What Is a Brass Bet? Learn the Basics and Top Strategies to Win This Draw Handicap

Have you ever heard of a brass bet or the 0-handicap (level ball) when placing football bets? This type of bet, also referred to as a “draw handicap” or “no ball given” wager, is one of the most fundamental forms of Asian handicap betting. It reflects a match in which both teams are considered evenly matched in terms of strength, form, and player quality. Brass bets frequently appear in competitive matches, especially when both sides are top-tier teams or performing similarly.

So, what exactly is a brass bet, and how can you make the most of it? Let’s explore this concept and discover practical tips to maximize your winning chances with insights from experts at bet win tips.

What Is a Brass Bet?

A brass bet (also known as a 0-handicap or level ball) is a type of Asian handicap where no team is given a head start. This means both teams start the match with a theoretical score of 0–0. If you back a team and they win, you win the bet. If the match ends in a draw, your original stake is refunded—no profit, no loss. And if your selected team loses, you lose the bet.

This type of handicap is typically offered when the bookmaker top believes the two teams are evenly matched. It’s commonly seen in:

Matches between two top-performing teams

Games where a stronger team is struggling with recent form

Situations where home advantage balances out the visiting team’s strength

Odds movement close to kick-off, especially if a previous -0.25 handicap shifts to 0

Example of a Brass Bet in Action

Let’s take an example match:
IK Brage vs. Orebro SK
Odds: IK Brage (0.89), Orebro SK (1.03) with a 0-handicap.

If you bet $100 on IK Brage:

IK Brage wins → You win and get $89 in profit.

Orebro SK wins → You lose the bet.

Match ends in a draw → You get your $100 back.

Why Brass Bets Are Popular

The appeal of brass bets lies in their simplicity and safety. You’re protected from a draw outcome by receiving a full refund—this makes it a solid option for cautious bettors in tightly contested matches. It's especially useful when you have strong research but still expect a high likelihood of a draw.

Expert Strategies for Brass Bets

To increase your chances of winning with a brass bet, consider these expert tips:

Do Pre-Match Research
Analyze lineups, recent form, injury reports, and head-to-head stats. A thorough understanding of both teams gives you a clearer edge when odds look balanced.

Track Odds Movement
Monitor the handicap and odds from the time they’re released until just before kick-off. If the odds shift from -0.25 to 0, it may signal bookmakers balancing the action—giving you insight into public betting trends.

Pay Attention to Price Drops
If a team is priced low (e.g., 0.60–0.70 odds range) but doesn’t shift to a -0.25 handicap, it may indicate value in backing the underdog with higher payout potential.

Watch the First Half
If you see the underdog leading at halftime in a match with a 0-handicap pre-match, consider sticking with them in second-half bets. Momentum and motivation often play a big role.

Use Over/Under Clues
When the Over/Under total is 2.25 and the Over is priced at 0.80 or lower, it suggests a potentially tight game—so favor the team with a more stable form or better defense.

Key Things to Remember

While brass bets are relatively simple, discipline and research are crucial. Never jump into a bet without reviewing team stats and odds history. Betting strategies such as live betting or parlaying with other low-risk bets can also increase your profitability when done wisely.

Also, money management plays a key role. Stick to your staking plan, avoid emotional betting, and don’t chase losses—even when the odds look tempting.

Conclusion

Now that you understand what a brass bet is and how it works, you can start applying these expert-backed strategies to improve your betting decisions. Whether you're a beginner or looking to add a safer bet to your mix, the 0-handicap (brass bet) is a solid option—especially in balanced matchups.

Stay sharp, bet smart, and may your football betting journey be filled with winning moments!

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