1X2 Betting Explained: A Guide for Beginners

What Does 1X2 Mean in Betting?

To gain a full understanding of what 1X2 is in betting, take a look at the example below:

• 1: Represents a Home Team Win.
• X: Represents a Draw.
• 2: Represents an Away Team Win.

Bettors simply need to select the outcome that they believe will happen on an eligible event.

Recommended Bookmakers for 1X2 Betting

A bettor should look to use one of our recommended bookmakers when engaging in 1X2 betting. We have provided a list of trusted options that ensure a positive experience. The options available can offer some of the most competitive odds across the UK for this bet type, providing punters with potential value that others cannot match.

A Full 1X2 Bet Example

The Premier League can be a popular 1X2 betting market for UK bettors, with many following the league closely. Using the league as an example, a 1X2 bet can appear as follows:

• Wagered Match: Chelsea vs Liverpool.
• Bet Placed: £10 on “1” at odds of 2.50; this means betting on Chelsea to win.
• Winning Bet: Chelsea must beat Liverpool for the bet to be successful. A £10 wager would return £25 (£10 stake x 2.50 odds).
• Lose: All other results will see the “1” bet lose.

Explaining Alternative Notations (W1, W2)

There can be confusion regarding the 1X2 meaning in betting, especially when using different sportsbooks. Not all will name the market in the same way; some will label it as ‘W1 W2’. Some may feature the ‘X’ (draw) if it is possible.

It works exactly in the same way and has the same 1X2 bet meaning; it just reads differently. Bettors who select ‘W1’ are wagering on the home team to win, with ‘W2’ referring to the visitors.

A Related Market: Double Chance (1X, X2, 12)

Double Chance allows bettors to bet on two possible outcomes of a match on one bet. It increases the chance of winning compared to 1X2 bets, but it comes with lower odds.

To win a Double Chance bet:

• 1X: Wins if the home team wins or the match ends in a draw.
• X2: If the away team wins or the match ends in a draw, this bet selection wins.
• 12: Win if either team wins (a draw loses the bet).

The Home-Field Advantage Factor Explained

Sports teams may appear to have a “home-field advantage” when competing, which can sway the odds offered. This can be due to various influences, including:

• Having the crowd behind them and cheering them on.
• Understanding the venue due to familiarity.
• Fresher compared to their opponents due to their need to travel.
• Added motivation to do well.

How Significant is Home Advantage? A Look at the Stats:

Statistics suggest that home advantage can be very significant. However, they can also highlight how the hosts of an event will not always be able to benefit from playing at their main venue.

Since its inception in 1992/93, the home team in Premier League fixtures have won
approximately 45.7% of matches. This number continues to fluctuate, with it having decreased significantly in the recent 2024/25 season.

In the NBA, home advantage appears to be very real. Depending on the team, NBA teams throughout history have tended to
win between 60% and 65% of their home games, as of figures compiled at the end of 2023. As of the time of the research, all 30 teams have won more games at home than away.

How to Analyse Home vs. Away Form

Bettors should incorporate analysing home vs away form into their research before making 1X2 bets. It can help create informed decisions, which could lead to potential winning outcomes.

Many statistical websites covering chosen sports can be found online with a simple search. Bettors should examine these statistics to identify any trends. They should also review previous meetings. These can reveal if a team is strong at home or if they are playing a strong away outfit.

Key Stats to Check

Bettors should look at the following data points:

• Wins/Draws/Losses across home and away performances.
• Separate points-per-game averages across both home and away matches.
• Goals scored and conceded at home versus away.
• Expected goals (xG) and clean sheets.

How Home Advantage Affects Betting Odds

Sportsbooks regularly take home advantage into consideration when setting their odds. Teams will often be provided lower odds when playing at home to win than if they were the road team, due to the factors outlined above.

Why is 1X2 Betting So Popular?

1X2 betting is very popular among UK bettors due to its simplicity. It is a market that requires players to wager solely on the match’s outcome.

It is highly accessible as it can be found across most sports, while experienced bettors enjoy its value potential. It may be a simple bet, but it can be more difficult to predict accurately compared to others.

Flashscore can be a valuable resource for research, as the site provides detailed data that can help create informed 1X2 bets. The site offers detailed H2H data, as well as previews driven by statistics.