Football games do not always have a winner. In many games both teams score the same number of goals and the match is declared a draw. For bettors and football analysts understanding a draw probability can help in improving decision making process.

One of these, practical in nature, is an estimation of the draw probability by studying betting odds. Odds represent the expectations of bookmakers according to the performance of the team, statistics, and market activity. By learning how draw odds work, a bettor can determine matches with potential higher odds of a draw.

This guide describes the process of predicting a draw using odds in football in a simple and easy to understand manner.

Understanding How Football Odds Work

Football betting markets typically have three dominant outcomes. These are home win, away win and draw. This sort of market is also known as the three way market.

Each outcome has its own odds. The odds are what the bookie thinks the chance of each result being.

It is possible, for example, to have the following odds for a match:

Home win 2.20
Draw 3.10
Away win 3.40

In this example the bookmaker is of the opinion that the home team is the most likely to win because it has the lowest odds. The draw is between the two teams, which implies that the match can be a tough one.

And, with the two teams, when the odds of the two teams are close in value, there can be a great chance for a draw.

What Draw Odds Tell You

Draw odds indicate the probability to which the bookmakers feel the match will be level with both teams. Lower draw odds usually mean that the match is likely to be a balanced and cautious one.

Higher draw odds indicate that the draw is less likely due to one team being expected to run away with it.

Many football matches are drawn when teams of similar strength, tactics and scoring ability are involved in competitive leagues. This is the reason why draw odds tend to lie in a particular range in a large number of matches.

Learning to read these odds can help identify games which have realistic draw potential.

Identifying Balanced Match by Using Odds

One of the hottest draw predictors by odds is to seek out balanced match pricing.

A balanced match will normally have similar odds for both teams. For example:

Home win 2.60
Draw 3.00
Away win 2.70

When the home and away odds are quite similar, it means that bookmakers believe that the teams are evenly matched. In these situations neither team is very much in the drivers seat.

Matches like these will sometimes be cautiously played because both teams are aware of each other's ability. This makes it more likely that the match will not be won by either side.

Many Prediction platforms including Mentorspredict.com point to games where odds point towards this type of balance.

Plotting Odds Range That Can Be Indicative Of

While there is no set rule, there are some draw odds ranges that are more common in matches that end level, according to many analysts.

Draw odds of between 2.80 and 3.40 are frequently found in competitive matches when there is a fairly close match between the two teams involved.

When draw odds are in this series, and win odds for both teams are also similar, the probability for a draw might be worth looking at.

However odds alone should not be the only factor using for prediction. These should be used in combination with other forms of analysis.

Comparing Odds to the Form of a Team

Odds reflect expectations but it is important to compare it with actual team performance.

If two teams with similar odds also demonstrate similar recent form then then the match could be even more balanced.

For example, if several matches have been drawn by the two teams recently or they have similar scoring records then the likelihood of another draw may be higher.

On the other hand, if one team is in good form, with the odds leveled out, the probability that a match would even out may be less.

Checking team statistics in conjunction with the odds is one way of creating a more accurate picture of the match.

Taking League Patterns into Consideration

Different football leagues generate different number of draws. Some leagues have a lot of competition and a lot of teams are the same in terms of strength.

Leagues with high defensive structures tend to have more draws. In these competitions teams are allowed to play with structure and with caution rather than with aggressive attacking play.

When draw odds are represented in a balanced range in leagues known for frequent draws, then the possibility of a draw can be made more realistic.

Prediction platforms like Mentorspredict.com have often been known to study the patterns of the league to see which matches have more chances of draws.

Final Thoughts

Predicting a draw in football involves careful observation of a number of factors and the odds are a great place to start.

Balanced playing odds between two teams often mean that the game could be a competitive activity. When you have draw odds within a normal range and both teams are performing to a similar form, then there is more of a possibility for a draw result.

However odds should always be used in conjunction with statistical analysis and team performance data. This is more complete understanding of match.

Football prediction platforms like Mentorspredict.com also examine patterns in the odds as well as statistics on individual teams to indicate which matches draw results may be worth taking.

For daily match analysis and accurate betting tips, visit MentorsPredict football predictions page.

1. Banker of the day tips
2. Both Teams To Score tips
3. Double Chance tips
4. Away Win
5. Over 1.5 Goals tips
6. Over 2.5 Goals tips

Frequently Asked Questions

What is mean draw odd in Football betting?

Draw odds are the odds that are built in by bookmaking houses as being the likeliness of a match to finish with both teams having the same number of goals. The lower the odds the higher the estimated probability.

What Draw Odds are Common in football matches?

Many competitive matches have draw odds to be in the 2.80 to 3.40 range. This range is often seen when the teams involved are evenly balanced.

Can odds alone help us to predict a football draw?

Odds can give us good information but are not to be used exclusively. Team form, trends within the leagues and the tactical style should also be taken into account.

Why do balanced team odds increase the draws?

When you see similar odds by the bookmakers given to both teams this means that there is no great advantage for either of the sides. Balanced teams often make close matches that can be draw situations.

Check today’s predictions on MentorsPredict.com and win smarter! Accurate Football Predictions by MentorsPredict

Join our Telegram channel now to start getting free football predictions daily. 

Click to Join the mentorspredict Telegram Channel