What Is the 3-Way Moneyline in Sports Betting? A Beginner's Guide

Are you new to the world of sports betting and unfamiliar with three-way moneylines? Then, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we’ll cover the ins and out of a 3-way moneyline wager. This includes how they work, what sports offer them, tips and tricks, and much more. Continue reading to learn everything you’ll need to know about this specific type of bet and how you can use it to take your sports betting game to the next level!

How Does a Three-Way Moneyline Work?

Standard moneyline wagers allow you to attempt to predict which of two teams will win in a given matchup. You can either choose the favorite or the underdog. However, 3-way moneyline betting, also referred to as 1×2 betting, includes an additional potential outcome. Bettors may place a wager on either team, or they may predict the game or match to end in a tie.

The odds for each option will vary depending on which outcome is most likely to occur and may look something like this:

In this example, sports bettors would have the opportunity to place a wager on Team A to win the game, Team B to win the game, or the game to end in a tie. If a $100 bet was placed on the third option at +200 odds and the match finished in a draw, the bettor would $200 in profit. However, if either Team A or Team B won the game outright, the wager would be unsuccessful.

It is also important to note that the tie option for 3-way moneyline wagers can refer to both the final outcome of a game as well as the score at the end of regulation, so it is important to make sure you understand the specific terms of your bet before it has been placed.

Several different sports allow for three-way moneyline betting in one form or another. Soccer, hockey, and football are three of the most popular sports in which you will typically be able to place a 3-way moneyline wager on any game of your choice.

Soccer Three-Way Moneyline

Due to the low-scoring nature of most matches, soccer is a sport that commonly ends in a tie between the two competing teams. A three-way moneyline bet on a soccer match is typically decided after full-time (i.e., the 90 minutes of regular play and any stoppage time added) and will not include the outcome of any overtime periods or penalty shootouts.

For example, if you bet on a draw in an FA Cup match between Manchester United and Liverpool and the two teams were tied at one goal apiece heading into the first overtime period, you will have already won your wager no matter the outcome. However, if you picked Manchester United to win the match and they earned the victory at the end via penalty kicks, then your bet would be unsuccessful.

Hockey Three-Way Moneyline

3-way moneylines are also commonly offered by online sportsbooks as a way to place bets on NHL games and other hockey leagues around the world. Similar to soccer, three-way moneyline betting in hockey depends on the outcome at the end of regulation and will not include the results of overtime or penalty shootouts. As a result, you are not necessarily betting on a game’s final result but rather the outcome at the end of the third period.

On the other hand, you can opt for the standard, two-way moneyline wager on hockey matchups if you would prefer. In this case, your bet would be successful as long as your team finishes with a victory in the game. For instance, a standard moneyline bet on the Pittsburgh Penguins to win against the Boston Bruins would be a winner even if the Penguins need overtime to come out on top.

Football Three-Way Moneyline

Although they are not quite as popular in football, three-way betting is available to NFL fans in the United States and beyond. Since ties are quite rare in the National Football League, you will typically get extremely long odds if you bet on this particular outcome.

An example of an NFL 3-way moneyline wager offered may include the following odds for a matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills: -150 for the Chiefs to win, +120 for the Bills to win, or +6500 for a tie. Therefore, in this case, if you correctly predicted a tie with a $10 bet, you would take home a profit of $650.

Tips & Tricks for Betting Three-Way Moneylines

Some general advice and helpful tips for three-way betting on soccer, hockey, football, and several other sports are listed below!

• Look for Value: If you hope to be profitable in your sports betting endeavors, you may want to look for value beyond your favorite teams and the most popular matchups on a given day. If you consider a wide range of games or several different leagues, you have a better chance of finding inflated odds that do not quite match up with what you would project based on your research and analysis.
• Consider Relevant Factors: There are many important factors to consider when placing three-way moneyline wagers. You may want to look at recent performances, injury news, historical trends, home-field or home-ice advantage, or any other factors that will help in your decision-making process.
• Manage Your Bankroll: It is also important that you properly manage your bankroll and effectively control your spending when it comes to online betting. Never bet more than you can afford to lose, avoid making emotional bets, and do not try to chase your losses.
• Shop for the Best Odds: Bettors will greatly benefit from signing up with online sportsbooks and shopping around for the best odds for their wager. Although the differences may seem insignificant at first, finding the best deals for your 3-way moneyline wagers is very important and could help you make money in the long run.
• Understand Your Bet: Lastly, be sure you understand the bet you are making. Certain types of wagers (such as three-way moneylines) can be a bit confusing at times. Therefore, you will be better off doing your research ahead of time and understanding the wagers you plan to make.

Best Sportsbooks for 3-Way Moneyline Betting

Take a look at the table below to find some of the best sportsbooks currently providing 3-way moneyline betting options and what they have to offer customers in eligible states!

3-Way Moneyline Betting FAQ

What Is a 3-Way Moneyline?

A three-way moneyline is a special type of wager that allows bettors to choose which of two teams will win a game or if they think the matchup will finish in a tie or draw.

Does a 3-Way Moneyline Include Overtime?

No, in most cases, three-way moneyline wagers are based on the outcome of the game during regulation time. For example, a three-way moneyline in soccer will not include the results from any overtime periods or penalty shootouts.

How Do You Win a 3-Way Moneyline Bet?

You win a three-way moneyline bet by correctly predicting the outcome of a game based on your three potential options: Team A wins the game, Team B wins the game, or the game finishes in a tie.