In betting, “3 way” means a wager with three possible outcomes: Team A wins, Team B wins, or the match ends in a draw.
Unlike 2 way betting, where a draw is excluded, 3 way betting includes the draw as a separate betting option, most commonly in sports like soccer, hockey, and boxing.
If you’ve ever placed a sports bet or even just browsed betting odds you’ve probably come across the term “3 way betting.” At first, it sounds simple. But if you’re new to betting, or even casually experienced, it can be surprisingly confusing.
So, what does 3 way mean in betting, and why does it matter so much for your chances of winning?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break it all down in plain English. You’ll learn what 3 way betting means, where it came from, how it’s used across different sports, how it compares to other betting formats, and how to avoid common beginner mistakes. By the end, you’ll know exactly when (and when not) to place a 3 way bet with confidence.
Why 3 Way Betting Is So Important to Understand
Here’s the thing: many bettors lose money simply because they misunderstand what “3 way” actually means.
They think:
- “I bet on the better team, so I’ll win.”
But in 3 way betting:
- A draw means you lose, unless you specifically bet on the draw.
That’s why understanding this format is essential—especially in draw-prone sports.
🧠 What Is 3 Way Betting?
A 3 way bet offers three distinct outcomes:
- Home win
- Away win
- Draw (tie)
You must pick exactly one, and only that result counts as a win.
Common Sports With 3 Way Betting
- Soccer (football)
- Ice hockey (regulation time)
- Boxing (decision draw)
- MMA (occasionally)
- Some esports
🏟️ Origin of 3 Way Betting
Where Did It Come From?
3 way betting developed alongside European sports betting, especially soccer.
Because:
- Soccer matches often end in draws
- Early bookmakers needed a way to price that outcome fairly
So instead of ignoring the draw, they made it a standalone betting option.
Why It Became Popular
- Soccer is the world’s most popular sport 🌍
- Draws happen frequently
- It gives bookmakers better risk control
- It offers higher odds compared to 2 way markets
Today, 3 way betting is standard across most global sportsbooks.
📊 How 3 Way Betting Works
Let’s walk through a real-world example.
Example: Soccer Match
Match: Manchester United vs Chelsea
| Outcome | Odds |
| Man United win | 2.10 |
| Draw | 3.40 |
| Chelsea win | 3.60 |
If you place:
- A bet on Man United → You win only if they win
- A bet on Chelsea → You win only if they win
- A bet on Draw → You win only if it’s a tie
If you bet on Man United and the match ends 1–1:
❌ You lose.
That’s the key difference.
🆚 3 Way Betting vs 2 Way Betting (Very Important)
This comparison trips up a lot of people, so let’s make it crystal clear.
3 Way vs 2 Way Betting Table
| Feature | 3 Way Betting | 2 Way Betting |
| Number of outcomes | 3 | 2 |
| Includes draw | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Common in | Soccer, hockey | Tennis, basketball |
| Risk level | Higher | Lower |
| Odds | Usually higher | Usually lower |
Example Difference
- 2 way bet: Team A vs Team B (draw excluded)
- 3 way bet: Team A vs Draw vs Team B
👉 In 2 way betting, a draw usually results in:
- Bet voided
- Or stake returned (depending on market rules)
🧾 Real-World Usage of “3 Way” in Betting
Where You’ll See It
- Sportsbook match markets
- Betting slips
- Odds comparison sites
- Betting apps
Typical Labels Used by Bookmakers
- “3 Way”
- “Match Result”
- “1X2” (very common in soccer)
🔢 What Does 1X2 Mean? (Related Term)
You’ll often see 1X2, which is just another way of saying 3 way betting.
| Symbol | Meaning |
| 1 | Home team wins |
| X | Draw |
| 2 | Away team wins |
So when you see “1X2 betting,” you’re looking at a 3 way market.
💬 Examples of “3 Way” in Context
Friendly / Casual Tone
“I’m going with a 3 way bet this time—draw feels likely 😅”
Neutral / Informational Tone
“This market is a 3 way bet, meaning the draw is included as an outcome.”
Negative / Dismissive Tone
“I hate 3 way bets—draws ruin everything.”
Each tone shows how the phrase adapts to different conversations.
⚠️ Common Mistakes in 3 Way Betting
Let’s save you some money 💸
Mistake #1: Forgetting the Draw Exists
Many bettors assume their team just has to “not lose.”
In 3 way betting:
- Not losing is not enough
- You must win outright
Mistake #2: Comparing 3 Way Odds to 2 Way Odds
3 way odds are often:
- Higher
- Riskier
Don’t compare them directly without understanding the rules.
Mistake #3: Using 3 Way in Draw-Heavy Leagues
Leagues with frequent draws (like soccer leagues with defensive play) can be risky for 3 way bets.
🎯 Usage Tips for Smarter 3 Way Betting
- Use 3 way betting when you’re confident about a clear winner
- Avoid it in matches where teams are evenly matched
- Consider league draw statistics
- Compare with “Draw No Bet” alternatives
- Watch weather, injuries, and motivation factors
🔄 Alternatives to 3 Way Betting (Safer Options)
If you want less risk, consider these:
1. Draw No Bet (DNB)
- If match ends in draw → stake refunded
- Lower odds, safer option
2. Double Chance
- Covers two outcomes (e.g., Win or Draw)
- Very popular for conservative bettors
3. Asian obstacle
- Removes draw by applying goal obstacle
- More complex but flexible
🌀 Alternate Meanings of “3 Way”
Outside betting, “3 way” can mean:
- A three-way partnership
- A three-way call
- A three-option decision
⚠️ Context matters—in betting, it specifically refers to three outcomes.
🧑💼 Polite or Professional Alternatives to Saying “3 Way”
In professional or educational writing, you may see:
- “Three-outcome market”
- “Match result market”
- “1X2 betting market”
These sound more formal and are commonly used in industry reports.
📋 Example Table: 3 Way Betting Across Sports
| Sport | 3 Way Outcomes | Notes |
| Soccer | Win / Draw / Win | Most common |
| Hockey | Win / Draw / Win | Regulation time only |
| Boxing | Fighter A / Draw / Fighter B | Rare but possible |
| Esports | Team A / Draw / Team B | Depends on game |
FAQs
1. What does 3 way mean in sports betting?
It means there are three possible outcomes: win, lose, or draw.
2. Is 3 way betting riskier than 2 way betting?
Yes, because the draw is an extra losing condition.
3. What happens if a match ends in a draw?
You lose unless you bet specifically on the draw.
4. Why are 3 way odds higher?
Because there’s an extra outcome, increasing risk.
5. Is 1X2 the same as 3 way betting?
Yes. They mean the same thing.
6. Can you use 3 way betting in accumulators?
Yes, but it increases overall risk.
7. Which sports are best for 3 way betting?
Soccer and hockey are the most common.
8. Should beginners use 3 way betting?
Beginners should start carefully and consider safer alternatives first.
Conclusion
It means you’re betting on one of three possible outcomes, including the draw. While it offers higher odds and more options, it also comes with higher risk especially if you forget that a draw can sink your bet.
- Always check if a market is 3 way or 2 way
- Don’t ignore the draw probability
- Compare alternatives like Draw No Bet
- Use 3 way betting strategically, not casually
Understand it well, and 3 way betting becomes a powerful tool not a costly trap.
Madison Lee is a skilled writer at ValneTix.com dedicated to making word meanings clear, relatable and actionable. She empowers readers to understand language deeply and use words with confidence in daily life.
