When it comes to betting it can prove worthwhile to have more than one way of winning a bet and that is exactly what a double chance selection provides.
Having that extra bit of protection, or a second outcome, when placing a bet reduces the price you are getting but increases the chances of the bet coming in.
What is Double Chance Betting?
A double chance bet is when you back two possible outcomes in an event. This improves the probability of your bet being successful.
How Does a Double Chance Bet Work?
Using a football match as an example, when you decide to place a double chance bet you will be backing one team to either win or draw, or one of the two teams to win and there not to be a draw.
You are essentially backing two out of the three outcomes in the match, increasing your chances of success.
In order to win a double chance bet, you must cover one of these selections.
- Home team to win or a draw – Your bet is successful if the home team wins or there is a draw
- Away team to win or a draw – Your bet is successful if the away team wins or there is a draw
- Home team and away team – Your bet is successful if the home team or the away team wins the match
Do I Have to Calculate Odds for a Double Chance Bet?
No. The great thing about a double chance bet is that the odds are listed by the bookie you are using.
As you are backing two outcomes out of three, the odds will not be as good as if you were picking one outcome on its own, but it does give you extra betting protection.
What Sports Offer Double Chance Bets?
Football is predominantly the main sport that double chance betting is used in, as this covers two of the three possible outcomes (typically win or draw) and increases the chances of a successful bet.
Double chance is also available in cricket, although this is rarely used, while it is the same scenario when it comes to rugby league and rugby union.
Given the lack of draws in both rugby codes, a double chance bet doesn’t provide much value and you are better off trying to predict the winner of the match.
Ice hockey is another sport where double chance bets can be placed and this has the same benefits as a football match, as there can be a draw in regulation time.