be useful when you’re confident the game won’t be a tie, but you’re not sure which side will triumph. Maybe you don’t trust the favorite’s price or you think both teams will go all-out for a win. By taking 12, you’re covering both teams to win and saying “I don’t care who wins, just don’t end in a tie.” It’s a fun one when you just want an exciting, decisive game to cheer for. Keep in mind, though, that if one team is a huge favorite, “12” will still have low odds because the draw is considered unlikely anyway.
As a Parlay Booster (Low-Risk Leg): Because double chance bets are relatively safe, bettors often use them in parlays (accumulators) as a steady piece to boost multi-bet tickets . For instance, you might take two or three strong teams on double chance in a parlay to get the odds up a bit, rather than betting each to win outright. Instead of risking one of them drawing and busting your parlay, you cover the draw and improve your parlay’s chances. It’s a way to be a little conservative on each leg but still chase a bigger combined payout. Example: Parlay “Team A or Draw” with “Team B or Draw” – the combined odds might come out close to even money, turning two safe picks into a decent payoff. Just remember that “safe” is relative – you still need all legs to hit, and a surprise loss can still torpedo the whole thing.
Hedging a Bet: Some savvy bettors use double chance to hedge when things are going their way. Let’s say you have a bet on a big underdog and they actually took the lead. Come late game, you might hedge by betting the favorite or draw (double chance) to cover the other two outcomes. This way, no matter if it ends in a draw or the favorite comes back to win, your hedge wins and offsets if your original bet loses. Another common hedge: if you have the last leg of a parlay pending on a heavy favorite, you could hedge by betting the other team or draw (double chance). If that huge favorite somehow doesn’t win, your hedge pays and you lock in some profit either way. Hedging is an advanced move and not always needed, but double chance gives you a flexible tool for it since it accounts for the draw (which a straight moneyline hedge wouldn’t cover).

In a nutshell, use double chance when you want to reduce risk – whether it’s because the game is unpredictable, you like an underdog to at least scrape by with a draw, or you just absolutely dread the thought of a draw wrecking your bet. It’s a go-to move in your soccer betting strategy if you value consistency and hate those random upsets as much as the next bettor.

Why Do Some Bettors Love Double Chance? (Pros & Cons)

Every bet type has its fans and its haters. Double chance appeals to a certain type of bettor and for good reason:

Higher Chance to Win – Let’s face it, winning feels good. Double chance gives you that feeling more often. Covering two outcomes means you’re gonna cash that ticket a lot more frequently than if you bet a single side. For many, especially new or cautious bettors, that confidence boost of more regular wins is worth getting a smaller payout. It’s a low-risk soccer bet approach – you won’t get rich overnight, but you also won’t bust your bankroll on one freak game. Psychologically, some folks prefer hitting singles and doubles instead of always swinging for the fences. Double chance is like hitting a safe single.
Protection Against the Dreaded Draw – If you’ve ever ripped up a ticket because of a draw, you’ll appreciate this. Soccer draws are common and can be infuriating for bettors. Double chance is basically a way to bet against the draw or at least not be beaten by it. It’s insurance. Bettors who hate uncertainty or just have terrible luck with 90th-minute equalizers love having that draw protection. It smooths out the volatility of soccer a bit. In leagues or matchups where ties happen a lot, double chance can be a lifesaver for your sanity.
Simplicity and Flexibility – Another reason people dig double chance is that it’s straightforward and versatile. There’s no complicated handicap or over/under number to consider. You’re just picking outcomes (win/draw) that make intuitive sense. It’s easy to explain to a newbie learning how to bet on soccer. Plus, you can use it in different ways – as a standalone bet, in parlays, for hedging – it fits many strategies. It’s a nice option to have in your arsenal when the straight odds don’t quite fit what you think will happen.

