What Does 12 Mean in Betting?

In the world of sports betting, numbers and abbreviations can often seem confusing to the uninitiated.

One such term that frequently comes up, especially in European betting markets, is “12”.

Understanding this term is crucial for bettors who want to make informed decisions and maximize their chances of winning.

This article delves into what “12” means in betting, its significance, and how bettors can use it to their advantage.

Understanding the Basics

To grasp the meaning of “12” in betting, it’s essential to start with the basics of sports betting markets.

Sports betting typically involves predicting the outcome of a sporting event.

The most common bets include predicting the winner of a match, the total number of goals or points, or specific events within the match.

In football (soccer), which is one of the most popular sports for betting, there are three possible outcomes in a standard match: the home team wins, the away team wins, or the match ends in a draw.

These outcomes are often represented by the numbers 1, X, and 2, respectively. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• 1: The home team wins.
• X: The match ends in a draw.
• 2: The away team wins.

The “12” Bet Explained

The “12” bet is a type of bet that combines two of these possible outcomes.

Specifically, it is a bet on either the home team (1) or the away team (2) to win the match.

Therefore, a “12” bet means the bettor is wagering that the match will not end in a draw.

If the match does end in a draw, the bet loses.

This type of bet is often referred to as a “double chance” bet because it offers two chances to win instead of just one.

It’s a popular option for bettors who want to increase their chances of winning, albeit often at lower odds compared to betting on a single outcome.

Check out this top footy tipster with over 100 points profit made.

Why Choose a “12” Bet?

There are several reasons why a bettor might choose a “12” bet:

1. Reduced Risk: Since the bet covers two of the three possible outcomes, the risk of losing is significantly reduced. This makes it an attractive option for risk-averse bettors.
2. Higher Probability of Winning: By betting on either team to win, the probability of winning the bet is higher compared to betting on a single outcome (either 1 or 2). This is particularly useful in matches where a draw is deemed unlikely. However, it is worth bearing in mind that the odds will also be lower for 12 bet versus backing just one team. 
3. Taking on the Draw: In matches where a draw looks unlikely but it is tough to decide which of the teams will win, a 12 bet can be an effective choice. This is often the case when two high-scoring teams are playing each other. 

Examples of “12” Betting

To illustrate how “12” betting works, let’s consider an example.

Here is a match between Spain and Croatia, with odds from the Betfair exchange:

To create a “12” bet, there are three options: 

• Backing both Spain and Croatia to win 
• Laying the draw
• Using the double chance market

All options have the same effect, as we will see below.

Let’s have a look firstly at backing both Spain and Croatia to win. 

We can do this by clicking on Spain and Croatia back button in blue and then the “Stake” button the betslip, which will ensure we have approximately the same profit if either team win:

In the example above, we have chosen a total stake of £99.99. 

That would give us a profit of just over £38.40 if either team wins.

That is a simple way to manually carry out a “12 bet.” 

The second – and even simpler – option is to lay the draw.

Here we have layed the draw at odds of 3.6 for £38.45. 

That gives us a liability of £99.97. 

It has the same effect as backing Spain and Croatia to win:

So laying the draw might be the preferable option, simply as it involves fewer clicks!

However, there is a third option, and that is to use the specific “Double Chance” market. 

In this market, we would be looking to back “home or away:” 

That means we are covering Spain and Croatia to win, so it is the same as a “12” bet.

So there you have it, three options for placing a “12” bet.

There is very little practical difference between the three so it’s just a question of which one you prefer to use.

Strategies for Using “12” Bets

Effective betting is not just about understanding the terms but also about implementing strategies that maximize your chances of winning.

Here are some strategies to consider when using “12” bets:

1. Analyze Team Form and Statistics: Before placing a “12” bet, analyze the recent performance, head-to-head records, and overall statistics of both teams. If both teams have a history of decisive matches with few draws, a “12” bet can be a smart choice.
2. Consider the Match Context: The context of the match is crucial. For example, in knockout stages of tournaments, teams can become cagey and there are often higher chances of a draw. 
3. Weather and Pitch Conditions: External factors like weather and pitch conditions can affect the likelihood of a draw. Poor conditions might lead to fewer goals and a higher chance of a draw, in which case a “12” bet might be less favorable.
4. In-Play Betting: Utilize in-play or live betting to place a “12” bet based on how the match is unfolding. If one team is dominating but hasn’t scored yet, the live odds for a “12” bet might offer good value.

Potential Pitfalls

While “12” bets offer reduced risk and higher chances of winning, there are potential pitfalls to be aware of:

1. Lower Odds: The primary trade-off for the reduced risk is lower odds. This means that while you may win more frequently, the payout for each win is smaller compared to riskier bets. In the example above, backing Spain alone is available at odds or around evens (2.0), but covering 12 gives odds of around 1.38.  
2. Overconfidence in Favorites: Bettors may sometimes place “12” bets out of overconfidence in favorites without proper analysis. Even strong teams can underperform, and surprises do happen in sports.
3. Ignoring the Draw Probability: In some matches, the probability of a draw might be significant. If you ignore this factor, a “12” bet might not be the best choice.

Conclusion

The “12” bet is a valuable tool in the arsenal of any sports bettor.

By offering a safer alternative to traditional win or draw bets, it caters to those looking for a more conservative approach.

However, like all betting options, it requires a careful analysis of the teams, match conditions, and overall betting strategy to be truly effective.

By understanding and strategically utilizing the “12” bet, bettors can enhance their betting experience and potentially increase their winnings.

Good luck with any 12 bets you place and please remember to always gamble responsibly. 

Now read: Who is the Best Football Tipster?

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