What Does ‘No Bet’ Mean in Sports Betting?
In the world of sports betting, the term “No Bet” can refer to a couple of distinct but related concepts. Primarily, it signifies a situation where a bet is declared void, resulting in the return of your stake. This can happen for various reasons. Additionally, “No Bet” is a key component of a popular betting market known as “Draw No Bet.”
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what “No Bet” means in these contexts:
1. “No Bet” as a Void Bet
When a bet is declared a “No Bet,” it is essentially cancelled, and your original stake is refunded to your account. You neither win nor lose any money. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
- Event Postponement or Cancellation: If a match or event is postponed for a significant period or cancelled altogether, all bets placed on it will typically be declared void.
- Player Non-Participation: In player-specific markets, such as “first goalscorer” or “anytime touchdown scorer,” if the player you bet on does not participate in the game, your bet will be void.
- Technical Errors: Occasionally, a bookmaker may make an error in the odds they offer. If a “palpable error” is identified, they reserve the right to void the bets placed at the incorrect odds.
- Changes in Event Conditions: In some sports, a significant change in the conditions of the event can lead to bets being voided. For example, a drastic reduction in the number of overs in a cricket match.
- Abandonment: If an event is abandoned before a result can be officially determined, bets will usually be void, unless the outcome of the specific market has already been decided.
2. The “Draw No Bet” Market
“Draw No Bet” (often abbreviated as DNB) is a very popular betting market, especially in sports like soccer where a draw is a common outcome. When you place a “Draw No Bet” wager, you are betting on a team to win, with the added security that if the match ends in a draw, your stake will be returned to you.
Here’s how a “Draw No Bet” works:
- If your chosen team wins: You win the bet and receive your winnings based on the odds.
- If the match ends in a draw: Your bet is declared a “No Bet” or a “push,” and your full stake is refunded.
- If your chosen team loses: You lose your bet and your stake.
The odds for a “Draw No Bet” market are lower than the standard “to win” odds because the risk of losing your stake on a draw is eliminated.
How “No Bet” Affects Accumulator Bets
When a selection within an accumulator bet is declared a “No Bet” or is part of a “Draw No Bet” market that results in a draw, that specific leg of the accumulator is voided. The rest of the accumulator bet remains active, but the odds are recalculated based on the remaining selections.
For example, if you have a five-fold accumulator and one of your selections is a “Draw No Bet” that ends in a draw, your bet will be settled as a four-fold accumulator. You don’t lose the entire bet, but your potential winnings will be reduced.
In summary, a “No Bet” in sports betting is a scenario where your wager is cancelled and your stake is returned, either due to external circumstances voiding the bet or as a specific outcome in a “Draw No Bet” market.