What Does 1st Half – Draw No Bet (Incl. Overtime) Mean?
In basketball sports betting, the 1st Half – Draw No Bet (Incl. Overtime) market focuses on predicting which team will be leading at the end of the first half, including overtime if it happens.
The “Draw No Bet” part means if the first half ends in a draw (tie), your stake is refunded — you neither win nor lose.
So you’re removing the risk of a draw outcome and betting only on either team to lead by the end of the first half.
How It Works
You’re offered two options:
- Team A (1) to win the 1st half (incl. overtime)
- Team B (2) to win the 1st half (incl. overtime)
If the score is tied at halftime, the bet is void, and your money is refunded.
If the team you backed leads, you win. If they trail, you lose.
Example of 1st Half – Draw No Bet (Incl. Overtime)
Let’s use an example with Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics.
You Bet:
Lakers – 1st Half Draw No Bet (Incl. Overtime)
1st Half Score:
- Lakers: 60
- Celtics: 58
Result: Lakers are leading.
You win your bet.
Alternate Scenario:
- Lakers: 55
- Celtics: 55
Result: It’s a draw.
Your stake is refunded.
Third Scenario:
- Lakers: 50
- Celtics: 57
Result: Lakers trail.
You lose your bet.
If the first half goes to overtime (in rare formats or special tournament rules), those points are included in this market.
Why Bettors Like “1st Half – Draw No Bet”
- Reduced Risk – You get your stake back if the half ends in a tie.
- Focus on Early Performance – Ideal if you believe one team usually starts strong.
- Short-Term Market – You don’t need to wait for the full game to finish.
- Safe Alternative to 1st Half 1X2 – Less risky since draw returns your stake.
Expert Betting Tips
- Study First-Half Stats – Check how each team performs early in games. Some teams start aggressively, others warm up later.
- Avoid Evenly Matched Teams – Draws are more likely, and while you won’t lose, you also won’t win.
- Use for Strong Favorites – Great when backing a strong team expected to dominate early but odds for a straight win are too low.
- Watch Fatigue and Travel Factors – Teams on back-to-back games might start slow, affecting first-half outcomes.
- Combine in Accumulators – Works well in multi-bets since draw refunds reduce total risk.
Example of a Smart Bet Strategy
If you believe Golden State Warriors usually lead by halftime due to fast starts, but you’re unsure if they’ll win the full game:
Bet “Golden State Warriors – 1st Half Draw No Bet (Incl. Overtime)”.
If they lead at halftime → you win.
If tied → money back.
If trailing → you lose.
This is a strategic and lower-risk way to back early performance.
Final Thoughts
The 1st Half – Draw No Bet (Incl. Overtime) market is perfect for basketball bettors who want to minimize risk and capitalize on early leads. It offers safety with the refund feature while keeping the excitement of short-term results.
Understanding first-half team dynamics and current form can give you a strong edge in this market.