1×2 Betting Explained
The world of betting is filled with terminologies that newbies may find difficult to understand. Questions like “what does 1×2 mean in betting?” are asked by new players wanting an understanding of how to play.
1×2 bets are a straightforward way to bet on sports with the possibility of a draw. They are very popular among bettors today. Each symbol carries a significance – the number 1 refers to a win at home, the letter X signifies the draw, and the 2 is the away win. This article discusses everything you should know about the meaning of 1×2 in betting.
What is 1×2 betting – A closer look
In simple terms, 1×2 betting refers to betting on the outcome of a feature. As a result, it is also called match result betting. Just like we previously stated, you have to predict how the game will end – whether it finishes as a home win (1), away win (2) or a draw (x). It’s the most classic form of sports betting and the easiest for new bettors to get their heads around. Therefore if you’re completely new to online sports betting – we recommend starting here.
So, with regards to what does 1×2 mean in betting, you now know the basics. Next we’re going to take a deeper look into the concept and highlight some of the factors that may get in the way here.
Understanding betting odds and how they work
Now that you’ve gotten a brief answer to the question of what does 1×2 mean in betting, it’s time to know what wins you a bet. Let’s dive right into it.
For example, if you back the home team (1) to win in your prediction, and the team wins, then so do you. However, a draw (x) or an away win (2) means you lose the bet. In the same manner, if you back the away team (2) to win, then they have to win for you to win the bet. On the flip side, a draw (x) or a home win (1) means you lose the bet. To win when you bet on a draw (x), the match must end in a draw. Ultimately, the 1×2 betting strategy you employ depends on you.
Unlike Asian handicaps betting, 1×2 bet isn’t designed to even out an otherwise unbalanced contest. Instead, it operates a system that tries to reflect the true odds of possible outcomes minus the margin set by bookmakers or exchange commissions.
With 1×2 betting explained, you can proceed to learn how to calculate your potential returns on a bet. This could either be a back bet or a lay bet, two of the most common betting approaches found in a
sportsbook guide.
So what does 1×2 betting mean and how can you calculate your odds? Fortunately, you don’t actually need to do any calculation, the odds number displayed is the odds figure for each outcome.
Our favorite sportsbooks
1.
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
Bet now
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelplineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, IA, KY, WV) only. New users only or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Casino, First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Min $5 wager required for 5 consecutive days. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable Bet Reset tokens. Refund from token issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bet that expire 7 days after receipt. Max refund $200 per day. Restrictions apply, including token expiration. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).
2.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Bet now
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
3.
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $150 in Bonus Bets *Paid Within 14 Days
Bet now
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $150 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days after issuance. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 14 days. 7 days = 168hrs. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 8/23/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
4.
10 x $100 bet match in FanCash
Bet now
Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER OR CALL 1-800-MY-RESET, www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), (800)-327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT), morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), 1800gambler.net (WV)
5.
Bet $1 and get double the winnings up to $25 for your next 10 bets
Best Alternative
Open FanDuel
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
What does 1×2 mean in betting – Calculating your payout
Now, it’s time to learn how to calculate your winnings. In the US, moneyline or American odds is the most commonly used format. In order to know how to read these odds, you have to understand two different number types – positive and negative.
With positive odds, the number represents how much profit you would stand to make from a $100 stake. With negative odds, the number represents how much you would have to stake in order to yield a $100 profit. Generally speaking, the underdog will be offered at positive odds and the favorite at negative odds. The draw depends on the game, however generally speaking the draw is perceived as being a secondary underdog outcome – often at longer odds than the actual underdog team.
- Let’s take a look at an example:
- Home Team – 150
- Draw +275
- Away Team +120
If you were to back the home team in this instance, you would need to stake $150 in order to make a total profit of $100. Backing the draw, which is the least likely outcome, would see you win a $275 profit from a $100 stake. Meanwhile backing the away team would see you win a $120 profit from a $100 stake.
While positive odds naturally have a more favorable stake to winnings ratio, this is because they have less chance of actually happening. That’s why underdogs are generally offered at more generous positive odds, and favorites are offered at negative odds. So that’s a bit more to answer what does 1×2 mean in betting.
What if the game can’t end in a tie?
That’s a very logical question, and fortunately, it has an equally logical and simple answer. What does 1×2 betting mean when a tie is impossible. This actually applies to a lot of sports – for example, in the NFL tied games are so rare that sportsbooks tend not to offer odds on them. In fact, with the majority of US sports, the game can’t end in a tie once overtime is included.
In this case, the (x) for the draw is simply missed out, essentially making it a 1-2 bet. In some cases, you may see the draw represented with (N/A) instead of an odds figure. Other than soccer, you will actually find that this is more common practice with most major US sports leagues.
So what does 1×2 mean in betting when a tie is impossible?
