Draw no bet (DNB) is a football market that eliminates the draw as a possible losing outcome. Back a team on DNB and you win if they win — but if the match ends level, your stake is returned in full. The cost is lower odds than the equivalent 1X2 bet.
How draw no bet works
There are only two outcomes relevant to your bet:
| Result | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Your team wins | Win — paid at stated odds |
| Match ends in a draw | Void — full stake returned |
| Your team loses | Lose — full stake lost |
Unlike double chance (which pays on a draw), DNB treats a draw as a non-event and refunds you.
A worked example
Liverpool host Crystal Palace. The 1X2 odds are:
| Outcome | Decimal odds | Implied probability |
|---|---|---|
| Liverpool win | 1.60 | 62.5% |
| Draw | 4.50 | 22.2% |
| Palace win | 7.00 | 14.3% |
The Liverpool DNB odds will typically be around 1.30–1.35, because you are now protected against the 22% draw scenario.
Scenario A — Liverpool win 2–0: You win at 1.33. On a £100 stake, profit is £33.
Scenario B — Draw 1–1: Stake returned. No profit, no loss.
Scenario C — Palace win 1–0: Stake lost in full.
DNB vs 1X2 vs double chance
| Market | Wins if… | Stake returned if… | Loses if… |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1X2 home win | Home wins | — | Draw or away win |
| Double chance 1X | Home wins or draws | — | Away wins |
| Draw no bet (home) | Home wins | Draw | Away wins |
DNB sits between 1X2 and double chance in terms of coverage and odds.
When draw no bet offers value
1. When you believe the draw probability is overpriced: If your model assigns 15% probability to a draw but the bookmaker implies 25%, then the DNB protection is relatively cheap — you are paying less for the insurance than it is worth.
2. Competitive away teams in winnable fixtures: When a solid away team faces a moderate home side, the realistic outcomes are split between a narrow home win, a draw, or an away win. DNB on the home side gives you the win result without risking the large draw probability.
3. Late season "must-win" games: Teams facing relegation or chasing a title often press forward relentlessly, which reduces draw probability. But injuries or fatigue can equalise in the 90th minute. DNB protects against that late accident.
How bookmakers price draw no bet
DNB odds are derived from 1X2 odds by removing the draw probability and redistributing:
DNB price formula (simplified):
DNB odds = (1X2 Win probability) ÷ (1 − Draw probability)
Using the Liverpool example:
Liverpool DNB = 0.625 ÷ (1 − 0.222) = 0.625 ÷ 0.778 = 0.803 probability → decimal odds 1.247
In practice bookmakers add a small margin, landing around 1.30.
Draw no bet and Asian handicap 0
Asian handicap 0 (AH 0) is mathematically identical to draw no bet. The naming differs by platform — sportsbooks usually call it DNB in traditional markets and AH 0 in Asian handicap sections. The odds and settlement rules are the same.
Common mistakes
Treating DNB as "safe": DNB is not a free win. You still lose your stake if your team loses. If Liverpool concede on the counter and lose 0–1, no protection applies.
Using DNB on heavy favourites: When a team has a draw probability of only 10%, the DNB premium is minimal. The 1X2 win bet might be nearly as good value and gives you fractionally better odds.
Not comparing DNB to double chance: If you are uncertain whether a team will win or draw, double chance 1X covers both; DNB only refunds on a draw. Choosing the wrong vehicle reduces your returns.
Frequently asked questions
Does draw no bet apply to extra time?
No — DNB is settled on the 90-minute result. If the match is drawn after 90 minutes, your stake is returned regardless of what happens in extra time.
Can I combine DNB bets in an accumulator?
Yes. If one leg of your accumulator is a DNB and that match ends in a draw, that leg is treated as a void and removed from the accumulator — it does not lose you the entire bet. The remaining legs continue as normal.
What if I want to back the away team DNB?
You simply back the away team on DNB. The same rules apply: win if away team wins, void if draw, lose if home team wins.
See Draw No Bet predictions
Sportdico's Draw No Bet market page explains today's coverage and will publish DNB tips when our pipeline adds this market.