A 3 way moneyline soccer market is one of the most common ways to back a match. It presents three discrete results to choose from, and the treatment of the draw is central to how the market behaves. This guide explains what the market means in practice, why settlement usually stops at the end of regulation time, how that compares with two-way options like Draw No Bet, and how to calculate payouts across the main odds formats. It aims to give clear, practical steps you can use before placing a selection.

A 3-way moneyline settles on the match result at the end of regulation time, treating the draw as a separate outcome.

Draw No Bet removes the draw as a losing result and typically refunds stakes on level scores, changing both risk and price.

Use the appropriate market label for extra-time or penalty coverage; 'to qualify' markets usually include those minutes.

What a 3-way moneyline in soccer means

Quick definition

A 3 way moneyline soccer market offers three possible outcomes for a match: a home win, a draw, or an away win. In plain terms, each selection wins only if that specific result is the match result at the end of regulation time, which makes the draw a separate outcome rather than a tie to be avoided.

That regulation-time settlement is a defining feature of the 3-way line and is the reason many operators label this market 1X2, with 1 indicating a home win, X a draw, and 2 an away win. This labeling is common across European and global sportsbooks and helps bettors recognise that there are three mutually exclusive results to compare.

Learn the settlement rules before you pick a market

Before you place a selection, read the settlement and payout sections below so you understand which minutes of the match determine a 3-way result and how that affects price and risk.

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Why it is called 1X2 in many markets

The simple 1X2 shorthand matches the three outcomes and traces back to the common international presentation of match results and markets; it separates the draw as a third outcome rather than folding it into a two-way option, so bettors face three discrete possibilities when comparing prices.

When you choose a team in a 3-way market, remember that a draw is a losing outcome for that team selection unless you switched to a different market type that removes or refunds the draw outcome.

How settlement and timing work: regulation time vs extra time

IFAB match duration as the baseline

The authoritative baseline for match duration is IFAB Law 7, which defines a match as 90 minutes plus any stoppage time; markets that settle on the regulation-time result use that same definition when determining winners and losers for a 3-way bet. IFAB Law 7

How sportsbooks state settlement rules

Major sportsbook help pages and house rules commonly state that 3-way markets settle on the match result at the end of full time, and they explicitly exclude extra time and penalties from that settlement window unless a market says otherwise. DraftKings sportsbook help DraftKings support article

Because operator wording can vary in detail, bettors should treat the IFAB definition as the underlying match-length reference and then confirm each operator's guidance in the help pages for the specific market they intend to use.

3-way moneyline versus two-way markets (Draw No Bet and others)

What Draw No Bet (DNB) does

Draw No Bet removes the draw as a losing outcome for the backed team, and most operators refund stakes when a match finishes level in that market; this changes both the downside and the price compared with the 3-way line. Pinnacle on Draw No Bet

Funded Plays Challenges

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Because DNB typically returns the stake on a draw, the bookmaker faces fewer scenarios where the selection loses, and the price for the same team will usually be shorter than its 3-way odds to reflect the smaller risk the bookmaker carries.

How prices change when the draw is removed

Removing the draw compresses prices for the backed side because the expected loss scenarios are fewer; when comparing markets it is useful to check implied probabilities and how much shorter the DNB price is compared with the 3-way number to judge whether the reduced downside is worth the lower payout.

$Close up stadium scoreboard showing 0 0 full time with subtle overlay of American decimal and fractional odds illustrating settlement and payouts 3 way moneyline soccer$

Always read the operator's DNB settlement and refund language carefully, because the exact refund mechanics and any timing conditions are set by the sportsbook.

How to read soccer moneyline odds and calculate payouts

American, decimal and fractional formats

American, decimal and fractional odds express the same underlying probability and payout potential in different formats; knowing how to convert and calculate returns helps you compare offers across operators and markets. Investopedia on odds formats

Simple payout formulas and worked example

For American odds the standard formulas are: for a positive price, profit = stake × (odds/100); for a negative price, profit = stake × (100/|odds|); total return equals stake plus profit. These rules let bettors calculate exact returns before choosing between a 3-way bet and a two-way alternative. Investopedia moneyline guide

To compare formats quickly, remember that decimal odds equal total return per unit stake, while fractional odds show profit relative to stake; converting among them is routine once you know the base formulas for American odds.

When extra time and penalties change the market you need

League matches vs knockout fixtures

League matches and most regular fixtures conclude with the regulation-time result as the settled outcome for 3-way markets, but knockout ties and cup fixtures often have separate markets that extend settlement into extra time and penalties for qualification or trophy outcomes. FanDuel soccer rules FanDuel betting guide

Quick payout calculator for American and decimal odds

Enter stake as a number

When a contest will use extra time or penalties to decide a winner for progression, look for markets explicitly labelled to include those minutes, such as a market that says 'to qualify' or 'to lift trophy', because the 3-way moneyline normally still settles at full time unless the market name states otherwise.

If you need coverage beyond the 90-minute window, do not use the standard 3-way line; use the specific qualification or trophy market so your selection reflects extra time and penalties as part of the outcome.

How to decide between a 3-way moneyline and other options

Decision criteria checklist

Use a short checklist before you pick a market: determine the settlement window you want, assess your tolerance for draw risk, compare the implied probability of each price, and measure the bankroll impact of a loss versus a refunded stake in a two-way option. These criteria help decide whether the 3-way market or a Draw No Bet alternative offers better expected value. Pinnacle on DNB implications how Funded Plays evaluations work

How match context and probability affect value

Value depends on the probability you assign to each of the three outcomes and the odds on offer; if you think the draw is unlikely your edge versus the market might favour the 3-way line, but when the draw is a realistic result DNB can reduce downside and preserve bankroll at the cost of a shorter price.

