If you’re new to sports betting, you might have come across the term 3-way moneyline and wondered what it means. Don’t worry—it’s not as complicated as it sounds. Let’s break it down in a simple way so you can understand how it works and when to use it.

3-Way Moneyline Meaning

A 3-way moneyline bet gives you three possible outcomes:

  • Team A wins.
  • Team B wins.
  • The game ends in a draw.

Pretty simple, right? This bet is common in sports where games can end in a tie, like soccer or hockey. If you bet on a team to win and the game ends in a draw, you lose the bet. That’s the catch.

How Does a 3-Way Moneyline Work?

Let’s say you’re betting on a soccer match. The odds might look something like this:

  • Team A to win: +150
  • Team B to win: +200
  • Draw: +250

If you place $10 on Team A and they win, you’d make $15 in profit. But if the game ends in a draw, you lose the entire bet. In a 3-way moneyline, each outcome is treated as its own result, so you have to pick the exact one to win.

This is different from a regular 2-way moneyline, where a draw would result in a “push,” meaning you’d get your money back. With a 3-way moneyline, there are no refunds if you bet on a win and the game ties.

Why Use a 3-Way Moneyline?

The biggest reason people like the 3-way moneyline is that it offers better odds than the 2-way version. Since you’re picking between three outcomes instead of two, the potential payouts are higher. That also means there’s more risk because you’re adding the possibility of a draw into the mix.

For example, in sports like soccer, where draws are common, betting on a 3-way moneyline can give you better value if you think a tie is likely.

Common Sports for 3-Way Moneyline Bets

You’ll mostly see 3-way moneyline bets in sports like:

  • Soccer: This is the sport where it’s used the most since ties happen often.
  • Hockey: The bet applies to the score at the end of regular time. If the game goes into overtime, it doesn’t count for the 3-way moneyline result.

You might also come across it in certain basketball leagues, though it’s less common there.

How Is a 3-Way Moneyline Different From a 2-Way Moneyline?

The main difference between a 2-way and 3-way moneyline is the option of a draw. A 2-way moneyline only offers two outcomes: one team wins, or the other team wins. If the game ends in a tie, it’s a push, and you get your money back. Simple enough.

With a 3-way moneyline, there’s no push. You either win or lose based on the exact outcome you choose. So, if you bet on a win but the game ends in a draw, you lose—even though your team didn’t lose. It’s a higher risk but with a better potential reward.

When Should You Bet on a 3-Way Moneyline?

Here are a few tips on when to use a 3-way moneyline bet:

  • When the teams are evenly matched: If you think a draw is a real possibility, betting on a tie might give you better odds and a higher payout.
  • When you feel confident about a win: If you strongly believe one team will win and the odds are good, betting on them in a 3-way moneyline can bring bigger returns.
  • Look at the stats: Check the history of both teams. If they’ve had a lot of draws in recent matches, consider betting on the draw. If one team consistently wins or loses, adjust your bet accordingly.

Final Thoughts

A 3-way moneyline adds a bit more complexity to sports betting, but it’s a fun way to get better odds and bigger payouts—especially if you’re betting on sports like soccer or hockey where draws are common. Just remember, with three possible outcomes, you need to choose carefully because there’s no refund if you get it wrong.

Betting on a 3-way moneyline doesn’t have to be confusing. It’s all about understanding the options and choosing the right moment to bet. If you’re ready to step up your betting game, try Bet Picks Pro and get expert tips sent straight to your phone. Start with a 14-day risk-free trial and get ahead in the game!