In the world of sports betting, one of the most popular types of bets is the 1X2 bet, especially when it comes to football (soccer). This type of bet is widely used in European betting markets and is often referred to as the European Handicap. It offers a straightforward way for punters to engage with football betting, and understanding how it works is crucial for any beginner or experienced bettor. In this guide, under 2.5 soccer tips will break down everything you need to know about the 1X2 betting system, including how to read odds, calculate potential winnings, and improve your chances of success.

What is a 1X2 Bet?

The 1X2 bet, also known as the European bet, is one of the most common types of football betting. In this betting format, the player predicts the outcome of a football match based on three potential results:

  • 1: The home team wins.

  • X: The match ends in a draw.

  • 2: The away team wins.

The number "1" refers to a bet placed on the home team, "X" represents a draw, and "2" is a bet on the away team’s victory. This format is simple and widely used by sportsbooks worldwide because it offers bettors the chance to bet on the most probable outcomes.

Understanding the European 1X2 Odds

To better understand how to read the 1X2 betting odds, let’s explore how odds are displayed. When you look at a betting market for a match, you will often see odds like 1.85, 1.5, or 1.9 next to the team names or outcomes. These numbers represent the potential payout for each outcome.

For example, if you see the odds like 1.85 : 1.5 : 1.9 for a match between Team A (home team) and Team B (away team), the breakdown is as follows:

  • 1.85: This is the odds for the home team (Team A) to win.

  • 1.5: This is the odds for Team B (away team) to win.

  • 1.9: This is the odds for the match to end in a draw.

As you can see, the odds reflect the bookmaker’s prediction of the likelihood of each outcome. The higher the odds, the less likely the bookmaker believes the outcome is, and the greater the potential return for the bettor.

>>Looking for reliable advice to improve your betting strategy? Download our daily betting tips app and get expert insights, predictions, and recommendations to make smarter bets every day.

How to Read and Place 1X2 Bets

Reading 1X2 odds is relatively simple once you understand the symbols. Here's how to interpret the different betting options:

  1. Placing a Bet on "1": If you place a bet on the "1" option, you are predicting that the home team will win. For instance, if the odds are 1.85, and the home team wins, you will receive 1.85 times your stake. If the home team loses or the match ends in a draw, your bet is lost.

  2. Placing a Bet on "X": If you bet on "X", you are predicting that the match will end in a draw. If the match ends in a 1-1, 2-2, or any other score draw, you win your bet and receive the payout based on the odds (e.g., 1.9).

  3. Placing a Bet on "2": Betting on "2" means you're backing the away team to win. If the away team wins, you will receive the payout based on the odds (e.g., 1.5). If the away team loses or the match ends in a draw, you lose your bet.

Example of a 1X2 Bet

Let's say there is a football match between Team A (home) and Team B (away), and the bookmaker provides odds as follows:

  • Home Team (1): 1.85

  • Draw (X): 1.9

  • Away Team (2): 1.5

If you place a $100 bet on the home team (1), and the home team wins, you would receive a payout of $185 (your stake of $100 multiplied by the odds of 1.85). If the match ends in a draw, your $100 bet on the draw would return $190, and if the away team wins, your $100 bet on the away team would return $150.

How to Calculate Winnings from a 1X2 Bet

The formula to calculate your winnings from a 1X2 bet is straightforward:

Winnings = Stake x Odds

For example, if you place a $100 bet on a draw with odds of 1.9, your total return if the match ends in a draw would be:

$100 x 1.9 = $190

If your bet is successful, you’ll receive your stake back along with your winnings.

Tips for Betting on 1X2

While 1X2 betting might seem simple, there are a few tips and strategies that can help increase your chances of success:

  1. Research the Teams: Before placing a bet, always research the teams playing. Look at factors like current form, injury reports, and head-to-head statistics. A team’s recent performance can offer valuable insight into how they might perform in the upcoming match.

  2. Watch for Early Betting Opportunities: Many experienced bettors recommend placing bets several days before the match when the odds are first released. This allows you to take advantage of potentially favorable odds before the bookmaker adjusts them closer to game time.

  3. Consider Team Motivation: The motivation of both teams can significantly affect the outcome of a match. For example, a team fighting relegation may be more motivated to win than a team already guaranteed to finish in the middle of the table.

  4. Avoid Emotional Bets: It can be tempting to bet on your favorite team, but emotional bets often lead to poor decision-making. Always aim to make rational, data-driven choices when betting.

  5. Manage Your Bankroll: Betting responsibly is essential. Set a budget for how much you are willing to risk and never bet more than you can afford to lose. Managing your bankroll carefully is crucial to long-term success.

Conclusion

The 1X2 bet is one of the simplest and most popular ways to engage in football betting. It offers three possible outcomes—home win, draw, or away win—and is easy for beginners to understand. By following the soccer tips sites outlined in this guide, you can improve your chances of making successful bets and managing your betting strategy effectively. Always remember to research teams, bet responsibly, and manage your expectations to enjoy your betting experience to the fullest.