Draw no bet removes the draw from a football match result market: you back one team, a win pays, a defeat loses, and a draw returns the stake. Double chance instead covers two of the three possible results in one bet, so when the draw is one of them, a draw wins outright rather than simply refunding the stake.
Both give a cushion against the draw compared with a straight match result bet, but in different ways. Understanding the distinction lets bettors tailor their risk in each match.
How draw no bet works
Draw no bet is a simple market that focuses on one team. The bet backs that team to win, and if the match ends level, the bookmaker returns the original stake, as though the bet never took place. If the team loses, the bet loses. Draw no bet brings back the bettor's outlay on a draw, but it only collects on a win. There are only two outcomes that matter to the bet, a win or a defeat, with the draw simply cancelling it.
How double chance works
Double chance covers two of the three possible results in one bet, which is why there are only three double chance selections to choose from:
- Home or draw: wins if the home team wins or the match is drawn
- Away or draw: wins if the away team wins or the match is drawn
- Home or away: wins if either team wins, losing only on a draw
In double chance, a draw is a winning result whenever it is named in the pair of outcomes. Draw no bet treats a draw as a refund rather than a payout, and that is the key difference between the two markets.
Odds, settlement and which to choose
Because double chance wins outright on a draw when the draw is included, while draw no bet only refunds the stake, draw no bet usually offers longer odds than the matching double chance option. In effect, the bettor trades a smaller return for more cover, or a bigger return for less cover.
Both markets are settled on the result after 90 minutes plus stoppage time unless the bookmaker states otherwise, so extra time and penalties do not count. That matters mainly in cup and knockout matches. A common mistake is assuming that a team which goes through after extra time or on penalties has won a draw no bet selection; if the match was level after 90 minutes plus stoppage time, the stake is returned instead.
Draw no bet suits a bettor who expects one side to win but wants the stake back if the match ends level. Double chance suits a bettor who finds the match more evenly balanced and is prepared to accept shorter odds for covering two results in one bet.
Gambling is for adults 18 and over and always costs money; UK players can set deposit limits, use GAMSTOP or call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.
