Understanding different types of bets is important for anyone interested in sports betting. Among the most popular options for football and other sports is 1x2 betting, sometimes called full time result or match result betting. It is straightforward once the basics are clear, though a few points can trip people up at first.
This blog post explains what 1, X and 2 mean, how odds work, and how payouts are calculated with examples in both decimal and fractional formats.
You will also see how 1x2 compares with double chance and draw no bet, a few common mistakes to avoid, where else 1x2 appears, and a short glossary. Let’s start with how the odds work.
How Do 1X2 Odds Work?
In 1x2 betting, odds show how much someone might receive if their pick is correct. There are three outcomes to choose from: “1” for the home team to win, “X” for a draw, and “2” for the away team to win.
Bookmakers display odds as decimals, such as 2.50, or as fractions, such as 3/2. Both formats show the potential return and reflect how the bookmaker rates the chance of each result.
If “1” is selected, the bet pays only if the home team is ahead at full time. Choose “X” and the bet pays only if the match finishes level after normal time. Pick “2” and the away team must be in front at the end of regular play. Unless stated otherwise, settlement is based on the score at the end of normal time, not extra time or penalties.
If the shorthand still looks a bit cryptic, the next section breaks down what each symbol represents.
What Do 1, X And 2 Represent?
Each symbol corresponds to one possible full time result in a sporting match.
The “1” represents a home win, meaning the home team finishes with more goals or points than the visitors.
The “X” is a draw, which applies only if both teams or players finish with the same score after normal time.
The “2” stands for an away win, so the visiting team finishes ahead after regular play.
These options apply only to the result at the end of normal time unless the market states otherwise, so extra time and penalties do not count for standard 1x2 bets.
How Are 1X2 Payouts Calculated?
Knowing how payouts are worked out helps make sense of a betting slip. The amount a player might receive depends on the odds format and the stake.
Payouts are shown differently depending on whether decimals or fractions are used.
Examples With Decimal Odds
Decimal odds are simple to use for estimating potential returns. Multiply the stake by the decimal odds to get the total possible return.
For example, if a player selects odds of 2.50 and stakes £10:
£10 (stake) × 2.50 (odds) = £25 (total possible return)
This total includes both the winnings and the original stake.
Examples With Fractional Odds
Fractional odds look like 5/2 or 3/1. To estimate potential winnings, multiply the stake by the fraction, then add the original stake to find the total return.
For example, with odds of 5/2 and a £10 stake:
£10 × (5 ÷ 2) = £25 (winnings)
£25 (winnings) + £10 (stake) = £35 (total possible return)
It is good practice to check the odds and confirm the potential return before placing a bet. With payouts clear, it helps to see how 1x2 compares to similar markets.
How Does 1X2 Differ From Double Chance And Draw No Bet?
While 1x2 covers a single outcome, double chance and draw no bet adjust how many results are on your side and, in turn, the odds offered.
Double chance lets a player cover two outcomes with one bet. A selection can be home win or draw, away win or draw, or home win or away win. The bet only loses if the remaining outcome occurs. Because more outcomes are covered, the odds are usually lower than in standard 1x2 markets.
Draw no bet removes the draw as a losing outcome. If the chosen team wins, the bet pays out as usual. If the match ends as a draw, the stake is returned rather than lost. If the selected team loses, the bet is settled as a loss.
Each market has its own rules and settlement terms, so always read the market description, especially for competitions where extra time or specific tie rules might apply.
Common Mistakes When Placing 1X2 Bets
Several common missteps can occur with 1x2 bets, especially for newcomers. Being aware of them makes betting slips easier to understand.
A frequent misunderstanding is what counts as “full time”. For standard 1x2 bets, only the score at the end of normal time counts, not extra time or penalties. The market description will confirm the settlement rules.
Misreading odds can also lead to confusion. Decimal and fractional odds present the same idea in different ways, so taking a moment to check how each format translates into potential returns is worthwhile.
Some players place a bet without checking team news, injuries or late line-up changes that could influence how the match plays out. A quick look at current information can provide useful context.
Overspending is another risk, especially when placing several bets at once. Setting a clear budget in advance and sticking to it helps keep control.
Finally, skipping the terms and conditions attached to a market can lead to unwelcome surprises. Reading the rules in advance avoids most disputes.
Are 1X2 Bets Available For Other Sports?
Although 1x2 betting is most common in football, the same market appears in other sports where a draw is possible. Rugby, hockey and handball often offer 1x2 markets, as matches can end in a home win, draw or away win after normal time.
Some bookmakers may list 1x2 markets for sports like tennis or basketball in specific formats or special events, but that is less common because those matches usually do not end in a draw. In competitions that allow drawn results after regular play, a 1x2 option may be available.
If placing a 1x2 bet on a sport other than football, check the market rules to confirm whether extra time is excluded and how settlement works.
Quick Glossary Of 1X2 Terms
Here are the core terms you will see in 1x2 markets, kept short for quick reference.
1 — This refers to a home win, meaning the home team is ahead at full time.
X — This means a draw, with both teams or players finishing with the same score after normal time.
2 — This represents an away win, so the away team finishes the match ahead after regular play.
Full Time Result — Also called 1x2 or match result, this is a market where the outcome is settled at the end of normal time.
Decimal Odds — A way of displaying odds, such as 2.00 or 3.50, showing total potential returns including the original stake.
Fractional Odds — Odds shown as a fraction, like 4/1 or 6/4, indicating the profit relative to the stake.
Double Chance — A betting market where a player covers two outcomes, for example, home win or draw, with one bet.
Draw No Bet — A market where the draw option is removed. If a draw occurs, the stake is returned.
With these basics in place, anyone reading a 1x2 market can weigh up the options with more confidence and fewer surprises.
If gambling starts to affect well-being or finances, seek support early. Independent organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware provide free, confidential help, and tools like deposit limits and time reminders can help you manage your play.
**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.