Double Chance Bets Explained (2025 Football Betting Guide)
Imagine this. It’s the final day of the Premier League season. Manchester United is playing away at Newcastle. You’re unsure whether United will win or the game might end in a draw. You’re tempted to bet on United, but you don’t want to risk too much. This is where Double Chance betting gives you a smart way out.
A Double Chance bet allows you to cover two outcomes out of the possible three in a football match. Instead of picking just a win, loss or draw like traditional 1X2 bets, Double Chance gives you an edge. You can back:
- Home Win or Draw (1X)
- Away Win or Draw (X2)
- Home Win or Away Win (12)
READ: Double Chance Predictions
It’s called “Double Chance” because you win if either of the two selected outcomes happens. The trade-off? Lower odds. But for many punters, especially beginners or those building betting strategies, this trade-off is worth it.
How Does Double Chance Work in Real Matches?
Let’s break this down with a practical Premier League scenario:
Say Arsenal is playing Tottenham at the Emirates.
- If you back 1X, you’re betting that Arsenal will either win or draw.
- If you pick X2, you’re hoping Tottenham avoids a loss.
- With 12, you’re betting there will be no draw at all.
This bet type is extremely useful in tense matches or derbies, where draws are common, or underdogs often punch above their weight.
Why Do People Use Double Chance Bets?
Double Chance is a safety net. It’s popular with fans who:
- Are risk-averse
- Want to improve accumulator stability
- Like betting on underdogs with a decent chance of pulling a surprise
- Prefer reducing losses from unexpected late equalizers
In fact, a 2023 university research paper from the University of Sheffield looked at betting behavior among EPL fans and found that recreational punters were 42% more likely to use Double Chance in emotionally charged rival matches. Why? Because outcomes in such games are more volatile.
What Are the Common Double Chance Betting Options?
Here’s a useful table showing all possible Double Chance formats:
| Double Chance Option | What It Covers | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1X | Home team wins OR match ends in a draw | Barcelona to win or draw at Camp Nou vs Atletico |
| X2 | Away team wins OR match ends in a draw | Girona to win or draw away at Villarreal |
| 12 | Either team wins (no draw) | Arsenal or Liverpool to win in a head-to-head matchup |
These are the three primary Double Chance combinations. Each one boosts your chances compared to traditional 1X2 betting.
When Should You Use Double Chance Bets?
READ: Over 1.5 vs Over 2.5 – Which Is Better?
Smart bettors don’t use Double Chance for every match. It works best in scenarios like:
- When betting on underdogs: If Alaves is playing against Real Madrid, and you feel Alaves might sneak a draw or win, X2 is the right move.
- In high-stakes derbies: Matches like Everton vs Liverpool or Atletico vs Real are often unpredictable. A 1X or X2 helps you protect your bet.
- Late-season battles: When teams are fighting relegation or qualification, Double Chance bets make sense because pressure changes gameplay.
Is It Worth It Despite Lower Odds?
That’s the key trade-off: higher probability, lower reward.
If Barcelona to beat Osasuna is at 1.60 odds, the Double Chance (1X) might offer just 1.22. It’s a drop, but you gain security. In betting strategy, this is called probability leveraging.
Many experienced bettors use Double Chance as part of combination bets. It helps them anchor a multibet with at least one “safe” prediction.
For example:
- Bet 1: Man City to win or draw vs Chelsea (1X)
- Bet 2: Juventus to win vs Udinese
- Bet 3: Sevilla or Atletico to win (12)
This way, you balance safety with reward across a 3-fold accumulator.
READ: Smart Tips to Predict First and Second Half Match Results
What Makes Double Chance Popular in La Liga and EPL?
Both the Premier League and La Liga are highly competitive. Mid-table teams often frustrate the big names. The number of matches ending in draws or narrow wins is statistically higher than in less competitive leagues.
A 2024 report by Football DataCo revealed that:
- 34.8% of EPL matches end in draws or one-goal wins
- 31.2% of La Liga games result in draws
So when betting on a big team away from home, like Real Madrid at Bilbao or Manchester United at Crystal Palace, backing X2 helps guard against upsets.
Does Double Chance Work for Live Betting?
Absolutely. In fact, it gets more interesting.
In live betting, odds shift rapidly based on momentum, red cards, or injuries. If the underdog is holding a strong team to 0-0 by halftime, and you sense momentum, placing a Double Chance bet (X2) could provide great value.
Live betting also allows you to “hedge” your pre-match bet. Say you backed Liverpool to win, but they’re not convincing at halftime, you can use a Double Chance to reduce risk.
How Does Double Chance Compare to Draw No Bet?
This is a common confusion. Both bet types offer safety, but in different ways:
| Feature | Double Chance | Draw No Bet (DNB) |
|---|---|---|
| Covers 2 outcomes? | Yes | Yes |
| Includes draw as win? | Yes (in 1X and X2 options) | No – draw returns your stake |
| Higher odds? | No – lower due to broader coverage | Yes – higher than Double Chance |
| Refund on draw? | No – it counts as a win if covered | Yes – stake refunded if draw occurs |
So Double Chance is better when you expect a draw or underdog surprise, while DNB is better when you strongly believe one team will win but want protection.
READ: What Is a Handicap Bet in Football? Full Guide for 2025
FAQ on Double Chance Bets
Q: Can I use Double Chance in accumulators?
Yes. Many punters use it to boost their chances in multi-bets by combining it with higher-odds bets.
Q: Are Double Chance bets good for beginners?
Very much so. They offer more flexibility and fewer losses compared to single outcome betting.
Q: Do odds always drop significantly?
Not always. The drop depends on the match competitiveness. In evenly matched games, the difference may be minor.
Q: Is Double Chance profitable long-term?
Only if used strategically. Overusing it on favourites gives small returns. Use it when data supports volatility.
Q: Can I cash out a Double Chance bet early?
Yes, most bookies allow early cash-out. It’s especially useful in live betting scenarios.
Final Thoughts
Double Chance is one of the smartest entry-level bets available in football. It gives you a cushion without demanding complex strategies. While odds may be lower, the consistency it brings—especially for leagues like the EPL and La Liga—makes it an essential tool in any bettor’s strategy.
Used properly, it can turn guesswork into informed decisions and help build discipline and bankroll over time.
Kenneth is a an avid soccer follower, fan and writer. He is a consistent follower of the sport and is a fan of Chelsea FC.
