Draw in Soccer Modifies Everything About Moneyline Betting Thanks to the 3-Way Moneyline
Table for Three
Every Premier League fan eventually reaches that point: watching games is thrilling, analyzing form is fun, but the real challenge—and sometimes the real reward—comes when you start betting.
For newcomers, though, it can feel like a maze of numbers and terms. Don’t let that intimidate you. Once you understand the basics, betting becomes less intimidating. And one of the most overlooked yet powerful betting tools is the 3-way moneyline.
Moneyline Betting Basics
Let’s start simple. A moneyline bet is the most straightforward wager in sports betting. You’re essentially choosing which team you think will win the game. No spreads, no complicated formulas—just pick the winner.
Say Manchester United is up against Arsenal. If you bet the moneyline on Arsenal and they win, you get paid. If they lose, you don’t. Easy. That’s why moneyline bets are popular with both beginners and seasoned bettors: it’s the most direct way to bet on a match.
But when we’re talking about soccer odds, things get a little more interesting. Unlike basketball or American football, where ties are rare or resolved with overtime, soccer has a third possible outcome: the draw. That’s where the 3-way moneyline comes into play.
What is a 3-Way Moneyline?
A 3-way bet gives you three possible outcomes to choose from:
- Home team win
- Away team win
- Draw
Using the same Arsenal vs. Manchester United example, the soccer odds might look like this:
- Manchester United +240
- Arsenal -110
- Draw +280
This means a $100 bet on United could return $240, a $100 bet on Arsenal returns $110, and a $100 bet on the draw returns $280. Suddenly, you’ve got another avenue for profit, and in the Premier League, where draws are fairly common, that third option is more valuable than many beginners realize.
To put it in perspective, Arsenal and United have faced off over 200 times in league play, and nearly a quarter of those games have ended level. Ignoring the draw in a 3-way bet is like ignoring a quarter of the history between these teams.
What happens if the game goes into overtime?
Here’s where beginners often get tripped up. In a 3-way moneyline, your bet is settled at the end of 90 minutes, plus stoppage time. Extra time or penalties don’t count.
So, let’s say you bet on Arsenal to win, but after 90 minutes it’s 1-1. Even if Arsenal goes on to win in extra time, your 3-way moneyline bet loses. That’s why it’s crucial to remember: this market only covers regulation time.
3 Way Bet Tips and Strategy
Now that you know how it works, let’s dig into some 3-way bet tips and strategies that can change your luck.
1. Shop Around for Value
Each sportsbook sets its soccer odds and lines differently. The moneyline system is designed to balance action on both sides, but each book has its own style and risk tolerance. That means Arsenal might be -110 at one book and -120 at another.
A small difference on one game might not feel like much, but over time, consistently finding the best soccer odds adds up.
2. Do Your Homework
This is where casual fans often slip. They see odds and bet with their heart. But information is your best friend. Look at team form, injuries, suspensions, and even weather. A rainy night in Stoke might sound cliché, but conditions matter.
Underdogs often get written off by casual bettors, but if you’ve spotted a tactical edge or a mismatch, that’s where real value hides.
3. Bet Early and Track Line Movements
An advanced moneyline strategy involves timing. Odds shift regularly as matchday approaches and more money is put on each side. If you believe the public will flood one side (say, Arsenal after a big win), it’s smart to get your bet in early before the price changes.
On the other hand, waiting can also bring value if you think the line will move in your favor. Monitoring those shifts is part of developing a sharper betting instinct.
When it comes to advanced moneyline strategy, timing is a crucial factor to consider. Odds shift as money flows in. Let’s say that you think the public will pile into one side (like Arsenal after it’s just beaten Liverpool) — it’s wise to place your bet sooner, before the price changes.
On the other hand, waiting can be useful if you expect the line will move in your direction. Monitoring those moves is a tool in developing a keener betting instinct.
4. Understand Draw Value
The beauty of the 3-way moneyline in soccer betting is the draw option. Casual bettors hate betting draws—they feel anticlimactic. But that’s exactly why sportsbooks often give generous odds on them.
In tight rivalries or matches where both teams would be satisfied with a point, the draw is not just possible—it’s probable.
