What Does 1X2 Mean in Betting? Match Result Explained

When you first enter a sportsbook app to explore, you might wonder, "What does 1x2 mean in betting?" You are definitely not alone in this curiosity. There's something about the three symbols that seems simple, yet still causes hesitation for many new bettors. Many people’s first experience with 1x2 leads them to assume it relates to the score, but they later realise it simply refers to the game's outcome. It is essentially the match result market. 

1 is for the home team winning, X is for a draw, and 2 is for the away team winning. But how it works, when it’s settled, and how it fits into real matches is more complex than it seems. Particularly in football, the stoppage time, along with cup ties, can confuse things a bit. Therefore, let's break the procedure down a little further and go over the whole concept of decimal odds / potential payout /stake and 1x2 in detail.

1X2 Breakdown: 1 = Home Team Wins, X = Draw, 2 = Away Team Wins

The fundamental 1x2 meaning betting is straightforward: it is the most basic prediction market that predicts who will win the match after 90 minutes of play, including stoppage time. That's it. However, it does not apply to extra time and penalty shootouts. Unless the bookmaker specifically mentions otherwise, the 1x2 result is determined by the referee blowing his whistle at the end of regulation.

So, to answer your question, what is 1x2 in betting? You need to know that the 1x2 market is the main betting market you’ll find on virtually every football betting page. '1' represents the home team winning, 'X' indicates a draw, and '2' means the away team wins. Even when the teams are playing at a neutral location, such as in some European tournaments, the site will still identify one team as the 'home' team to assign odds.

One thing that people tend to forget about cup matches, where a winner must ultimately be declared, is that the 1x2 market also settles at 90' + stoppage. For example, if you select '1' but the home team only wins in extra time, your initial 1x2 bet would lose. This mistake confuses people more often than they care to admit.

How Do 1X2 Odds & Payouts Work: Decimal Odds

Most bettors from Africa use decimal odds. They are simple to understand, even if you don't like doing math. 

In decimal format, your potential payout = Stake x odds.

That's all there is to it. No hidden values. So if you see 1.85 on a home win, and you stake $10, your total payout is $18.50. Likewise, if the underdog has odds of 4.20 and you put in $1, you get $4.20 if the '2' comes through. Your profit is then your total payout minus your stake. 

Here is the 1x2 market explained in micro-examples:

• If you back '1' at 2.10 and the home team wins 1-0, your bet wins.
• If you back 'X' at 3.25 and the match ends 0-0, that's a winning ticket.
• If you back '2' at 2.75 and the away team gets a 0-1, you're good.

There is nothing complicated about the math, although it is in the odds reading area where some people stumble. Usually, higher odds mean a less likely event, although that isn’t always true. Occasionally the market shifts due to injury news, travel fatigue, or public opinion, thus warranting responsible gambling.

How 1x2 Resolves Based on Typical Scorelines

Many first-time bettors seem to understand the general idea behind 1x2 betting but struggle to apply it to actual scores. Here are a few quick examples to help illustrate the point:

• 1-0: Home win = '1' wins
• 1-1: Draw = 'X' wins
• 0-2: Away win = '2' wins
• 3-3: Draw = 'X' wins
• 4-1: Home win = '1' wins
• 2-5: Draw = '2' wins

Again, if any of these results change in extra time, it will not affect the 1x2 result unless the terms state otherwise.

1X2 Outcomes & Example Settlements

Note: Unless otherwise specified, 1x2 wagers settle after normal time (90'+stoppage). Any extra time or penalty shootouts are generally not included unless specifically indicated in the market information on your bet slip.

Related Betting Options: Double Chance / Draw No Bet (DNB)

If you find the pure 1x2 wager is too high-risk, then two related sports betting options offer a little more security. These options are based on who will win the match but allow for a little more flexibility.

Double Chance offers a way to predict two possible outcomes for the match at the same time. For example: 1x, x2, or 12. Because it reduces the risk while giving more possible outcomes, the odds will be slightly lower. This option makes a lot of sense for a team you believe will win but may have some late-game issues giving up goals. Since the introduction of this option, many players have been using the double chance more frequently than they initially expected.