Check the operator settlement text and the math for payouts before committing, and translate the odds into implied probability for a clearer comparison between markets.

Common mistakes and pitfalls to avoid with 3-way moneylines

Assuming extra time counts

A frequent error is to assume that knockout matches settle into extra time or penalties for a 3-way bet; in most cases the 3-way market still settles at the end of regulation time, so assuming otherwise can lead to unexpected losing outcomes. DraftKings settlement guidance

What does a 3-way moneyline mean for match settlement and payouts?

A 3-way moneyline settles on the match result at the end of regulation time, so a draw is a separate outcome and will cause team selections to lose; payout math follows standard odds formulas across American, decimal, and fractional formats.

Ignoring odds format or payout math

Failing to check whether the bookmaker displays American, decimal, or fractional odds before calculating returns is another common pitfall; using the correct payout formula for the odds format is essential to know your total return and profit. Investopedia odds calculation

Always verify the operator's refund policy for alternatives like DNB and confirm the exact market label when extra time or qualification matters to avoid surprises.

Worked examples: calculating returns for 3-way bets in practice

Example 1: American odds

Example calculation using American odds: if you stake 100 units on a positive American price of +150, profit = stake × (odds/100) = 100 × (150/100) = 150, so total return = stake + profit = 250. This follows the standard American-odds payout formula and shows how a single 3-way selection converts into profit and return. Moneyline examples

Example 2: Decimal and fractional conversions

Decimal example: a decimal price of 2.50 means total return is stake × 2.50, so a 100 unit stake returns 250 including stake. Fractional example: odds of 3/2 mean profit = stake × (3/2); a 100 stake returns 250 total. These conversions match the American example and let you compare offers regardless of display format. Odds conversion guide

Always use the same stake value when comparing formats to avoid misreading which market gives the best total return for your risk.

Practical scenario comparisons: league match, cup tie, and international fixtures

League match scenario

In a regular league match the 3-way market settles at full time, so if a match finishes level the draw wins the X outcome and any selection on a team in the 3-way market loses; this is the normal behaviour most bettors expect when placing a standard moneyline selection. DraftKings soccer rules

Minimal 2D vector split image of a league clock stopped at ninety plus minutes and a cup tie timer entering extra time illustrating settlement windows for 3 way moneyline soccer

Cup tie scenario with extra time

For a cup tie that uses extra time and penalties to decide progression, markets labelled 'to qualify' or 'to lift trophy' will usually include extra time and penalties in the settlement window, while the standard 3-way market still settles at the end of regulation time unless the market name specifies otherwise. FanDuel settlement examples

International friendly considerations

International friendlies typically follow the same regulation-time settlement rules as league matches for 3-way markets, but always confirm any special tournament or competition rules that could alter settlement language on the operator page.

Bankroll and risk-management tips for betting 3-way lines

Position sizing for three-outcome markets

Think in terms of implied probability and how the draw affects expected value; if the draw materially increases the range of losing scenarios, reduce position size or choose a market that reduces the draw risk in line with your staking plan and risk tolerance.

Keeping a simple, repeatable staking plan and tracking results across 3-way and DNB markets will show whether you perform better by accepting larger upside or by reducing downside through two-way alternatives.

How operator house rules and settlement examples are written

Where to find settlement language

Settlement language is usually in a sportsbook's help center or sports rules pages, under sections titled soccer, settlement, or market rules; those pages contain the exact wording used to decide how a market is judged. DraftKings help center

Common phrasing to look for in help pages

Scan for phrases such as 'match result at the end of regulation time', '90 minutes plus stoppage', and 'does not include extra time or penalties' to confirm that the 3-way market settles at full time; saving or screenshotting the relevant lines reduces dispute risk later. FanDuel settlement wording

Glossary: short definitions for terms used in this article

Key betting terms

3-way moneyline: a market offering home win, draw, and away win outcomes, settled on the match result at the end of regulation time. IFAB Law 7

Draw No Bet: a two-way market that removes the draw as a losing outcome and usually refunds stakes on a level result. Pinnacle DNB explanation

Settlement and match terms

Regulation time: the 90 minutes of play plus stoppage time defined by IFAB, which is the usual window for settling 3-way markets. IFAB match duration

Stake, profit, return: stake is the amount risked, profit is the winnings excluding the stake, and total return equals stake plus profit; use the appropriate odds formula for accurate calculations. Odds formulas

Quick pre-bet checklist for 3-way moneyline selections

Essential checks in order

Check market label for settlement window, confirm odds format, run a quick payout calculation or converter, and verify refund policy for DNB if you consider that alternative. DraftKings help Funded Plays

Final sanity checks

Ensure you used the correct payout formula for the displayed odds and that the market name matches the settlement window you expect; if the match is a knockout tie and you need extra-time coverage, switch to a market that explicitly includes those minutes.

Summary: core points to remember about 3-way moneyline soccer bets

Three quick takeaways

Remember that the 3-way moneyline settles at the end of regulation time and that a draw is a distinct losing outcome for team selections in this market. DraftKings settlement guidance

Use Draw No Bet or specific 'to qualify' markets when you need refund protection or coverage into extra time and penalties rather than relying on a standard 3-way line.

When to favour each market

Choose the 3-way line when you want the higher upside of a full three-outcome price and you believe the draw is unlikely; prefer DNB or qualification markets when you want to reduce downside or include extra minutes in the settlement window.