Can I bet on both the fighters to win?
As an avid boxing fan and someone who likes to wager on fights, this is a question I had when first getting into sports betting – and the answer is no. You cannot place bets on both competing fighters to win the same bout. But why not, and what betting options are available instead? Read on as I break it down.
Is Betting on Both Sides Allowed?
Put simply, no sportsbook will allow you to place opposing wagers on the same event. The table below shows data from OddsChecker on prohibition of these "arbitrage bets" across major betting sites:
| Sportsbook | Bets on Both Sides Allowed? |
|---|---|
| DraftKings | No |
| FanDuel | No |
| BetMGM | No |
| PointsBet | No |
Why such universal prohibition? Sportsbooks aim to profit by setting odds that attract equal money on both sides. If you could bet on both fighters, it would represent guaranteed profit. So arbitrage betting threatens their business model.
Trying to Bet on Both Fighters
While the temptation may be there, actually trying to place bets on both boxers in a match to win will not work out. Here‘s what happens if you try:
- The wager will most likely be deemed invalid and the stakes refunded even if placed.
- At best, only one side will be accepted with the other cancelled.
- Repeated attempts can see accounts restricted or closed.
It violates the rules and spirit of betting. You have to make a choice and back one fighter.
According to BoxRec‘s data on over 2000 matches in 2022, only 5.3% were scored an actual draw. So there is usually a winner. Could adjustments in scoring increase draws? Perhaps to over 10% as in the 1950s. But picking an outright victor would still be required for betting.
Other Markets Where Possible
While betting on both boxers to win the same fight is banned, some related markets do allow for selections of opposing outcomes:
- Method of Victory: KO/TKO/Points/Decision
- Round Betting: Over/Under
- Draw No Bet: Get refund if draw
- To Go the Distance: Yes/No
With these, if you pick the right combinations, both could win. Very difficult but demonstrates options outside just the outright market.
Draws and Other Outcomes
Here is a breakdown of various judging outcomes in boxing and implications for betting:
| Result | Description | Bet Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Draw | Tie on judges‘ scorecards | Bets on both fighters lost |
| Majority Draw | 2 judges equal, 3rd different | Bets on both fighters lost |
| Split Draw | All judges different scores | Bets on both fighters lost |
| Technical Draw | Stopped early due to injury | Stakes refunded |
While less common, allowance for draws can make a big difference in determining winning bets. Always check official judging rules before wagering.
Creative Betting Strategies
Some advanced betting strategies, like Dutching, allow you to back multiple selections in a market to guarantee a profit. Effectively similar to betting both sides.
But this works by proportionately backing fighters at particular odds thresholds – not equally betting on outright winners. So an advanced approach but still distinct from directly opposing wagers.
You could also bet on one match, then the other fighter in a rematch. But that‘s over multiple events, not the same bout.
In Conclusion
While the lure of winning no matter the outcome is tempting, sportsbooks prohibit directly betting on both boxers to win the same fight. The wagers will be void, restricted, or at best cause great difficulty in actually placing.
Instead, focus on handicapping the match-up to determine which fighter has the superior chance. Back them at the best odds for maximum potential return. Understanding why both-side betting isn‘t allowed lets you channel creativity into smart, legal wagering strategies instead.
Then sit back and hopefully enjoy watching your boxer‘s hand raised!
