Introduction: What Are 1X2 Betting Tips?
If you’re exploring the world of sports betting – whether as a casual punter or someone looking to improve your strategy – you’ve probably seen the term 1X2. You’ll also have come across countless websites offering 1X2 betting tips, like OLBG’s betting tips page.
But what does “1X2” actually mean? Why is it such a popular market, and how can tips help you make better decisions?
Let’s break it all down from scratch.
The Basics: What Does 1X2 Mean?
The “1”
The “1” represents the home team winning the match.
For example:
- Manchester United vs. Newcastle
- A bet on 1 means you think Manchester United will win.
The “X”
The “X” stands for a draw – meaning the match finishes level after 90 minutes (plus injury time).
- Manchester United vs. Newcastle
- A bet on X wins if the final score is, say, 1-1, 2-2, or 0-0.
Draws are quite common in football (soccer), which is why this market is so relevant.
The “2”
The “2” stands for the away team winning.
- Manchester United vs. Newcastle
- A bet on 2 wins if Newcastle takes the victory.
Why 1X2 Markets Are So Popular
1X2 betting is the bread and butter of football punting in the UK, because:
✅ It’s simple – three possible outcomes.
✅ Odds are usually competitive.
✅ It covers the full match result in regular time.
✅ It’s widely available across all bookmakers.
Beyond football, you’ll also find 1X2 betting in:
- Rugby
- Ice hockey
- Basketball (in some markets)
- Handball
- Esports (in certain competitions)
But football remains the king of the 1X2 market.
Example of 1X2 Odds
Let’s look at a Premier League example:
Chelsea vs. Aston Villa
- 1 (Chelsea win) → 1.70
- X (Draw) → 3.80
- 2 (Aston Villa win) → 5.00
If you bet £10 on:
- Chelsea and they win → you’d win £17 (£7 profit).
- Draw and the game finishes level → you’d win £38 (£28 profit).
- Aston Villa and they win → you’d win £50 (£40 profit).
Remember: odds reflect the perceived probability. Lower odds = favourite. Higher odds = underdog.
How 1X2 Tips Help You
Now that you know how 1X2 betting works, let’s talk about tips.
1X2 betting tips are simply predictions from:
- Professional tipsters
- Sports betting analysts
- Fellow punters (community tips)
- Statistical models
These tips aim to:
- Identify value bets
- Spot teams likely to win or cause an upset
- Provide insights you may overlook (injuries, tactics, motivation)
While no tip guarantees a win, quality tips can improve your betting choices over random guessing.
Types of 1X2 Betting Tips
Let’s explore the main types you’ll see on sites like OLBG.
Expert Tips
- Often written by professional tipsters
- Based on research, stats, and form
- Typically provide reasoning for each pick
E.g.:
“Leicester to win (1) vs. Bournemouth because Bournemouth’s defence has conceded an average of 2.3 goals away from home this season.”
Community Tips
- Shared by regular punters
- Many platforms rank users based on past performance
- Good for spotting popular opinions or betting trends
E.g.:
“67% of punters are backing the draw between Brentford and Fulham.”
Statistical Tips
- Algorithm-driven predictions
- Use data like xG (Expected Goals), shots on target, historical results
- May lack context (e.g. injuries, player motivation)
E.g.:
“Model predicts a 24% chance of a draw.”
Accumulator Tips (Accas)
Many tipsters build accumulators (multiples) using 1X2 bets.
Example acca:
- Arsenal to win (1)
- Brighton vs. Wolves draw (X)
- Spurs to win (2)
Higher returns – but higher risk. One losing leg, and the whole acca fails.
How to Use 1X2 Betting Tips Effectively
Don’t just blindly follow tips. Here’s how to make the most of them:
✅ Check reasoning. Good tips explain why a team might win.
✅ Compare tipsters. Look for consistent performers, not just flashy big wins.
✅ Check injuries and news. Even great tips can become outdated if a star player drops out last-minute.
✅ Consider your stake. Even the best tips lose sometimes. Bet responsibly.
✅ Look for value. Sometimes the best bet isn’t the team most likely to win, but the one whose odds are too high relative to their chances.
Example: A Real-World 1X2 Scenario
Imagine the following scenario:
- West Ham vs. Everton
- Bookie odds:
- 1 (West Ham) → 2.10
- X (Draw) → 3.40
- 2 (Everton) → 3.80
You check tips from OLBG:
- 65% of tipsters back West Ham to win.
