What Is a Bore Draw in Football Betting: Basic Guide with Examples 0–0 & Refund Rules for Africa

Sometimes, football matches can go into a stalemate where nothing much happens; no goals, little chance of anything happening, and you'll probably find yourself looking at your phone more than the action on the pitch. This type of situation has a name in the world of football betting. Lots of people think bore draw is either slang or some sort of jargon. Actually, it's a bit of both: a common name for a particular scoreline and a trigger for a very popular refund-style promotion offered by many bookmakers.

Below, we explore the definition of a bore draw in football betting, along with the mechanics of its money-back promotion, and why reviewing bet slip rules is important. We’ll also throw in a few simple examples to help illustrate how the markets work. And, since this post is geared toward an African audience, we've included a few small explanations regarding mobile payments, e-wallets, bank cards, and KYC requirements, which are often required when refunds are paid out.

Again, everything written in this piece is informational and general, not financial or legal advice. Of course, the gambling age limit is 18+.

Bore Draw Meaning: What Counts as a “Bore Draw”?

The phrase "bore draw" could apply to any slow match, but in football betting, a bore draw typically refers to a 0–0 full-time score. Full-time scores refer to 90 minutes of play + stoppage time only, and exclude extra time. Some people have the idea that "a bore draw" would include 1–1 or 2–2 type results, but in betting, the term is more precise. Bookmakers use 0–0 (or nil-nil) as their standard reference point for a bore draw.

Outside of promotions, a 0–0 score is a perfectly ordinary result. Inside of promotions, however, a 0–0 score acts as a trigger for 0-0 refund betting based on selected markets. Thus, the term represents two concepts simultaneously: a score and a promotional condition.

An Example:

For instance, let's say you picked the Correct Score "2–1." If the final whistle blows after the game has finished 0–0 and the promotion includes your market, then you may get a refund on your wager. However, if the game finished 1–1, despite being a draw, this would not constitute a bore draw, and thus you'd lose the bet.

How Do Bore Draw Money Back Promotions Usually Function?

There are some new players who become confused with this aspect of the feature, because it seems like a standard offering. However, the bore draw money-back feature is never a standard offering. Instead, a typical bore draw money-back feature only functions under the following conditions:

• The match has ended 0–0.
• Your selected market is specifically listed as one of those that qualify for the feature.
• You made a qualifying wager (which is usually limited to pre-match only).

If these three conditions are met, the bookmaker will refund your wager. The form of the refund depends on the terms of the promotion, but most commonly, the refund comes in the form of cash, which is withdrawable. Sometimes the refund comes in the form of bonus funds. Bonus funds are generally not withdrawable until the applicable rollover conditions have been satisfied. 

Another commonality is that some bookmakers will limit the amount of the refund. Most bookmakers will process the refund immediately, but there are some that will delay processing for a couple of hours. Generally, nearly all bookmakers including Afropari will require your account to be verified via KYC before making withdrawals. Therefore, having your identification and mobile number verified before placing a wager greatly facilitates receiving the refund.

Many people forget about live bets. Live bets are usually not included in the features. While there are certainly some exceptions to this rule, if you're betting in-play, it's safest to assume the promotion doesn't apply to you. As mentioned earlier, the rules related to each promotion are clearly stated on the bet slip, although some are hidden in the fine print.

Which Markets Are Most Frequently Included (and Which Are Most Excluded)

In my experience, most bore draw refunds appear in markets that are directly tied to the score. As such, the following markets are usually included in the features:

• Correct Score.
• Half-Time/Full-Time (HT/FT).
• Scorecast/Wincast (these are not available at all bookmakers).

The following markets are usually excluded from the features:

• 1X2.
• Over/Under (Totals).
• Handicap.
• Corners/Cards/Goalscorer.
• Live Markets.

As stated above, we used the term "usually" because each bookmaker modifies its features differently, particularly among different geographic locations. Some African bookmakers will alter the way refunds are distributed to accommodate mobile-first user preferences, but the underlying concept remains the same: the score must be 0–0, and the market must be listed as one of those that qualify for the refund.

Understanding Decimal Odds, Stakes & Refunds 

Many African platforms use, which can be simplified:

Potential payout = stake x odds

If you stake $10 with odds of 5.00, the potential payout will be $50. Easy enough. However, this is where the bore draw promotion's mechanics will slightly alter the flow of betting.