The Draw No Bet (DNB) option eliminates the draw from consideration. You will receive your original stake back if the match ends in a tie. The DNB odds fall in the middle range of 1x2 odds and double chance odds. Many bettors prefer the DNB option because losing a wager due to a tie can be an unfair result if both teams played a relatively equal game.

They aren't better than 1x2, but they can be alternative options for different types of risk takers.

Live 1X2 & Cash Out Basics

While the 1x2 market remains active through the course of a match, the live odds will fluctuate rapidly in response to each major development in the match. Occasionally these changes will be drastic and occur rapidly. Goals scored, players sent off with a red card, or extended periods of pressure from either team can significantly alter the decimal odds. 

Situations can create confusion and fast-paced decision-making, and this is likely why most people find it overwhelming. If the away team is consistently pressuring the home team, betting live on "2" could lead to a dramatic decrease in the odds for "2." If you hesitate for too long and miss the opportunity to place the bet, the odds may shift again. Live betting can be thrilling, but it can also be exhausting if you try to follow too many games at once.

Cashouts work similarly. Cashing out can be tempting, but it does require a degree of discipline. If your favourite team is winning but losing momentum, the cash-out option could offer a partial payout. However, if you cash out too early and your team goes on to win by a large margin, you may wonder if you left money on the table. Both approaches have their merits; it's simply a matter of how comfortable you are with each option.

Tips for African Bettors: Mobile First & Payment Options

In Africa, most people bet on their mobile devices. That means a good mobile platform is important for big buttons, easy navigation, and quick access to statistics. Many mobile-focused sportsbooks, such as Afropari focus on creating a mobile-first experience because the vast majority of betting takes place on the go, often in environments with spotty connectivity.

Payment options are also important in Africa. Many people rely on mobile money, bank cards, and e-wallets. Make sure to verify your account name against your ID for Know Your Customer (KYC) purposes to prevent delays in withdrawals. This issue comes up with many bettors, who assume there is a problem with the withdrawal process when, in reality, it's simply a case of a name mismatch.

Internet connectivity is also key to a smooth live betting experience. A signal that drops at the most inconvenient time can be quite frustrating. While it won't ruin your day, it will certainly disrupt the flow of the moment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid on 1X2

While 1x2 wagering is quite straightforward, errors can still occur, and often for obvious reasons.

Some people forget that extra time does not count toward wagering results. Other individuals fail to consider team-related news that can greatly affect the odds of a match. The absence of a top player can significantly alter the odds. An additional error occurs when users do not read the market terms on the bet slip carefully. Each sportsbook phrases the terms slightly differently, and reading them quickly can help prevent unforeseen problems.

Additionally, some users tend to chase live odds too aggressively. A match begins to heat up in the second half, a user becomes emotionally invested, and he or she finds themselves pressing buttons that were never part of his or her original plan. If you can, take a brief pause of 5 seconds to collect yourself. It will often be enough.

An additional subtle error is mistyping the amount of money being wagered. Should the user inadvertently input $100 instead of the intended $10, the error could persist significantly longer than necessary.

FAQs

What is the 1x2 betting format?

The 1x2 betting format is a way of predicting which team will win a match. In this format, '1' represents a home win, 'x' represents a tie (or a draw), and '2' represents an away win.

Does 1x2 take into account extra time or penalties?

Typically no, unless the bookmaker specifically states that the 1x2 market will be settled including extra time and penalty shootouts.

Can I withdraw my 1x2 bet before a game has concluded?

Generally, yes, although the ability to withdraw your bet may depend upon the particular sportsbook, as well as the stage of the match when you place your request.

What happens to 1x2 odds during a live bet when a goal is scored?

Your odds will instantly change, often dramatically, based on the new score.

Are 1x2 bets limited to soccer (football)?

While they can be found in many soccer betting formats, 1x2 bets are not exclusive to soccer; however, they are most commonly associated with soccer markets.

Is there an age limit to placing a bet online?

Yes, all individuals who place a wager through a website have to be at least 18+ years old, and all wagering should be done responsibly.