- Tipsters highlight that Everton have key defenders injured.
- West Ham have won their last 3 home games.
Your decision:
- You feel confident West Ham will win → bet on “1”.
- Or you think the injuries are overblown and go for value on Everton → bet on “2”.
This illustrates how tips inform, but you make the final call.
Why Odds Move: The Market Effect
Ever noticed odds change before kick-off? Tips can influence betting markets.
- A popular tip → lots of punters back it → bookies cut odds to reduce liability.
E.g.:
- Monday: Newcastle to win = 2.50
- Friday: Newcastle to win = 2.10
Being quick to act on tips can sometimes lock in better odds.
Common Mistakes with 1X2 Betting Tips
🚫 Following tips blindly. No tipster is right 100% of the time.
🚫 Chasing losses. Avoid betting bigger after losses because “the next tip must win.”
🚫 Ignoring context. Stats are important – but so is team news, motivation, fixture congestion.
🚫 Not shopping for odds. Always check multiple bookies for the best price.
Practical Tips for Choosing 1X2 Tips Sites
If you want to use 1X2 betting tips sites like OLBG, look for:
- Track record. Can you see tipsters’ past performance?
- User community. Active discussion often indicates quality.
- Transparency. Do tipsters explain reasoning?
- Updates. Check that tips are current – especially for team news.
A Quick Mini Case Study
Case: Wolves vs. Leeds United
- Bookie odds:
- Wolves win (1) → 2.20
- Draw (X) → 3.30
- Leeds win (2) → 3.50
OLBG tips:
- 60% back Wolves.
- Reasons:
- Leeds missing two midfielders.
- Wolves strong home form.
Match Result:
- Leeds snatch a 2-1 win.
Lesson: Even strong tips lose. Bet responsibly, and never stake more than you can afford.
Responsible Gambling Reminder
No matter how good your 1X2 betting tips are, there’s no guaranteed profit in sports betting. Always:
- Set a budget.
- Avoid chasing losses.
- Take breaks if betting feels stressful.
If you need help, contact UK organisations like GamCare or BeGambleAware.
Conclusion: Your Next Steps with 1X2 Betting Tips
The 1X2 market remains one of the simplest and most exciting ways to bet on football and other sports. Tips can help you make more informed decisions – but they’re tools, not certainties.
✅ Learn how the 1X2 market works.
✅ Follow reputable tipsters and check their reasoning.
✅ Look for value, not just favourites.
✅ Bet responsibly.
Check out reputable sources like OLBG’s betting tips page for daily 1X2 insights from experienced tipsters. And remember – betting should always stay fun.
Where to go next on our site
- Our Betting Glossary and betting terms explained for the UK
- Best betting sites in the UK – tested and verified reviews of the best bookmakers in the UK,
- Best free bets offers – clear analysis of self-tested welcome offers for new customers,
- Football betting guides – bookmakers reviews on football and soccer betting.
Safer‑gambling resources
- GAMSTOP self‑exclusion – register free to block online gambling accounts. (Gambling Commission)
- National Gambling Helpline (GamCare) – 0808 8020 133, 24/7. (GamCare)
- NHS: Help for problems with gambling – official support and clinic info. (nhs.uk)
- GambleAware – advice, tools and signposting to treatment. (GambleAware)
Compliance note on scope: This guide focuses on Great Britain under the Gambling Act 2005, regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. If you’re in Northern Ireland, check local arrangements before you bet.
This guide was created with AI assistance and reviewed by a human editor to ensure accuracy and clarity. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not encourage gambling.
FAQs About 1X2 Betting and Tips
Is 1X2 the same as Match Result betting?
Yes – “1X2” is just another term for the Match Result market.
Do tips guarantee a profit?
No. Even expert tipsters have losing streaks. Tips improve your chances of making smart bets but don’t remove the risk.
Is 1X2 betting only for football?
No – but it’s most common in football. You’ll find 1X2 in other sports like rugby, handball, and ice hockey, where draws are possible.
Are paid tipsters better than free ones?
Not always. Many free platforms (like OLBG) have excellent tipsters who outperform some paid services. Always check records and transparency.
What does “value” mean in betting tips?
Value means betting when the odds are higher than the true probability.
E.g.:
That’s a value bet.
Bookie odds imply a 25% chance of an away win (odds 4.00)
Your analysis suggests a 40% chance.
Do dropping odds mean a horse or team will definitely win?
No. Dropping odds mean the market thinks they have a better chance. Upsets still happen.