If you are exploring football betting and find some markets confusing, Double Chance bets are an ideal option that is simple to understand.
Double Chance bets are common for most football fixtures, allowing you to cover two potential outcomes rather than one, which is the case for simple win-only bets.
In this blog post, we’ll explain what Double Chance bets are, how they work and how they compare to Draw No Bet, which is another betting option you may find in football betting.
What Is a Double Chance Bet?
A Double Chance bet lets you back two of the three possible outcomes in a football match. In 90-minute markets, the options are home win, away win, or draw. With Double Chance, you combine two of those in a single pick. For example, you might choose the home team or the draw.
Because you are covering more than one outcome, the price is usually shorter than a single-result bet. In return, the chance of your bet settling as a winner is higher. It is a straightforward way to keep some protection on matches where the result feels difficult to predict.
You will see this market offered on most football matches, alongside the standard match result market. It is important to remember that all outcomes are down to chance; therefore, a Double Chance bet does not guarantee a winning outcome.
How Does Double Chance Betting Work?
With double chance, you choose two outcomes from the three-way match market. Bookmakers typically present three fixed combinations for each fixture:
- Home team or draw
- Away team or draw
- Home team win, or away team win
Your bet wins if either of the two outcomes you selected happens. For instance, if you select home or draw and the match ends 1-1 or the home side wins, your selection pays out.
Prices are shorter than the equivalent single-result picks because there are more potential outcomes. It is also worth noting that football double chance markets usually settle on the result after 90 minutes plus injury time, not extra time or penalties, unless stated otherwise.
You may find Double Chance available on most league and cup fixtures, and sometimes in other sports that offer three-way result markets.
When Is a Double Chance Bet Worth Considering?
Double Chance bets are useful when a match looks closely matched, and you want to cover two outcomes. It often suits situations such as a strong team playing away, where a draw feels realistic, or a well-organised underdog who could potentially get a point.
It can help in derbies or big games where form guides are less reliable, and margins are thin. If injuries or rotation make the favourite less predictable, Double Chance bets may be an ideal option.
Many bettors may also use it in accumulators for one or two selections. If you believe a team is unlikely to lose but are not fully confident they will win, a Double Chance bet potentially can keep a multiple bet active without pushing the price too low.
Double Chance Bet Examples in Football
Let us say Manchester United are playing Liverpool. You have three Double Chance options to choose from:
- Manchester United or Draw: Your bet wins if Manchester United win or the match ends in a draw.
- Liverpool or Draw: Your bet wins if Liverpool wins or it is a draw.
- Manchester United or Liverpool: Your bet wins if either team wins. The only way it loses is if the match ends in a draw.
If you bet on Manchester United or Draw and the game finishes 1-1, you win. If Manchester United wins 2-1, you also win. If you picked Liverpool or Draw and Liverpool lose, the bet does not pay because neither of your chosen outcomes occurred.
These examples can apply across domestic and international fixtures. The key is choosing the two outcomes that best reflect how you see the match unfolding.
It is important to remember that all outcomes are down to chance, and selecting two outcomes out of a possible three does not guarantee a winning outcome.
Double Chance vs Draw No Bet
With a Double Chance bet, you get a return if either of your two chosen outcomes is successful, such as home or draw. A draw counts as a winning result if it is one of your two picks.
With Draw No Bet, you back one team to win. If that team draws, your stake is returned. Your bet only loses if your chosen team are beaten. Because there are fewer winning scenarios than with Double Chance, Draw No Bet usually offers a slightly higher price.
If you want the draw to count as a win, Double Chance gives you that option. If you would rather opt for a potentially better price and are happy for a draw to void the bet, Draw No Bet may suit you more.
Always remember to gamble responsibly by setting limits to your time spent betting, stick to a strict budget within your means and make use of any responsible gambling tools available.
