What Does -1 Mean in Football Betting? + Octopus & 3-Way Bets Explained

Welcome to the wonderfully weird world of football betting, where terms like “-1,” “octopus,” and “3-way” mean more than just quirky jargon. They’re actually tools smart bettors use to boost their odds—and sometimes confuse everyone else at the bar.

Let’s break down these betting terms like we’re drawing up plays on a chalkboard. Whether you’re a newcomer or someone who’s Googled “what is an octopus in football betting” at 2 a.m. (hey, we’ve all been there), you’re in the right place.

📉 What Does -1 Mean in Football Betting?

The “-1” in football betting refers to a point spread. It means you’re backing a team that needs to win by more than one goal (or point, depending on the sport) for your bet to cash.

How It Works:

If you bet on Team A -1:

• If Team A wins by 2 or more, you win the bet.
• If Team A wins by exactly 1, it’s a push—you get your money back.
• If Team A draws or loses, you lose the bet.

This type of bet is often used in Asian Handicap betting, especially in football (soccer) matches, to eliminate the draw as a possible outcome and balance mismatched teams.

👉 Why use it? Because betting on a favorite straight-up offers low odds. Adding the handicap increases the payout potential.

🐙 What Is an Octopus in Football Betting?

Nope, it’s not seafood or a new position on the offensive line.

An octopus in football betting is a prop bet where a single player scores a touchdown and then scores the two-point conversion on the same drive.

It’s called an octopus because there are 8 points involved from one player (6 for the touchdown + 2 for the conversion = 8 legs = octopus. Get it?).

Example:

• The running back finds a gap and scores a touchdown..
• The team attempts a two-point conversion.
• The same player runs it in or catches the conversion.
• Boom: You’ve got yourself an octopus.

It’s rare, high-risk, and often pays out big—just like betting on an actual octopus to play quarterback.

⚽ What Is 3-Way Betting in Football?

In football (especially soccer), 3-way betting means you’re picking one of three possible outcomes in regulation time:

1. Home team wins
2. Away team wins
3. Draw

It’s different from 2-way bets, which remove the draw (often used in U.S. sports like NFL or in-play bets).

Real Example:

• You place a bet on Man City versus Arsenal.
• If you take Man City to win and they do: ✅ win.
• If it’s a draw or Arsenal wins: ❌ you lose.

3-way bets usually have better odds than 2-way, but they come with added risk since draws are pretty common in soccer.

👉 Pro tip: If you’re scared of the draw but still like good odds, explore Draw No Bet (DNB) options.

🧠 Summary Table

Final Thoughts: Master the Lingo, Win the Wager

Betting doesn’t have to feel like deciphering ancient hieroglyphs—though it does involve its own language. Now that you understand what -1, octopus, and 3-way betting really mean, you’re better equipped to make smarter plays and avoid rookie mistakes.

So whether you’re betting on a soccer draw, hoping for a rare octopus, or riding a -1 favorite, just remember: the smartest bets are the ones you actually understand.