This is what is more commonly referred to as a moneyline bet when you have to pick between two straight outcomes – winning or losing. If we take football as an example, a moneyline bet might look like this:
So you see, a moneyline is pretty much exactly the same as a 1X2 line, only with the tie omitted. In essence, it’s actually a lot simpler.
What does 1X2 mean in betting if the game goes into overtime?
The answer to this question largely depends on the sportsbooks. However, in the majority of cases with full game betting, overtime will be included in the betting line. Generally speaking though, sportsbooks will specify with or without overtime by stating it on the line. It’s usually safe to assume that overtime is included – which is why the tie is not often offered on the likes of NHL games, where there has to be a winner crowned before the game ends in full.
1×2 betting strategy – Lay bets and back bets
Back bets and lay bets take a stand for and against an outcome. A back bet is a practice where you place a bet on a specific outcome. Basically, you place a bet for something. On the other hand,
lay betting explained
in basic terms, refers to betting against a specific outcome.
For example, in a game of Rams vs 49ers, placing $10 on the Rams winning is a back bet. However, placing the same bet of $10 on Rams losing is a lay bet. For both types, you bet against the bookmarker or other players depending on the type of sport.
Asides from lay bet and back bet, there are other types too, like the
rising method in betting. The
system bet explained
here is also a very common type of betting. It is a type of bet where you only require a few selections of your bet to win.
More Useful Guides
What does 1×2 mean in betting – The bottom line
The wide popularity of 1×2 betting is down to its simple format. The number 1 refers to a win at home, the letter X signifies the draw, and the 2 the away win. Also, calculating your payout is pretty easy when using moneyline odds. Additionally, unlike with points spreads or props, there are no other factors to take into account other than the direct outcome of the game. You either back one of the two teams to win, or you bet on the tie – simple! Now when someone asks you what does 1×2 mean in betting, you’ll have the answer!
Take a look a these great bonuses
1.
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
Wagering (WR): New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days. (Up to $1,000 Bet Reset Tokens)
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelplineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, IA, KY, WV) only. New users only or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Casino, First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Min $5 wager required for 5 consecutive days. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable Bet Reset tokens. Refund from token issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bet that expire 7 days after receipt. Max refund $200 per day. Restrictions apply, including token expiration. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).
2.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Min. Deposit: $5
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
3.
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $150 in Bonus Bets *Paid Within 14 Days
Min. Deposit: 5
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $150 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days after issuance. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 14 days. 7 days = 168hrs. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 8/23/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
4.
10 x $100 bet match in FanCash
Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER OR CALL 1-800-MY-RESET, www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), (800)-327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT), morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), 1800gambler.net (WV)
5.
Bet $1 and get double the winnings up to $25 for your next 10 bets
Wagering (WR): 1x Deposit
Best Alternative
Open FanDuel
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
What does 1×2 mean in betting FAQ
💸 How do I win a 1×2 bet?
While guaranteeing a win with a 1×2 bet is virtually impossible, that doesn’t mean that you can’t increase your chances. In fact, there are many ways to enhance your chances with a 1×2 bet. You can find the best ways to do this inside our 1×2 betting guide here at TheGruelingTruth.com. Our betting guides are written by experts who really have their heads in the game. We know our sports and we know the betting industry here at TheGruelingTruth.com
🤔 What does 1×2 mean in betting on a sportsbook online?
You may have seen 1X2 on a sports betting line when visiting a sportsbook website online, but why is this? 1X2 is actually the most common type of betting line available for most sports and is the easiest to understand. So how exactly does it work? You can read our guides to find a full explanation of 1×2 betting, and you can also see
Asian handicap betting explained
to round your betting strategy knowledge.
❓What does first half 1×2 mean
If you already know what does 1×2 mean in betting, or about 1X2 betting lines in general, then you should find that 1X2 first half bets are quite easy to understand. On the other hand, if you’ve never ever heard of 1×2 at all, then we need to get back to basics first and foremost. Our betting guide here at TheGruelingTruth.com contains a complete explanation of all 1X2 bets, from the basics all the way to the more complex forms of the betting line.
🔢 How do you calculate 1X2 odds?
If you are finding yourself confused about how to calculate 1×2 odds, don’t panic. We’ve got good news for you here – it’s actually very easy as 1×2 odds are among the most simple around. Our experts will reveal that exact formula that the bookies use to calculate their odds. By having insider knowledge, you can enhance your sports betting experience today.
✖ Does 1×2 include OT?
Oh, how we wish that we could give a straight and simple answer to this question – but unfortunately we can’t. There are a lot of factors that determine whether or not a 1X2 betting line includes overtime – or extra time if you’re referring to a soccer match. However, the good news is that our team of expert sports bettors have put together this handy, easy-to-follow article that should help you understand everything that you need to know.
