What Does ‘3 Way’ Mean in Betting?
A 3-way sports bet involves three potential outcomes for the bettor to wager on. These three outcomes are usually: win, draw, and loss, though different sports may have slightly different betting rules. The bettor must choose which of the three outcomes will happen in the game in order to win the bet.
It is similar to a 1×2 bet, except a 1×2 bet does not include the option of betting on any other possible outcomes, such as specifically a no-score draw or a penalty shootout.
Is It the Same as a Moneyline Bet?
The 3-way bet is not the same as a moneyline bet. A moneyline bet is a bet on the result of an event in which there are two possible outcomes, such as a boxing match in which the bettor can bet on either boxer to win. However, some sportsbooks such as FanDuel can sometimes put 3-way bets or 1×2 bets under “Moneyline”.
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For Example:
- Examples of three-way bets include betting on which team will win outright, or betting on whether or not the game will end in a tie.
- Other examples include betting on which team will have the most points at the end of a game or which team will have the highest score at halftime.
How Odds Work in 3-Way Betting
In a 3-way market, the sportsbook sets odds for each of the three outcomes (home win, draw, away win). Because there are three choices instead of two, the implied probability for each result is adjusted, and payouts on less likely outcomes (like a draw) are usually higher.
Example:
- Team A Win: +150
- Draw: +220
- Team B Win: +180
If you bet $100 on the draw at +220 and the game ends level, you win $220 profit plus your $100 stake.
Pros and Cons of 3-Way Bets
Pros
- Higher potential value on draws or unlikely outcomes.
- Adds variety beyond simple win/lose betting.
- Popular in global sports markets like soccer.
Cons
- Harder to win than two-way bets because of the extra option.
- Only settled at the end of regulation — overtime or shootouts usually don’t count.
When to Use 3-Way Bets
- League play in soccer: Regular-season matches where draws are common.
- Defensive teams: When both teams are more likely to settle for a low-scoring tie.
- High-value draws: Situations where oddsmakers offer favorable payouts on the draw.
Key Takeaway
A 3-way bet gives you three possible outcomes: win, loss, or draw. It’s not the same as a moneyline, which only offers two outcomes. This bet type is most common in soccer but also appears in other sports and offers higher-value opportunities — especially on draws.
Did You Know…
Three-way bets are most commonly used in sports such as soccer, basketball, and baseball.