In football betting, there’s nothing worse than backing your favourite team to win—only for the match to end in a draw. That’s where the Draw No Bet market comes in. A hugely popular betting option across football betting sites, this market allows punters to protect their stake in the event of a draw while still backing a team to win the game.
If you’re new to the Draw No Bet market or just want to sharpen your knowledge, this article covers everything you need to know—from how it works to the key differences compared to traditional bet types like the three-way or Asian handicap. Whether you’re betting on the Premier League, the Champions League, or even building an acca, understanding how Draw No Bet works could be the difference between a full refund or a lost wager.
What Does Draw No Bet Mean?
The term Draw No Bet means exactly what it says—if the match ends in a draw, your stake will be returned. In other words, your bet only loses if the team you backed is beaten.
It’s a type of bet that removes the draw outcome from the equation, effectively turning a standard 1X2 market into a two-way option: either a home win or an away win. If neither side wins and the game ends in a draw, your stake is refunded in full.
Let’s say you want to bet on Chelsea to beat Tottenham, but you’re worried it might end in a draw. Rather than backing them outright in the traditional market, you choose the Draw No Bet market. If Chelsea win, your bet wins. If it’s a stalemate, you get your stake back. And if they lose, you lose the wager.
How Does Draw No Bet Work?
In the Draw No Bet market, there are just two outcomes: either your team wins, or you receive a refund if the match ends in a draw. The only scenario where your bet would lose is if your team are beaten outright.
This makes it a smart choice for cautious bettors or those looking to add a safety net to their football bets. If you’re placing an accumulator and want to reduce the overall risk, using Draw No Bet can help cushion the blow if one match ends in a draw.
The odds are naturally shorter than in the three-way market, as the bookmaker is removing one of the possible outcomes. However, the trade-off is security—especially when you’re backing an underdog with strong form or a favourite team away from home.
Why Bettors Use Draw No Bet In Football Betting
One of the main reasons punters choose to use Draw No Bet is risk management. If you’ve ever placed a bet and the match ends in a draw, you’ll know the frustration. This market gives you peace of mind by acting as a refund clause.
Another reason? Unpredictable games. Let’s say Manchester City are away at Chelsea. You believe City should win, but Stamford Bridge is a tough ground. The Draw No Bet gives you coverage in case the match ends in a draw, ensuring your stake isn’t lost on a 0-0 or 1-1 scoreline.
It’s also popular during the knockout stages of tournaments like the Champions League, where extra time can complicate standard bet markets. With Draw No Bet, you’re betting on the result in 90 minutes, and your stake is safe if it’s all square.
What Are The Odds On Draw No Bet?
The odds on Draw No Bet markets are usually a little lower than the full match market because the bookie is removing one possible outcome—the draw.
For example, in a Premier League clash:
- Liverpool to win: 2.00 in the 1X2 market
- Draw: 3.40
- Tottenham to win: 3.90
- But in the Draw No Bet market:
- Liverpool: 1.55
- Tottenham: 2.75
You’re sacrificing higher odds for lower risk—but that trade-off can work in your favour. The potential payout might be smaller, but the likelihood of a draw doesn’t ruin your bet entirely. Many football betting sites now display the Draw No Bet selection alongside regular markets, so you can compare at a glance.
What Makes Draw No Bet A Popular Betting Option?
This bet is a popular choice because it appeals to both beginners and experienced punters. It offers a blend of safety and value, particularly in tight fixtures where all three results feel equally likely.
For example, backing an away team like Manchester City in a difficult away tie can be risky. The Draw No Bet option allows you to still support them without the full exposure of a three-way bet. If you’re building an accumulator, it gives you that extra protection if one game ends in a draw.
What really makes Draw No Bet appealing is the ability to tailor your betting strategy. Whether you’re using it as part of a long-term approach or just looking for safer bets during a weekend flutter, it’s a bet type that adds flexibility and reduces unnecessary losses.
How Is Draw No Bet Different To Other Bet Markets?
Compared to a straight 1X2 bet, the Draw No Bet market removes the possibility of a draw. This turns a three-way bet into a simpler two-way wager, with either a win or a refund. That alone makes it attractive to cautious bettors.
Then there’s the double chance market, which covers two results. But while double chance offers more security, the odds are even shorter than Draw No Bet. You’ll be covered if your team draws or wins, but your payout will likely be smaller.
Another comparison is the Asian handicap. In handicap betting, your team might start with a virtual goal disadvantage, but the concept is different. While both methods reduce risk, Draw No Bet is more straightforward and beginner-friendly.
Is Draw No Bet The Same As Asian Handicap 0.0?
Good question—and the short answer is: almost. In fact, the Asian Handicap 0.0 is essentially identical to the Draw No Bet market. In both cases, if the match ends in a draw, your stake is returned.
The main difference comes down to how the bookmaker offers the market. Asian Handicap betting is more prevalent in Asia and with sharp punters, while UK and European sportsbooks tend to list Draw No Bet as a standalone option.
The handicap format also allows for more advanced variations like -0.25 or -0.5, where only part of your stake might be returned or split. For casual or mid-level punters, Draw No Bet is simpler and easier to follow.
Can Draw No Bet Be Used In Accumulators?
Absolutely. Many punters use Draw No Bet selections in accumulators to reduce the overall risk. If one leg of your acca ends in a draw, the stake for that leg is refunded rather than the entire bet being lost.
This makes it a smart choice if you’re betting on tight fixtures or matches where the likelihood of a draw is high. Bookies offer this market across most top leagues, so it’s easy to find suitable fixtures to include.
Just be aware that your overall payout from the accumulator will be reduced due to the slightly lower odds on each Draw No Bet leg. Still, the trade-off is often worth it for that added layer of security.
Which Bookmakers Offer Draw No Bet?
Most major bookmakers now offer Draw No Bet markets as standard across football competitions. Whether you’re betting on Chelsea, Manchester City, or even lower league matches, you’ll usually find this betting option under the main match market.
Sites like Bet365, Paddy Power, and William Hill all list Draw No Bet selections pre-match and often in-play too. Some also include free bets or promotions that allow you to boost your payout or earn a partial stake back on draws.
Just always read the t&cs apply bit—because some offers might exclude Draw No Bet from promotions. But as a market, it’s widely available and trusted by millions of punters across the UK.
When Should You Use Draw No Bet?
Timing is everything in football betting—and that includes when to use the Draw No Bet market. It’s ideal when you’re confident in a team’s ability to win the game, but the draw outcome feels a bit too likely for comfort.
A few scenarios to consider:
- When betting on big rivalries where the match might be cagey
- When backing an underdog with good form and momentum
- When including selections in an accumulator where you want to reduce risk
- When your favourite team is away and the home side are strong
If you’ve ever placed a bet and the match ends 0-0 and you’re left fuming—this is the solution.
Conclusion
The Draw No Bet market is more than just a safety net—it’s a smart, flexible tool that every punter should have in their arsenal. Whether you’re betting on Chelsea, building a weekend acca, or simply want a bit of protection if a game ends in a draw, this bet type gives you confidence without fully sacrificing your payout.
While it may offer lower odds than a straight win, the balance between reward and risk is what makes this market so attractive—especially for cautious bettors who prefer a tactical approach. From Asian handicap comparisons to Premier League matchdays, Draw No Bet is now a staple on most football betting sites for good reason.
In short: if you’re looking for a bet that rewards your insight but cushions the blow if things don’t go your way, Draw No Bet is the perfect compromise. So next time you want to back a team, consider playing it smart—because sometimes, getting your stake back is better than watching it disappear into thin air.