Now, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Here are a couple of cons or reasons some bettors avoid double chance:

Lower Odds (Smaller Payout) – We’ve hammered this point, but it bears repeating. The safety net comes at a price. Those reduced odds mean you win a lot less money compared to a normal bet on the same game. If you’re betting favorites on double chance, the payouts can be very small. And if you’re someone who chases big odds or likes the thrill of a high-risk, high-reward wager, double chance might feel too “baby mode.” For example, taking a giant like Barcelona “or Draw” will almost always be extremely low odds – not much value unless you’re wagering a ton (not recommended for most). Some bettors argue that overusing double chance can hurt your long-term profit because the payouts are so modest, you need a high win rate to make good money.
False Sense of Security – Sure, double chance bets hit more often, but they’re not foolproof. You can still lose, obviously, if the one outcome you didn’t cover happens. And sometimes bettors might get complacent or think a match is a “sure thing” because they took double chance. Upsets happen. If you’re not careful, you might stack a bunch of these into parlays thinking they’re locks, only for one shock result to bust the whole thing. Also, bettors might ignore better value bets (like a straight draw or an underdog win at higher odds) because double chance seems safer. In short, don’t let the comfort of double chance make you lazy in analyzing a match. The bookmakers adjust the odds for that safety, so you still need to find an edge to profit.

In the end, whether double chance betting is your cup of tea comes down to your style. If you’re the type who prefers grinding out wins and hates the volatility of three-way moneylines, double chance will feel like a smart, no-nonsense play.

If you’re more of an adrenaline junkie going for big payouts, you might use it sparingly or avoid it. As with any soccer betting strategy, it’s about balancing risk and reward in a way that suits you.

Double Chance in Action: A Quick Real-World Example

Let’s ground all this in a real-world scenario to see how a double chance bet can save your backside:

Say Manchester United is playing Chelsea. United’s at home and favored, but you’ve got a feeling Chelsea might grind out a result. You’re not entirely confident Chelsea wins outright at Old Trafford – that’s a tall order – but you think they can at least manage a draw, and maybe snatch a win if things go their way. You decide to bet Chelsea or Draw (X2) as a double chance.

If Chelsea wins 2-1, awesome – your bet hits because you had Chelsea or Draw.
If it ends in a 1-1 draw, you’re also golden – a draw is part of your double chance, so you win.
The only way you lose is if Man United wins (say 2-0). In that case, Chelsea didn’t win or draw, and your bet is busted.

Now imagine you didn’t take double chance and just bet Chelsea to win. In the draw scenario, you’d get nothing (it’s not a win, so a straight moneyline bet loses). That’s exactly where double chance proves its worth – covering that draw saved your bet.

Of course, the trade-off was that “Chelsea or Draw” paid maybe around -120 odds, whereas Chelsea to win alone might have been +250. The double chance wager would net you a smaller profit, but it turned a would-be loss into a win on the draw. It’s a classic example of risk management in soccer betting.

Another quick example: You think two mid-table teams will battle it out with someone eventually scoring a winner, because both really need the three points. You don’t have a strong lean on which side, but you’re pretty sure it’s not ending in a draw (maybe one team’s style is all-out attack, or a draw doesn’t help either in the standings).

You can bet “12” (either team wins). Sure enough, the game ends 3-2. You didn’t care who took it – as long as it wasn’t a draw, your bet cashes.

If it had somehow ended 2-2, you’d lose, but you accepted that risk because you were confident there’d be a winner. This way, you got to enjoy the game just rooting for goals and a decisive result, without sweating which side actually pulled ahead.

Final Thoughts

Double chance bets might not have the sex appeal of hitting a long-shot underdog or a massive parlay, but they have a solid place in the soccer betting world. Think of them as the grind-it-out, no-drama approach to wagering: fewer nasty surprises, steadier returns, and a focus on not losing rather than winning big.

Double chance is not a get-rich-quick scheme, but it’s a legit tool for bettors who know that sometimes not losing is the key to winning. It’s a bet for the smart player who understands that a draw is a very real outcome in soccer (more often than our hearts would like).

So next time you’re looking at the weekend soccer odds and a particular match has you torn, or you just can’t shake the fear of a draw, give the double chance a shot. It might just save you from the agony of another last-minute equalizer turning a sure win into a betting horror story.

In soccer betting, as in life, having a backup plan isn’t a bad idea – and double chance is exactly that kind of plan for when you want to play it safe while still enjoying the game.

Good luck, and happy betting!

What is a “Double Chance” Bet in Soccer?