Have you ever come across the term “brass bet” or “0 handicap” and wondered what it means? Often referred to as the draw handicap or level ball, the brass bet is one of the most basic types of handicap betting in football. It’s typically used when both teams are evenly matched, with little difference in form or quality. So how exactly does it work, and how can you profit from it? Let’s dive into the details with expert guidance from Wintips.

Understanding the Brass Bet (0 Handicap)

A brass bet—also known as a level ball or 0 handicap—is a standard Asian handicap where neither team gives or receives a handicap advantage. This indicates the bookmaker believes the two teams are nearly equal in strength and recent performance.

When placing this type of bet, you're essentially wagering on which team will win in regular time. If the match ends in a draw, your original stake is refunded—making it a low-risk option for cautious punters.

When Do Bookmakers Offer Brass Bets?

Brass bets tend to appear in specific scenarios, such as:

Teams with similar form or overall squad strength

A stronger team experiencing a drop in recent performance

High-profile matches where both teams are equally competitive

Late betting market movements where the odds shift from 0.25 handicap to 0

In these cases, the best online bookmaker offers a 0 handicap to reflect the balanced nature of the match.

Brass Bet Example

Let’s say you’re betting on the match between IK Brage vs Orebro SK, with a 0 handicap offered:

IK Brage: Odds 0.89

Orebro SK: Odds 1.03

If you place a $100 bet, here’s how the outcomes break down:

Bet on IK Brage: Win = full profit; Draw = refund; Lose = full loss

Bet on Orebro SK: Win = full profit; Draw = refund; Lose = full loss

The refund condition makes this bet appealing for matches that are difficult to call.

Top Tips for Betting on Brass Matches

To increase your chances of success with 0 handicap bets, consider the following expert strategies:

Research Team Details Carefully: Look into form, injuries, lineups, and head-to-head records before betting.

Track Odds Movements: Monitor the market. If the odds shift toward one team, it may signal strong insider confidence in that side.

Watch for Home Advantage: In evenly matched games, the home team often edges out slightly, making them a safer bet.

Check Odds Range: If one team has odds between 0.60 – 0.70 and the market hasn’t moved to 0.25, that team may be the value pick despite being the underdog.

Adjust After First Half: If you’re betting live and the underdog leads in the first half, consider backing them again in the second.

Play the Second Half: Draws are less common, so second-half betting on one team may offer higher returns if you anticipate late-game goals.

Over/Under Combination: If Over/Under is set at 2.25 and Over is priced at 0.80 or higher, betting on the side associated with Over odds can be profitable.

Important Notes When Betting on Brass Games

While brass bets are relatively low-risk, football betting still carries significant challenges. Always bet responsibly and:

Don’t rush to place early bets—watch how the match unfolds

Use betting combos or strategies only when confident

Manage your bankroll wisely to avoid chasing losses

Final Thoughts

Now that you understand what a brass bet is and how to approach it strategically, you’re in a much better position to make smart, informed wagers. Use this knowledge to your advantage, stay disciplined, and enjoy the thrill of football betting. Good luck—and may your next 0 handicap bet be a winner!

See more: What is a brass bet? Extremely standard brass betting experience