Just like the sports themselves, most wagers end in one of two ways – the winner and the loser. Then there’s the 3-way bet, where there is an extra outcome. This type of bet can be used for several sports, though today we’re focusing on 3-way bets on basketball. Join us at BetVictor for an explanation of what a 3-way bet is, how to make one, and some frequently asked questions about this common, multifaceted wager.
What is a 3-Way Bet?
Just as the name implies, a 3-way bet wagers on the outcome of an event with three possible results instead of two. Where simpler bets result in a win or a loss, the 3-way bet throws another potential outcome into the mix. In most cases, you’ll find a 3-way bet in sports where draws are possible and commonly occur – soccer, hockey, and of course, basketball.
In terms of odds, the draw is typically the unlikely outcome for a basketball game. As such, an example game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics moneyline odds could look like this:
| L.A Lakers | 3.75 |
| Boston Celtics | 1.71 |
| Tied Game | 4.40 |
This kind of wager creates two ways to lose and one way to win, with the draw having the longer odds. Even if the substance of the underlying game is the same, a 3-way bet changes the odds by acknowledging the likelihood of a tie.
Following our example above – the Lakers and the Celtics are going at it in playoffs, somebody needs to win so the championship can continue. With 3-way bets, you settle this by focusing on what happens during the allotted game time, ignoring overtime.
If the Lakers and Celtics were tied when the final whistle sounded, that would be the result of the 3-way bet and the payout would be dispersed accordingly. Then the game continues into overtime because somebody needs to emerge on top.
How to Make a 3-Way Bet
To make a 3-way bet or any other wager, you must first have an account with your sportsbook. Find a sportsbook that offers 3-way betting options and create an account. Before you do, check to see if there are any sign-up bonuses that you can take advantage of. We offer a few at BetVictor that new customers can use.
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This is also the time to stop and ensure that you are in a betting mindset. Consult our guidelines on safe and responsible gambling if you are unsure.
After creating an account, which will require an email and password on your part, you’ll need to add credit by adding financial information. Approve a transaction to fund your account, adding enough to satisfy the wager you’re willing to make.
Once that is done, navigate the website or app to the basketball section. If there are games happening soon, you’ll find their odds displayed on-screen. Three-way bets apply to individual games, not outright bets on who will take Finals since that cannot be drawn.
Find a game where you like the odds, then pick the outcome you most expect. This will prompt confirmation, which removes the credit from your account. Once that’s complete – good luck! If you win your wager, your payout will be deposited into your account for withdrawal or future wagers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find some of the most commonly asked questions about 3-way betting in basketball below, along with the answers to them.
To win a moneyline bet, your predicted outcome needs to be reflected in the game. Whether this is win, lose, or even draw, you’ll get paid out if you wagered on this result beforehand. In most 3-way betting setups, the draw will have the longest odds when compared to a team win or loss.
Push is what happens when a two-way bet ends in a draw. Since the draw wasn’t a betting option, all wagers get refunded and nobody wins or loses, just like the sports team. Three-way bets are no push because the draw is factored into the bet and is a betting option.
In basketball, quarter bets allow bettors to predict who will be in the winning or losing position at each stage of the game, including halftime. If it’s a 3-way bet, a tied score is factored into the wager’s odds and is available as a betting option.
This means that bettors can bet on a game being tied at halftime. If the score is tied halfway through the game, they will win that bet. Then the game may settle with one team winning after the bet has concluded, so it doesn’t factor into the bet’s results.
