Types of Sports Bets (1X2, over/under, handicap, accumulator)
Licensed bookmakers offer dozens of types of bets, but to get started it is enough to master a few basic ones. Each type differs in what exactly you are betting on and how hard it is to land — from the simplest bet on the match result to the multi-leg accumulator. Below we explain the most important of them in plain language, with examples, and suggest which ones to choose at the start. If you are just beginning, first read the how to place bets guide and how to read odds. Updated: October 2026.
1X2 — bet on the match result
The simplest and most popular bet. You pick one of the three match results:
- 1 — home win,
- X — draw,
- 2 — away win.
The ideal pick for a first betslip. In sports without a draw (e.g. tennis, basketball with overtime) there is a two-way 1-2 variant.
Over/Under — number of goals or points
A bet on whether the total number of goals/points will be above (over) or below (under) a set line. The most popular one in football is over/under 2.5 goals: “over 2.5” wins with 3 or more goals, “under 2.5” — with 0, 1 or 2 goals. You do not have to name the winner, only the nature of the match.
Handicap — levelling the chances
A handicap gives one of the teams a virtual advantage or deficit of goals/points to even out the odds when there is a big difference in level. With a handicap of -1.5 for the favourite, the bet wins only if it wins by two goals or more. Higher limits and interesting handicaps are offered by, among others, Superbet.
BTTS — both teams to score
A simple “yes/no” bet on whether both teams will score a goal. Popular in football, because it requires neither picking the winner nor the exact score.
Double chance
This is the “safer” variant of 1X2 — with a single bet you back two of the three outcomes: 1X (home or draw), X2 (away or draw) or 12 (either team wins). You land it more often, but in return the odds are lower. It is a good pick for cautious beginners, though it is worth remembering that lower odds also mean lower value — so read how to read odds.
Bets on players and statistics
Beyond the match result, licensed bookmakers offer markets on specific events: the goalscorer, the number of corners, cards or fouls. They can be attractive for players who know the teams’ style, but they are harder to land and require knowledge — which is why we do not recommend them at the very start of your betting journey.
Live betting
All of the above types can also be bet during the match. The odds update dynamically after every event (goal, card). In the sportsbook configuration of ComeOn, video streaming is switched on for Poland (as of 12.10.2026); we did not check which events carry a stream. Live bets are exciting but require quick decisions, which is why for beginners they are more of a next stage than a first betslip.
Accumulator (AKO)
An accumulator (AKO) combines several events into one betslip. The odds multiply, so the potential win grows very fast — but all the picks must come in, otherwise the whole betslip is lost. Example: three events at odds of 1.50 give combined odds of 1.50 × 1.50 × 1.50 = 3.375, but a single missed match is enough to lose the entire stake. The bookmaker’s margin compounds across every leg you add too — see exactly how in our guide to accumulator (AKO) margin. It is a higher-risk bet, which is why single picks are a better choice for beginners. Some operators, such as Betters (the RaiseBET boost), offer an accumulator odds boost — but remember that the bonus does not reduce the risk of the betslip itself.
| Type | Difficulty | For whom |
|---|---|---|
| 1X2 | Low | Beginners |
| Over/Under | Low | Beginners |
| BTTS | Low | Beginners |
| Handicap | Medium | Intermediate |
| AKO | High (risk) | Advanced |
The most common beginner mistakes
Before you choose a type, it is worth knowing the traps that new players fall into:
- Playing only high accumulators — they tempt with huge odds, but few land them.
- Betting on markets you do not understand — exotic Asian handicaps or special bets require knowledge; start with simple picks.
- Betting on emotion — backing your favourite team against the analysis.
Every type of bet is worth assessing through the lens of the odds and the margin — which is why you should first read how to read betting odds.
A practical example of a first betslip
Imagine a football match in which a clear favourite plays at home. Instead of building a risky accumulator, a beginner can consider three safe options on the same match:
- 1 (home win) — the simplest pick, if the favourite is reliable.
- 1X (double chance) — when you want “cover” in case of a draw, at the cost of lower odds.
- Over 1.5 — when you expect goals, regardless of who wins.
Place a small, fixed stake on one of them and watch how the odds translate into the result. That is the best, practical learning — without risking large amounts. We describe the whole process of opening an account and placing bets step by step in the how to place bets guide.
Which bet to choose to start with?
For your first betslips we recommend single 1X2 or over/under picks with a small stake, in line with the principles of bankroll management. You will place all of these bets only with operators from our list of licensed bookmakers — e.g. with the leader STS or the football-strong Superbet. As you gain experience you will naturally broaden your repertoire with handicaps or live bets — but the foundation is always simple, well-thought-out picks.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 1X2 bet?
It is a bet on the match result: 1 means a home win, X a draw, and 2 an away win. It is the simplest and best pick for a first betslip.
What is an accumulator (AKO)?
An accumulator combines several picks into one betslip — the odds multiply, so the win grows, but all the events must come in, otherwise the betslip is lost. It is a higher-risk bet, not recommended at the start.
What does over/under 2.5 mean?
It is a bet on the total number of goals: “over 2.5” wins with 3 or more goals, and “under 2.5” with 0, 1 or 2 goals. You do not pick the winner, only the number of goals.