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What Does 1X Mean in Soccer Betting?

What Does 1X Mean in Soccer Betting?

Chris Tacker

Written by Chris Tacker
Updated October 7, 2025
3 min to read

If you’re new to soccer betting, you’ve probably seen odds that include symbols like 1X, X2, or 12. At first glance, they might look confusing — but don’t worry. These are double chance bets, and 1X is one of the most common. Let’s break down what 1X means, how it works, and when it can be a smart bet.

What Does 1X Mean?

In soccer betting, 1X means you are betting that the home team will either win or draw.

  • “1” stands for the home team win.
  • “X” stands for a draw (tie).

So, 1X combines both outcomes: Your bet wins if the home team wins OR the match ends in a draw.

The only way you lose this bet is if the away team wins.

Example of a 1X Bet

Let’s take an example:

Match

1

X

2

1X

X2

12

Manchester United vs Chelsea

2.10

3.40

3.50

1.33

1.60

1.35

If you place a 1X bet on Manchester United:

  • ✅ You win if Manchester United wins or draws.
  • ❌ You lose only if Chelsea wins.

The odds (1.33) are lower than for a single “1” (2.10) because you’re covering two outcomes instead of one — meaning less risk and lower potential reward.

Understanding “Double Chance” Betting

The 1X market belongs to the Double Chance betting type.
This type allows you to cover two of the three possible results in one bet:

Bet Type

Covers

Loses If

1X

Home Win or Draw

Away Win

X2

Draw or Away Win

Home Win

12

Home Win or Away Win

Draw

It’s a great way for beginners to minimize risk, especially in matches where teams are evenly matched or the underdog plays at home.

When to Use 1X

1X is often used when:

  • The home team is strong, but a draw is still possible.
  • The odds on the home win alone are too risky.
  • You expect a tight match, but want safety against a late equalizer.

👉 Example strategy:
If Real Madrid hosts Atlético Madrid, you might take 1X instead of “Real Madrid to win”, because a draw is likely — and you still win if that happens.

1X vs. Draw No Bet (DNB)

These two are similar, but not identical:

Bet Type

If Draw

Risk Level

1X

Wins

Lower risk, lower payout

Draw No Bet

Refund

Slightly higher risk, higher payout

So 1X gives you a win even on a draw — that’s why odds are lower.

Advantages of 1X Betting

✅ Safer than betting on a single result
✅ Ideal for accumulators (parlays)
✅ Great for unpredictable leagues (like the English Premier League)
✅ Simple to understand — win or draw = success

When to Avoid 1X Bets

Avoid using 1X when:

  • The home team is weak or in poor form.
  • The odds are too low to be worth the risk.
  • You expect the away team to dominate.

Sometimes betting on X2 (draw or away win) gives better value if the underdog is strong.

Quick Summary

Symbol

Meaning

Wins If

Loses If

1X

Home Win or Draw

Home Win or Draw

Away Win

X2

Draw or Away Win

Draw or Away Win

Home Win

12

Either Team Wins

No Draw

Draw

Final Thoughts

So, what does 1X mean in soccer betting?
It’s a double chance bet that wins if the home team avoids defeat.
It’s one of the safest and most popular bet types — perfect for bettors who prefer consistency over high risk.