Draw No Bet Explained: Your Complete Guide to Safer Betting
Eliminate draw risk and boost your win rate with Draw No Bet wagering
By
Eric Pauly
Feb 19, 2026
8 min read
Draw No Bet (DNB) is one of the smartest betting markets for reducing risk while maintaining solid profit potential. If you're tired of losing bets because of unexpected draws, DNB might be your answer.
This comprehensive guide explains exactly what Draw No Bet means, when to use it, and how to build winning DNB strategies.
article Summary
Draw no bet is a soccer market where your stake is refunded if the match draws. You win if your team wins and lose if the other team wins. DNB is equivalent to an Asian handicap 0 line and offers lower risk than a moneyline at the cost of reduced odds.
What is Draw No Bet?
Draw No Bet removes the draw option from a standard three-way betting market. Instead of betting on Team A, Draw, or Team B, you bet on Team A or Team B with the draw eliminated.
If your team wins, you win the bet. If your team loses, you lose the bet. But here's the key: if the match ends in a draw, you get your stake back. It's like insurance against the draw.
How DNB Works
Say Manchester United plays Chelsea. Regular betting offers:
Manchester United Win: +150
Draw: +220
Chelsea Win: +180
With Draw No Bet, you only see:
Manchester United DNB: +120
Chelsea DNB: +140
The odds are lower because you're removing the draw risk. If the match ends 1-1, both DNB bets push and stakes are returned.
When to Use Draw No Bet
DNB works best in specific situations where draw risk is high but you still believe one team has an edge.
Perfect DNB Scenarios
Close matchups: When two evenly matched teams face off, draws are more likely. DNB lets you pick a side without draw fear.
Away favorites: Strong teams playing away often struggle to break down defensive home sides. DNB protects against surprise draws.
Derby matches: Local rivalries can be unpredictable. Players are motivated, but tension can lead to cagey, low-scoring draws.
Weather concerns: Bad weather increases draw probability in soccer. DNB provides protection when conditions are questionable.
Draw No Bet vs Other Markets
Understanding how DNB compares to other betting options helps you choose the right strategy.
DNB vs Moneyline
Moneyline (1X2) offers higher odds but includes draw risk. DNB sacrifices payout for security. Use moneyline when you're confident in a decisive result, DNB when you want safety.
DNB vs Double Chance
Double Chance covers two outcomes (Team A + Draw, for example). DNB only covers your chosen team but returns stakes on draws. Double Chance has lower odds but guarantees some win scenarios.
DNB vs Asian Handicap 0
Asian Handicap 0 is essentially the same as DNB - both push on draws. The odds might differ slightly between bookmakers, so shop around for the best price on either market.
Pros and Cons of Draw No Bet
Advantages
Risk reduction: Eliminates the draw, reducing loss probability from 33% to 50% in three-way markets.
Bankroll protection: Stakes returned on draws means smaller losses over time.
Psychological comfort: Less stress watching matches, knowing draws don't hurt you.
Better for beginners: Simpler than handicap betting but safer than straight moneylines.
Disadvantages
Lower odds: Reduced risk means reduced reward. Profits are smaller per winning bet.
Missed value: Sometimes the draw offers genuine value that DNB ignores completely.
Limited availability: Not all sportsbooks offer DNB on every match, especially in smaller leagues.
Winning DNB Strategies
Success with Draw No Bet requires discipline and smart selection criteria.
Team Analysis
Focus on teams that score consistently and avoid draws. Check recent form - teams averaging 2+ goals per game rarely draw.
League Selection
Some leagues have higher draw rates. Bundesliga typically has fewer draws than Serie A. Research league statistics before committing to DNB strategies.
Timing Your Bets
DNB odds often move less than moneyline odds. Look for line shopping opportunities, especially when public money favors one side heavily.
Bankroll Management
Since DNB pushes frequently, use slightly larger unit sizes (1.5-2x normal) to compensate for reduced frequency of actual wins/losses.
Draw No Bet is an excellent tool for conservative bettors who want team-based action without draw risk. While the reduced odds limit profit potential, the safety net of stake returns makes DNB perfect for building consistent, long-term profits.
Master DNB by focusing on close matchups, researching team tendencies, and managing your bankroll properly. With practice, you'll identify the perfect spots where DNB provides both value and security.
Draw No Bet FAQ
Additional Resources
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Asian Handicap Betting Explained: How It Works
Asian handicap betting removes the draw option and uses quarter lines to create more precise soccer betting markets.
History of Sports Betting
Sports betting is older than most civilizations, and the way we bet today would be unrecognizable to the bettors who came before us.
