What Does Head-to-Head Mean in Betting?

Updated 16 Sep 2025 • WagerWise Learning Zone

A head-to-head bet (often shortened to H2H) is one of the simplest and most popular betting markets. It refers to betting on which of the two teams or players will win a match or contest — essentially a straight win/lose bet with no handicap, spread, or draw options unless otherwise specified.

Head-to-head betting is widely used in sports like football, basketball, tennis, rugby, cricket, and more. It’s a beginner-friendly market that forms the backbone of most bookmaker offerings.

How Head-to-Head Betting Works

When you bet head-to-head, you’re simply backing one competitor to beat the other. Bookmakers will display odds for both sides:

  • Team/Player A: Odds for them to win outright.
  • Team/Player B: Odds for them to win outright.

Example: In an AFL match between Sydney Swans and St Kilda, the head-to-head market might show:

  • Sydney Swans – 1.60
  • St Kilda – 2.40

If you bet $50 on Sydney Swans at 1.60 and they win, your return is $80 ($30 profit). If they lose, your stake is lost.

Head-to-Head in Different Sports

Football, AFL & Rugby

The most common use of H2H betting. Punters back one team to win. Some bookmakers may offer a draw no bet version, refunding stakes if the game ends level.

Basketball & American Sports

In NBA, NFL, and similar leagues, head-to-head betting is straightforward since games almost always end with a winner. You’re just choosing which side wins outright.

Tennis & Individual Sports

In sports like tennis or golf matchups, head-to-head bets focus on which player wins the duel, regardless of margin.

Why Choose Head-to-Head Betting?

  • Simplicity: Just pick the winner — no handicaps or complex markets.
  • Beginner-friendly: Great starting point for new bettors.
  • Consistent availability: Offered on virtually every match in every sport.

Tips for Head-to-Head Betting

  • Check form and recent performance before backing a team.
  • Factor in home advantage — especially in sports like AFL and football.
  • Don’t just follow short-priced favourites; value can lie with underdogs.
  • Compare odds across bookmakers for the best return.

Key Takeaways

Head-to-head betting is the purest form of sports wagering — a simple question of who wins. Whether it’s footy, basketball, or tennis, H2H markets remain the go-to option for casual and experienced punters alike. Keep it simple, do your homework, and always bet responsibly.