Quick answer
Draw no bet (DNB) is a bet on one team to win where a draw returns your stake. If your team wins you are paid at the DNB odds, if the match is drawn you get your stake back, and if your team loses you lose your stake.
On this page
How draw no bet works
With draw no bet (DNB) you pick one team. There are three possible results:
| Match result | Your DNB bet on that team |
|---|---|
| Your team wins | Wins at the DNB odds |
| Draw | Void: your stake is returned |
| Your team loses | Loses |
DNB is settled on the result after normal time, like 1X2.
Worked example
Example prices for FC Platinum vs CAPS United:
- 1X2: FC Platinum 2.20, draw 3.00, CAPS United 3.50
- Draw no bet: FC Platinum 1.60, CAPS United 2.55
You stake $5 on FC Platinum DNB at 1.60.
- FC Platinum win: you receive $5 × 1.60 = $8.00 ($3.00 profit).
- 1–1 draw: your $5 is returned (no profit, no loss).
- CAPS United win: you lose $5.
Compare this with a straight 1X2 bet on FC Platinum at 2.20: a win would pay $11.00, but a draw would lose the whole $5. You give up some of the possible return in exchange for protection against the draw.
DNB inside an accumulator
If a DNB selection ends in a draw, most bookmakers treat it as void (odds of 1.00) and the rest of your accumulator continues. A $1 accumulator at 1.60 × 1.80 × 2.00 (combined 5.76) would become 1.80 × 2.00 = 3.60 if the 1.60 DNB leg draws.
DNB vs double chance
| Draw no bet (home) | Double chance 1X | |
|---|---|---|
| Home win | Wins | Wins |
| Draw | Stake back | Wins |
| Away win | Loses | Loses |
| Odds | Higher | Lower |
Double chance pays on a draw; DNB just gives your money back. That is why DNB odds are higher. See double chance explained.
Same as Asian handicap 0
Draw no bet works exactly like an Asian handicap of 0. If you see "Dynamos (0)" in an Asian handicap list, it is a draw-no-bet price. See handicap betting explained.
When DNB is used
- When you fancy a team but think a draw is quite possible.
- In evenly matched games, such as many Harare derbies.
- To reduce the risk of one leg in an accumulator.
Common mistakes
- Thinking a draw wins. It only returns your stake.
- Expecting 1X2 odds. DNB odds are always lower than the same team's 1X2 price.
- Forgetting normal time rules. Extra time and penalties do not count.
Summary
- Win = paid; draw = stake back; lose = stake lost.
- Lower odds than 1X2, higher than double chance.
- A drawn DNB leg is usually void in an accumulator.