Bet types/markets and their meaning
The section below covers the most common bet types. But first, we’ll have to address the fact that bookmakers can be somewhat inconsistent in naming bet types. It’s quite frustrating when you’re about to place a bet, to not even find the correct bet type on the bookmaker website. But the bet type might just be presented with a different name than what you are looking for. This is because some bet types are referred to differently in different parts of the world. For a sports betting beginner, this can be rather confusing. But with a little practice, you’ll soon learn how each bookmaker presents their odds. Read more about the different bet types in the Ultimate Guide to Sure Betting.
Win / Moneyline / Draw No Bet
Also known as straight bet, DNB or 2-way bet.
One of the most popular bet types and is offered in various sports. This market simply means betting on a specific team to win a game, match or other event. The term “win” is used almost everywhere, while “moneyline” is mostly used in the United States and a few other regions. The term “straight bet” can also be used for this type of wager. Draw No Bet In the case of three possible outcomes, as in soccer, a draw results in your stake being returned. Hence the name “draw no bet”. Additionally, an Asian handicap of 0 (AH0) is the same as Draw No Bet, as it also eliminates the option of a draw.
1X2
1X2 is one of the most popular bet types in soccer. A 1X2 bet involves a match of two teams with three possible outcomes: Home (1), Draw (X) and Away (2). This market may also be known as Full Time Result, Match Betting, or Three-Way Bet.
Asian Handicap (AH)
Also known as point spread, puckline (hockey), game handicap (tennis) or map handicap (e-sports)
A handicap in betting means that the bookmaker has given a virtual advantage to one of the competitors. The main reason for handicapping is that the draw result is eliminated. (The two odds also move closer to 2.00, which can help even out your variance). With an Asian Handicap, a draw is known as a push and you are refunded part or all of your original wager. AH0 = DNB (Draw no bet)
Additionally, you can use the level Asian handicap betting market which displays the handicap as 0. If the game ended in a draw, your stake would be returned – effectively achieving the same outcome as a Draw No Bet. Half and quarter Asian Handicaps
Half and quarter Asian handicap is also known as a split handicap because the initial bet is split between two handicaps. Read more about Asian Handicap betting
European Handicap (EH)
Also known as 3-way handicap or 1X2 handicap
European handicap is basically a 3-way bet, similar to a 1X2 match result bet. In matches where there is a difference in strength between the two teams, a handicap is placed on the underdog, to even out the match. The difference with Asian handicap is that the EH is always an integer number. Instead of placing an Asian Handicap of -1,5 goals or -1,75 goals, the European handicap is always of a -1, -2, -3 etc. kind. If you bet on a European Handicap, a draw is possible, but a European Handicap draw can only be achieved if the favourite team matches the goal handicap.
Over / Under (OU)
Also known as Totals, Goal line
Over/under bets are typically placed on soccer and basketball games but are common in other sports as well. You bet on the total number of goals/points that will be scored in the match, no matter which team. In tennis, you can bet on the total number of sets or games that will be played before the match is over. Who wins the match is irrelevant. Bookmakers will offer odds and set a line at what they estimate the total goals or points in the match are likely to be. Example: In a football match, if you bet on over 3 goals, you lose your bet if only one or two goals are scored and win if more than three goals are scored. If exactly three goals are scored, your stake will be refunded. Half point over/under example: If you bet on “under 2.5 goals” and there are one or two goals in the game, you win. If there are three or more, you lose the bet. The middle option is effectively removed in a half-point over/under.
Double chance
A double chance bet allows you to cover two of the three possible outcomes in a match with one bet. This type of bet is often offered for soccer games. When betting on a Double chance bet there are three possible options to bet on: Home or Draw (1X) – Your bet will win if the home team wins or the match ends in a draw. It will lose if the away team wins. Draw or Away (X2) – Your bet wins if the away team wins or it’s a draw. You lose if the home team wins. Home or Away(12) – With this bet, you win if there’s a winner regardless of whether it’s the home or away team. Your bet will lose if the match ends in a draw.
Lay bet
