Understanding Three-Way Lines in Sports Betting: A Simple Guide

When it comes to sports betting, there are many different ways to place your bets, and three-way lines are one of the more exciting options. While sports like football and basketball mostly use point spreads, games like hockey, soccer, and sometimes baseball often use a type of bet called a moneyline. A moneyline bet is straightforward: you pick which team will win, and the payout varies depending on whether you’re betting on the favorite or the underdog.

But in sports like hockey and soccer, there’s often a third option: a tie or draw. That’s where the three-way line comes into play. Instead of just betting on one team to win, you can also bet on the game ending in a tie. This gives you three possible outcomes to bet on and opens up new ways to strategize. Let’s break down what three-way lines are, how they work, and how you can use them to your advantage.

What Exactly Is a Three-Way Line?

A three-way line lets you bet on one of three outcomes:

  • Team A wins
  • Team B wins
  • The game ends in a tie (or draw)

Unlike the more common two-way line where you only pick which team will win three-way lines also let you bet on the match ending in a draw, but only for the regular time (not including overtime or penalties). This betting format is most common in hockey and soccer, where ties are more frequent.

Example of a Two-Way Line (Hockey)

  • New York Rangers +130
  • Philadelphia Flyers -145

If you bet $100 on the Rangers at +130 and they win, you’d get $130 in profit. If you bet on the Flyers at -145, you’d need to risk $145 to win $100.

Example of a Three-Way Line (Hockey)

  • New York Rangers +210
  • Philadelphia Flyers +110
  • Tie +290

Now, with the three-way line, you have the added option to bet on a tie. The odds are better because predicting a win within regulation is trickier:

  • Bet $100 on the Rangers to win at +210, and you’d get $210 in profit if they win.
  • Bet $100 on the Flyers at +110, and you’d get $110 in profit if they win.
  • Bet $100 on a tie at +290, and you’d win $290 if the game ends tied after regulation time.

But if the game goes to overtime or a shootout and you bet on a team to win, your bet is lost, even if your team pulls off the victory in extra time.

How Do Three-Way Lines Work in Different Sports?

Hockey (NHL) and Three-Way Lines

In the NHL, games often end tied after regulation, so three-way lines are commonly used. Your bet only applies to the outcome at the end of regulation time, which means overtime doesn’t count. That’s why these bets offer better odds than regular moneyline bets you’re taking a bigger risk by betting on the result before overtime.

Soccer and Three-Way Lines

Soccer is where three-way lines really shine. With no overtime in regular league matches, ties are quite common. For instance, a soccer game might offer these odds:

  • Team A to win: +150
  • Team B to win: +180
  • Draw: +220

In closely matched games, betting on a draw can be very profitable since ties happen so frequently. Soccer’s natural pace and low scoring make this a solid option in many matches.

Why Bet on Three-Way Lines?

There are some solid reasons why betting on three-way lines can be a smart move:

Bigger Payouts

Three-way lines often offer higher payouts than two-way bets. Because you’re choosing between three outcomes instead of two, the odds are better, especially for underdogs or ties. For example, betting on a team to win in regulation can give you a much better return than a traditional moneyline.

Betting on Draws

Betting on a draw can be a goldmine in sports like hockey and soccer, where ties happen often. If you think the teams are evenly matched, the draw becomes a smart option with a nice payout.

More Betting Flexibility

With three-way lines, you get more options. You can bet on a win, a loss, or a tie, so you can approach your bets more strategically. If you’re unsure if a team will win but expect a close game, betting on the draw might be your best shot.

Things to Keep in Mind When Betting on Three-Way Lines

As fun as three-way lines can be, they also come with added risk. Here are some important factors to consider:

Regulation-Only Bets

Remember, your three-way line bet only covers what happens during regulation time. If the game goes to overtime and your team wins, you still lose the bet unless you specifically bet on them to win in regulation.

Matchups Matter

Some teams tend to play a lot of close games, especially against rivals. Look at their past matchups to see if they tend to end in draws. In sports like soccer, games between evenly matched teams are often low-scoring, making a draw a real possibility.

Check the Stats

Before betting, dive into stats like how often teams go to overtime or end in ties. This can give you valuable insight into whether betting on a three-way line is worth the risk.

Shop Around for the Best Odds

Different sportsbooks offer different odds for the same games. Shop around to find the best value. A small difference in odds can add up to bigger payouts over time.

How to Win with Three-Way Lines

Three-way lines add a layer of excitement to sports betting, especially in hockey and soccer, where ties are more common. By understanding the dynamics of three-way betting, you can find opportunities for bigger payouts and smarter wagers. Whether you’re betting on a team to win in regulation or taking a shot on a draw, these bets offer a lot of value that traditional two-way bets might not.

To succeed with three-way lines, it’s all about doing your homework study team trends, know how they perform in regulation, and always compare odds to get the best deal. With a little research and practice, you can make three-way lines a profitable part of your sports betting strategy.

FAQs

  1. What is a three-way line in sports betting?
    A three-way line lets you bet on three possible outcomes: Team A wins, Team B wins, or the game ends in a tie/draw.
  2. How is a three-way line different from a two-way line?
    A two-way line only allows you to bet on one team to win, while a three-way line includes the option to bet on a tie.
  3. Why are the odds better on three-way lines?
    With three possible outcomes, the risk is higher, so sportsbooks offer better odds to balance that risk.
  4. When should I bet on a draw?
    Betting on a draw is a good idea in games where both teams are closely matched, or in sports like soccer and hockey, where ties are more frequent.
  5. What happens if the game goes to overtime?
    If you bet on a three-way line, the result is based on the outcome at the end of regulation time. If the game goes to overtime, your bet on a win or tie is lost.