Betting Market Essentials: Draw No Bet (DNB) Explained

Ever had your bet ruined by a frustrating 1-1 draw? You backed the better side, they dominated - but one lucky goal and it’s all gone. That’s exactly the kind of scenario Draw No Bet (DNB) was made for.

At Goals Guru, we often see bettors use DNB without understanding what they're trading away - or when it's actually the sharpest play. Let’s break it down.

What Is Draw No Bet (DNB)?

Draw No Bet is a market that removes the draw as a losing outcome.

Here’s how it works:

• If your team wins: You win the bet.
• If the match is drawn: Your stake is refunded.
• If your team loses: You lose the bet.

It's a middle ground between the aggressive 1X2 bet and the more conservative Double Chance market.

Note: Backing a team in the Draw No Bet market is exactly the same bet as backing a team in the 0.0 Asian Handicap market, so we suggest checking both market prices and using the one with the highest odds.

Why Use DNB?

✅ Reduces Risk

You still get reasonably good odds if your team wins, but with the safety net of a refund if it’s a draw.

✅ Great For Tight Matchups

Perfect for games where you fancy one side but acknowledge it might be close.

✅ Ideal For Away Underdogs

Backing a lively underdog away from home? DNB gives you protection without going full Double Chance.

DNB vs Other Markets

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With DNB, you’re trading a slightly lower payout for less volatility - a smart move in unpredictable fixtures.

Common Mistakes We See With DNB

❌ Backing DNB On Heavy Favourites

You don’t need protection when a team is 1.30 to win. The DNB odds will be almost meaningless - just take the win price.

❌ Using DNB Blindly In Accas

DNB can lower odds significantly. In accumulators, that often kills your value. Use it where it protects your bet, not just to feel safer.

❌ Not Considering Motivation

A team protecting a draw late on may not push for a winner - meaning your bet just drifts toward a refund. Sometimes “No Bet” really means “No Payout.”

When DNB Is A Smart Play

🧠 Close Games With Upside

Two well-matched teams where you slightly lean one way? DNB gives you a stake in the game without major risk.

⚽ Underdogs With Form

An away side in good form, facing a vulnerable favourite. You’re backing the upset - but protecting your stake if it ends level.

📉 When Draws Are Common

Fixtures where recent head-to-heads are tight can be perfect DNB opportunities.

Example Bet Scenarios

• In-play: Game is 0-0 at 70 minutes and you like how one side is growing into the game. DNB keeps your downside limited.
• Accumulator: Use DNB on the riskiest legs only - not on every match.

Final Thoughts

Draw No Bet is a brilliant tool for the sharp bettor - but it’s not a get-out-of-jail-free card. Use it strategically, not emotionally. Ask yourself: "Am I genuinely reducing risk, or just lowering my potential return?"

👉 Want to see when we use DNB to protect our sharpest picks?

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