If the match finishes 0–0 and your market is covered by the promo:

• You’ll have your stake returned (cash or free bet).
• Your selection will be voided within the promotion.
• The affected leg of an accumulator (ACCA) may have the odds adjusted to 1.00 (dependent upon bookmaker terms).

Example:

Stake = $5

Market = HT/FT "Draw/Home" @ 13.00

Result = 0–0 FT

Outcome = Your $5 stake will be returned depending upon T&Cs.

Example 2:

Stake = $3

Market = Correct Score "0–0" @ 7.50

Result = 0–0

Outcome = A win, not a refund, because you correctly selected the outcome.

These small variations often confuse people. A 0–0 scoreline doesn't automatically trigger a refund; it only matters if you picked a market that is affected by the promotion.

Typical Bore Draw (0–0): Market Settlement

Examples of Common Markets with Clear Win/Lose/Refund

Assume you have placed multiple bets across various markets on a fairly average league game between two evenly matched sides.

Scenario 1: 0–0 Full Time

• Correct Score "1–0": If the promo is active and covered then the bet will be refunded.
• Correct Score "0–0": As normal, the bet will be a win.
• HT/FT "Home/Home": The bet will be refunded.
• 1X2: Will be settled as X (the draw).
• Totals Over 2.5: Lost.

Scenario 2: 1–0 Full Time

• No refund (the promo is not applicable).
• Correct Score "1–0": Wins as normal.
• HT/FT "Draw/Home": A win.
• All other markets: Standard settlement.

Scenario 3: 2–0 Full Time

Straightforward: All markets will settle as normal.

Scenario 4: 2–2 Full Time or 3–1 Full Time

Normal settlement. Bore draw promotions ignore both of these outcomes. The promotion simply ignores any result that isn’t 0–0.

Common Mistakes & Fine Print

There are several recurring mistakes that bettors make, even seasoned bettors who are accustomed to traditional sports betting markets.

• Thinking that any type of draw will trigger a refund.

Only a 0–0 will qualify; a 1–1 match will not qualify, regardless of how boring the match seemed.

• Assuming all markets will qualify.

Usually, only a limited number of score-related markets will qualify; 1x2, totals, and handicaps usually do not qualify.

• Assuming the rule will apply to live bets.

Almost all refunds will only apply to pre-game selections.

• Ignoring that overtime does not qualify.

Cup finals, continental competition, and playoffs include extra time and penalty shoots. However, they do not qualify as part of the full-time 0–0.

• Not checking refund limits or free-bet restrictions.

Some platforms set limits on how much you can receive as a refund, or require you to bet the free bet before withdrawing.

• Not checking the bet slip.

The bet slip always shows if the bore draw refund will apply to the market you're betting on.

This may seem obvious in theory, but once you're racing to make your bet on your mobile device or flipping between games, it's easy to overlook the fine print.

Tips for African Bettors: Mobile First & Flexible Payments 

Many Africans wager from mobile devices. So, whether it's live betting or you're adding funds using mobile money at half-time, mobile-friendly applications are typically clean & simple for bore draw refunds.

Some practical details:

• Mobile money (M-PESA, MTN, AIRTEL) and E-Wallets are the most reliable and fastest ways to deposit & receive refunds. Card options will generally also work, but the time it takes for refunds to be processed will depend on the bank.
• If you win or get many refunds, a Bookmaker may ask for KYC (Know Your Customer) verification (ID and Proof of Address) before allowing you to withdraw. Matching your name across payment systems can ensure that there are no delays.
• Having a stable internet connection will help reduce the likelihood of betslip errors, particularly when it comes to Live Betting.

While this is an article about the bore draw mechanics, the overall theme of football betting is the same as every other type of gambling: Bet Responsibly, Set a strict Budget, and Never Treat Promotions as Guarantees.

FAQs

What is Bore Draw in Betting?

In football betting, "Bore Draw" refers to both a 0-0 full-time result, and it acts as a trigger for a refund.

Which Markets Are Typically Included in Buy-Draw Money-Back Offers?

Typically, money back offers related to a bore draw are associated with correct score, HT/FT, and special markets, such as scorecast or wincast.

Will I Get Cash or Free Bets as My Refund?

This is completely dependent on the bookmaker's terms.

How Long Will It Take for My Refund to Appear?

Instantly, or in some cases, it may take several hours.

Will a Bore Draw Affect My 1X2 or Totals Bet?

Usually, No. These Bets will settle as normal.

What are the best responsible gambling tips someone can follow?

Stay within your budget, do not chase losses, and remember betting is 18+ only.