If you’re new to sports betting, some of the terminology can feel like it’s designed to trip you up. Asian handicap, BTTS, DNB—it’s a lot. But once you break them down, many of these markets are surprisingly simple. One of the easiest (and most beginner-friendly) is Draw No Bet.
Whether you’re trying to understand the phrase, considering using it for the first time, or just want to protect your bet from ending in heartbreak, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
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What does Draw No Bet mean?
Draw No Bet is a type of sports bet that removes the draw as a losing outcome. If the match ends in a draw, your bet doesn’t win or lose. Instead, your full stake is simply refunded.
This gives you two possible outcomes instead of three:
- Your team wins — the bet pays out at the listed odds
- The match ends in a draw — your stake is returned, no harm done
- Your team loses — you lose the bet
It’s a popular option in sports like soccer, where draws are common and hard to predict. Instead of risking your money on a match that could end all square, Draw No Bet gives you a bit of insurance. You’re still backing a win, but without being punished if things finish level.
The tradeoff is that the odds will usually be lower than a regular match result bet. That’s because you’re reducing the risk, and the bookmaker adjusts the price to reflect that extra safety.
How does Draw No Bet work?
Let’s say you’re betting on a Premier League clash — Liverpool vs. Arsenal — and you back Liverpool with a $50 Draw No Bet wager at +100 odds.
There are three possible outcomes:
- If Liverpool win, your bet pays out in full. You get your original $50 stake back, plus $50 profit.
- If the match ends in a draw, your bet is canceled and your $50 is refunded — no win, no loss.
- If Liverpool lose, your $50 stake is lost, just like a standard bet.
So you’re still betting on a win, but with a little extra security if the game finishes level. It gives you a cleaner risk profile, so you only lose if your team actually loses.
DNB vs other markets
Draw No Bet is often described as a “safer” bet, but safer than what, exactly?
To understand that, it helps to compare it with two of the most common alternatives: the 1X2 market (also called “match result”) and the Double Chance market. All three are available in most soccer matches, but they each carry a different balance of risk and reward.
Draw No Bet vs 1X2 (Match Result)
The 1X2 market is the default in soccer betting. You’re picking one of three outcomes:
- 1 = Home win
- X = Draw
- 2 = Away win
Let’s say Manchester United are playing Tottenham. If you bet on United in the 1X2 market and the game ends in a draw, your bet loses, even though United didn’t actually lose the match.
That’s the key difference with Draw No Bet—the draw is no longer treated as a losing outcome.
| Market | If your team wins | If it’s a draw | If your team loses |
| 1X2 | ✅ Win | ❌ Lose | ❌ Lose |
| Draw No Bet | ✅ Win | 🔁 Refund | ❌ Lose |
Draw No Bet vs Double Chance
Double Chance is designed for ultra-low-risk betting. You’re covering two of the three possible results, meaning you only lose if the one outcome you didn’t cover happens.
There are three options in a Double Chance market:
- Home win or draw
- Away win or draw
- Home win or away win — sometimes listed as ‘No Draw’ or ‘Win Only’ — covers both teams to win, excluding the draw.
For example, if you bet on “Manchester United or Draw”:
- You win if United win or the game is a draw
- You lose only if United lose
| Market | Team Wins | Draw/Tie | Team Loses |
| Double Chance | ✅ Win | ✅ Win | ❌ Lose |
| Draw No Bet | ✅ Win | 🔁 Refund | ❌ Lose |
When should you use Draw No Bet?
You shouldn’t use Draw No Bet on every match, sometimes the odds don’t justify it. But there are several common scenarios where it makes sense:
1. Close match, hard to call
You think one team has the edge but wouldn’t be shocked by a draw. DNB gives you a way to back your hunch without fully committing.
2. Underdogs with draw potential
A smaller team that often scrapes draws might be worth backing DNB if the payout is solid.
3. Away teams with strong defense
If a team is unlikely to win comfortably on the road but still tough to beat, Draw No Bet helps cover your bases.
4. Derby matches or rivalry games
These are often tense, scrappy and low scoring, which makes draws more likely. DNB can keep your bet alive.
Sports where Draw No Bet applies
Draw No Bet is most commonly used in soccer, but it’s available in any sport where a draw or tie is a legitimate outcome. Here’s where it applies — and where it doesn’t.
Soccer
The most frequent and relevant use. With draws happening in around 20–30% of matches, DNB offers a way to back a team without losing your stake if the match ends level. In knockout games, it typically applies to 90 minutes only.
Test cricket
Draws are still common, especially in rain-affected matches or flat pitches. DNB gives you coverage if no result is achieved after five days.
Combat sports (MMA, boxing)
Less common, but available at some sportsbooks. If a fight ends in a draw, your stake is refunded. Useful in tightly matched bouts where scorecards may be split.
NFL, rugby, ice hockey
Occasional draws can happen in regular-season games. DNB is sometimes offered for the result at the end of regulation time — but availability varies by league and market.
Can you use Draw No Bet in multiple bets?
Yes, you can. If one of your Draw No Bet legs ends in a draw, that part of the multiple bet (parlay/accumulator) is voided, and removed from the parlay. The bet continues with the remaining legs, and the odds are recalculated accordingly.
It won’t lose your parlay, but it will slightly reduce the final payout.
Things to know when using Draw No Bet
1. Lower odds on favorites
If you’re backing a strong favorite, DNB odds might be so short that the bet barely feels worthwhile.
2. Market rules vary
Some sportsbooks may label the market as “Draw = No Bet” or exclude extra time from the refund, so always read the rules if you’re betting on knockout matches or international tournaments.
3. Cash out and live betting
Draw No Bet pairs well with live strategies. If your team is leading late on, you may get a decent cash out offer. If it’s headed for a draw, you can either wait for the refund or bail early, depending on the flow of the game.
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