You’re loyal to your favourite team and always back them to win, but now and then, they let you down with a draw. A Draw No Bet wager comes in handy when you think a draw is possible, letting you stay loyal to your team with a safety net for your stake if it happens.
That protection comes with shorter odds and a lower potential payout than a standard win bet. Understanding this trade-off can help you judge when the market suits your betting strategy.
What Does Draw No Bet Mean?
The Draw No Bet (DNB) market is straightforward: you choose Team A or Team B to win. There is no draw selection. A win pays at the agreed odds, a draw makes the bet void and returns your full stake, and a defeat loses your stake.
Let’s look at an example. Say you place a €10 Draw No Bet wager on Team A at odds of 1.80. Here’s how each result affects your bet:
- Team A wins: you receive €18, including your €10 stake, for €8 profit.
- The match draws: your €10 comes back, with no profit or loss.
- Team A loses: you lose your €10 stake.
DNB has the same win, refund and loss outcomes as Asian handicap 0, also called level ball, when both cover the same playing period. Their settlement maths is identical, although the prices offered can differ.
Draw No Bet vs Standard 1X2 — What’s the Difference?
With 1X2, you can back the home team (1), the draw (X) or the away team (2). Back either team, and a draw loses your bet. DNB only lets you pick a team to win, but returns your stake if the match finishes level.
DNB odds are shorter because of that refund. Say Team A are priced at 2.10 in 1X2 and 1.70 in DNB. If they win, a €10 bet returns €21 on 1X2 and €17 on DNB. That’s €11 profit compared with €7. If Team A loses, you lose your €10 with either option.
If you think Team A have the edge but a draw is a real possibility, Draw No Bet is worth considering. Just don’t assume the refund makes any price worth taking.
When Irish Punters Should Use Draw No Bet
A DNB can suit your betting strategy, but think about the match and how you’re using it: as a single bet, in an accumulator or in a Bet Builder.
Here are three scenarios to consider:
- Backing a favourite in a tight match: Team A looks stronger, but Team B is hard to break down. If the match ends in a draw, your stake is returned. If you win, you’re paid less than you would be on a straight win bet. Decide if the higher potential payout on a straight win bet is worth the extra risk.
- Cup or knockout football: If the market covers 90 minutes plus stoppage time, a 1-1 draw returns your stake. A later win in extra time or on penalties won’t change that. Check the playing period and settlement rules before betting.
- Accumulators and Bet Builders: In a standard accumulator, a drawn DNB leg usually counts at odds of 1.00, reducing the potential return. Any losing leg still loses the bet. If DNB is available in a Bet Builder, first check the rules for void selections.
Draw No Bet Tips
By now, you should have a clear idea of how a DNB works. These tips can help clear up any remaining questions.
- Compare potential profits: Work out what the same stake would earn on DNB and 1X2. A small gap doesn’t automatically make DNB good value. Think about how likely your team is to win or lose, as well as the chance of a draw.
- Read the settlement terms: For knockout matches, check the playing period and whether extra time or penalties count. Ask support before betting if you are unclear about the rules.
- Don’t confuse DNB with Double Chance: A Double Chance bet on Team A to win or draw pays out for either result. With DNB, a draw only gives you your stake back. Understand the difference so you don’t make a rookie mistake.
Responsible Gambling
Gambling should always be entertainment, never a way to make money. Set a spending limit and never chase losses. Remember, a Draw No Bet wager can still lose your full stake.
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