Draw no bet, usually shortened to DNB, is one of the most useful football markets that many bettors never try. You back a team to win, and if the match ends in a draw, you get your stake back. It sits neatly between a straight win and double chance. This guide explains how draw no bet works, how it compares with the alternatives, and when it’s the smart choice.
How draw no bet works
With draw no bet, there are only two ways for your bet to be decided:
- Your team wins: you’re paid at the DNB odds.
- Your team loses: you lose your stake.
- The match is drawn: the bet is void and your stake comes back.
Like other result markets, it’s settled on the 90 minutes plus stoppage time. If you’re new to these codes, our guide to football betting codes explains them all.
Draw no bet vs straight win vs double chance
Here’s how a ₦1,000 bet on the home team could look in the three markets:
| Result | Home win at 1.80 | Home DNB at 1.35 | 1X at 1.22 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home wins | ₦1,800 back | ₦1,350 back | ₦1,220 back |
| Draw | Lose ₦1,000 | ₦1,000 back | ₦1,220 back |
| Away wins | Lose ₦1,000 | Lose ₦1,000 | Lose ₦1,000 |
The straight win pays most but loses on a draw. Double chance pays least but wins on a draw. Draw no bet is in the middle: better odds than double chance, and your money back on a draw. The exact odds vary, but that pattern is always the same. Our guide to double chance betting covers the other option in detail.
When draw no bet makes sense
- You expect your team to win, but a draw wouldn’t surprise you. DNB removes the most common upset without cutting the odds as much as double chance.
- Evenly matched games. When two teams are close, backing the one you prefer on DNB limits the damage of a draw.
- Away favourites. Strong away teams often get held. DNB protects you without giving up too much price.
- Underdogs with a chance. Backing an underdog on DNB can offer odds of 2.50 or more, with a draw returning your stake.
When it doesn’t
- A draw is very unlikely. If both teams must go for the win, you’re paying for protection you don’t need. The straight win is better value.
- A draw is very likely. If you think the draw is a real possibility, double chance actually pays out on it, while DNB only returns your stake.
- The odds are tiny. DNB on a huge favourite might be 1.08. That’s not worth the risk.
Draw no bet in accumulators
If a DNB selection in an accumulator ends in a draw, most bookmakers treat that leg as void: it’s removed from the slip and the odds of the remaining legs are used. Your slip doesn’t lose because of the draw, but the total odds drop. Rules can differ, so check your bookmaker’s terms. Keep accumulators short whatever markets you use; our guide on how to build an accumulator explains why.
Draw no bet and Asian handicap
Draw no bet is the same as an Asian handicap of 0 (sometimes written AH 0.0 or “level ball”). If you see that on a betting site, it works exactly like DNB: a win pays, a draw refunds and a loss loses. Wikipedia’s Asian handicap article explains the wider family of handicap bets.
A quick decision guide
| Your view of the match | Market to consider |
|---|---|
| My team should win comfortably | Straight win |
| My team should win, but a draw is possible | Draw no bet |
| My team shouldn’t lose, a draw is quite likely | Double chance |
Using our tips
We don’t post a separate DNB page, but many of our home win and away win tips can be played as draw no bet if you want protection on the draw. Compare the odds at your bookmaker first, and stake sensibly as explained in our bankroll management guide.
Related guides
- Double Chance Betting Explained: When 1X and X2 Make Sense
- Asian Handicap Explained Simply: 0, -0.5, -1, +1.5 and Quarter Lines
- Home Advantage in Football: How Much Is It Really Worth?
- Football Betting Codes Explained: 1X2, 1X, GG, Over 1.5 and More
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to draw no bet if the match is drawn?
The bet is void and your stake is returned.
Is draw no bet better than double chance?
DNB pays more when your team wins, but double chance also pays on a draw. Choose DNB when you expect a win and double chance when a draw is likely.
Does draw no bet include extra time?
No. It is settled on the 90 minutes plus stoppage time.
Is draw no bet the same as Asian handicap 0?
Yes. Both pay on a win, refund on a draw and lose on a defeat.
