3-way betting is a type of wagering that allows punters to predict one of three outcomes in a sports event. The possibilities are usually as follows: win by Team A, win by Team B, or a draw. It is most common in football matches, where ties are a regular occurrence, but it is also an option in all types of sports competitions that can end without a winner.
In 3-way prediction, punters have the opportunity to stake on three outcomes, with each coming with individual odds. The odds for a draw are usually the highest if there isn’t a big discrepancy between teams.
The best way to understand it is with a practical example. Let’s say Arsenal and Manchester United are squaring off in a Premier League match. Here are the odds on all three possible outcomes:
Remember that most of these bets apply only to regulation time without overtime. Some bookies will allow you to extend your wager to extra time, but not all.
Considering all bookmakers offer 3-way betting on football, basketball, and soccer (among other sports), making one won’t be hard. You’ll find them listed in the section known as 1×2 predictions or regulation time, which is usually presented as the first option on the main page. They are instantly recognizable thanks to three types of odds placed alongside each matchup.
Here are a few simple steps that will help you place your first sports betting 3-way:
These types of predictions have multiple advantages that make them attractive to gamblers:
3-way predictions can be placed on any event that can end in a draw. That’s up to the sportsbook to decide, but in most cases, you’ll typically find them available for team sports like football, American football, basketball, and ice hockey betting.
Game betting 3-way markets will also be available on Esports. Additionally, some bookies will provide this option for individual sports like boxing, although it is very uncommon.
Football is the most popular sport for 3-way bets due to the frequency of draws. Sportsbooks will offer three possible outcomes – a home win, a draw, and a win for the away team. Simply click on the outcome you believe will happen and enter your stake.
Keep in mind that 3-way predictions in football mostly apply to regular time plus added time. This means if there is a need for extra time to determine the winner, like in the finals of the World Cup, your bet will be settled after 90 minutes.
American football, including college football and the NFL, is also suitable for 3-way predictions. However, the odds for a draw in these matches are significantly higher compared to other sports, considering it is a rare occurrence that there is no winner after four quarters.
NBA teams play 82 matches each in the regular season, so opportunities for three-way betting are there night in and night out. Many games will end even in regulation time, prompting punters to gamble on the overtime, which can be just as exciting.
Another great thing for 3-way basketball bets is predicting the outcome of quarters. This allows you to wager on whether one team will be in the lead after a particular period or if both teams will end the particular quarter with the same number of points on the scoreboard.
Three-way wagers on ice hockey are also quite popular. There’s plenty of action in this particular market, especially in the NHL. The principle is the same, as you predict whether one team will end up on top or whether they’ll have the same number of goals after three periods.
Now, here’s something a bit different. Golf is an individual sport, so the 3-way betting doesn’t work in the same way as it works in team events.
Also known as 3-ball matchups, it offers the opportunity to gamble on one of 3 players from the field, usually at plus money. The process is the same – you pick the outcome (player) you believe has the best chance. If 2 or all 3 players are tied, most sportsbooks apply the dead heat rule, which cuts the number of players tied from the slip.
Cricket 3-way predictions work in the same way as in other team sports. You will be presented with the familiar three options – win by Team A, win by Team B, and a draw – to make your pick and wait for the results.
However, it is important to mention that a tie and a draw are not the same thing in cricket. A tie takes place when both teams have the same number of runs. A draw happens when the time runs out before teams complete their innings.
Three-way betting on baseball matches is a bit more complicated, considering teams will play extra innings to determine the winner if they scored the same number of runs. Bookmakers will usually offer a draw as an outcome through nine innings. Additionally, punters can wager on the three-way outcome of a particular inning.
In principle, 3-way handicap betting works in the same way as a regular 3-way since you are predicting one of three outcomes. The only distinction is the handicap element, which gives one team a fictional disadvantage, like a goal down in football or five points behind in basketball. These types of 3-way wagers are riskier but come with higher odds.
Rugby is one of the preferred sports for this type of prediction. Many bookies offer regular 3-way handicaps on rugby matches, but some will also provide a total 3-way market, which lets you bet on the total number of points across 3 lines.
Tennis 3-way handicaps have become pretty popular in the last few years. Giving one player a fictional disadvantage in points before the start opens up the possibility for a tennis match to end in a draw, even if that isn’t possible in real life.
Hopefully, our detailed 3-way betting explanation guide provided you with answers to all the questions you might have had about this type of prediction. We covered the basics, listed some popular sports where you can place this type of wager, and added an explanation of 3-way handicap in case you are feeling adventurous. Now it’s time to apply what you’ve learned and start racking up the winnings.
