A level ball handicap is a two-way football market in which neither team receives a virtual goal advantage. The line is displayed as 0, 0.0 or level, depending on the sportsbook interface.
The selected team must win the match for the ticket to settle as a win. When the official result is a draw, the original stake is normally refunded. A defeat settles as a full loss.
This market is part of the wider FU88 sports section. It is also one of the basic lines explained in the Asian Handicap betting guide.
What Is a Level Ball Handicap?
A level ball handicap is an Asian Handicap line of 0.0. Neither side gives or receives a goal before settlement.
The official match result therefore determines the ticket outcome:
- If the selected team wins, the ticket settles as a full win.
- If the match ends in a draw, the stake is normally refunded.
- If the selected team loses, the ticket settles as a full loss.
Because the draw produces a refund rather than a winning or losing result, this market is also commonly described as draw no bet.
The term “level ball” refers to the handicap line, not the odds. A 0.0 handicap can be displayed beside different prices depending on the match and the selected odds format.
How the 0.0 Handicap Is Settled
Assume Team A and Team B are listed with a level ball line:
| Official Result | Team A 0.0 | Team B 0.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Team A wins | Full win | Full loss |
| Match is drawn | Refund | Refund |
| Team B wins | Full loss | Full win |
The refund normally returns the original stake. It does not count as a winning settlement and does not create profit from the ticket.
Example With a RM100 Stake
Suppose a player selects Team A at handicap 0.0 with a stake of RM100.
- Team A wins: the selection settles as a full win at the accepted odds.
- The match ends in a draw: the RM100 stake is refunded.
- Team A loses: the RM100 stake settles as a full loss.
The precise return for a winning ticket depends on the odds displayed and accepted when the selection was confirmed.
Level Ball Handicap and Draw No Bet
Level ball handicap and draw no bet usually describe the same basic settlement structure:
- Selected team wins: ticket wins.
- Match is drawn: stake is refunded.
- Selected team loses: ticket loses.
The main difference may be how the market is presented. One sportsbook may label the selection as Asian Handicap 0.0, while another may display Draw No Bet.
Players should still check the market rules because settlement periods, abandoned-match conditions and live-market terms may differ.
Level Ball Handicap Is Not Even-Money Odds
The phrase level ball is sometimes confused with even-money odds. They are not the same concept.
A level ball handicap describes a goal adjustment of zero. Even-money odds describe a particular price or potential return.
For example:
- Team A may be listed at handicap 0.0 with lower odds.
- Team B may be listed at handicap 0.0 with higher odds.
- Both teams still use the same zero-goal handicap.
The handicap determines how the score is settled. The odds determine the return attached to the selection.
Difference Between 0.0 and 0.25 Handicap
A level ball handicap should not be treated as the same market as a quarter-goal handicap.
| Line | When the Match Is Drawn |
|---|---|
| Favourite 0.0 | Full refund |
| Favourite -0.25 | Half loss |
| Underdog 0.0 | Full refund |
| Underdog +0.25 | Half win |
How -0.25 Is Split
A -0.25 selection divides the stake equally between handicap 0 and handicap -0.5.
With a RM100 stake:
- RM50 is placed at handicap 0.
- RM50 is placed at handicap -0.5.
When the match ends in a draw, the handicap 0 portion is refunded while the -0.5 portion loses. The overall settlement is therefore a half loss.
How +0.25 Is Split
A +0.25 selection divides the stake equally between handicap 0 and handicap +0.5.
With a RM100 stake:
- RM50 is placed at handicap 0.
- RM50 is placed at handicap +0.5.
When the match ends in a draw, the handicap 0 portion is refunded while the +0.5 portion wins. The overall settlement is a half win.
This distinction is why players should read the complete number instead of assuming every line close to zero produces a full refund.
How the Market Appears on FU88
The 0.0 line may appear differently across the sports lobbies available on FU88. Possible displays include:
- 0
- 0.0
- Level
- Level ball
- Draw no bet
Before confirming a ticket, check:
- The correct match and competition
- The selected team
- The handicap shown beside that team
- The accepted odds
- The market period
- Whether the ticket is pre-match or live
- The intended stake
A zero shown in the handicap column is different from a zero or negative value used in another odds format. Confirm which column represents the goal line.
Home and Away Team Selection
A level ball market does not automatically favour the home team or the away team. Both sides begin with the same handicap of zero.
The odds may still differ because the market can assess one team as more likely to win. The lower-priced side is not receiving an additional goal advantage. It is simply offered at a different price.
Players should confirm the team name rather than selecting a side based only on its position on the screen.
Pre-Match Level Ball Markets
A pre-match 0.0 handicap is displayed before the event begins. The line or odds may change as new information becomes available.
Possible factors include:
- Confirmed starting line-ups
- Injuries or suspensions
- Fixture congestion
- Venue changes
- Weather conditions
- Market activity
A change in the price does not alter a ticket that has already been accepted. The ticket should be settled according to the line and odds recorded at confirmation, subject to the sportsbook rules.
Live Level Ball Markets
Live 0.0 markets are offered after the match has started. The current score and the market period must be reviewed together.
Depending on the label, a live handicap may refer to:
- The result from the time the ticket is accepted
- The final match result
- The remaining period of the match
- A first-half or second-half result
Do not assume that every live 0.0 line ignores goals already scored. Read the exact market title and settlement terms before confirming the ticket.
Match Period and Draw Refund Rules
Standard football markets commonly use the result after 90 minutes plus added time. Extra time and penalty shoot-outs are usually excluded unless the market states otherwise.
A level ball line may also be offered for:
- The first half
- The second half
- A specific period
- Corner kicks
- Bookings
- Team totals or other statistics
The refund applies when the relevant market finishes level. A full-match draw does not necessarily produce a refund on a first-half or statistical handicap ticket.
Information to Review Before Selecting a Team
Recent Performance
Review recent results together with the quality of opposition, match location and competition. A short winning or losing sequence does not guarantee the next result.
Starting Line-Ups
Confirmed team news is generally more reliable than early rumours. Missing defenders, midfielders or forwards may affect how a team approaches the match.
Home and Away Records
Some teams perform differently depending on the venue. Home advantage should be considered alongside travel, playing surface and opponent quality.
Fixture Schedule
Limited recovery time may affect player selection and match intensity. Squad depth and competition priorities should also be considered.
Market Movement
A change in odds reflects an adjustment to the market. It does not prove which team will win or guarantee how the ticket will settle.
Common Level Ball Handicap Mistakes
- Confusing handicap 0.0 with even-money odds
- Treating 0.0 and ±0.25 as the same market
- Assuming a draw settles as a winning ticket
- Selecting the wrong team from the ticket interface
- Ignoring the match period
- Assuming extra time is automatically included
- Confusing a live line with a pre-match market
- Confirming a ticket after the displayed line changes
- Failing to review the accepted odds
- Increasing the next stake to recover an earlier result
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Level Ball Mean?
Level ball means that neither team receives a virtual goal advantage. The handicap line is 0.0.
What Happens When the Match Ends in a Draw?
The original stake is normally refunded on a standard level ball market.
Is Level Ball the Same as Draw No Bet?
They usually use the same win, refund and loss settlement structure, although players should check the current market rules.
Does a Refund Count as a Win?
No. A refund returns the original stake without settling the selection as a winning ticket.
Is Handicap 0.0 the Same as -0.25?
No. A draw at 0.0 normally produces a full refund. A draw at -0.25 normally produces a half loss.
Is Handicap 0.0 the Same as +0.25?
No. A draw at +0.25 normally produces a half win because the stake is divided between 0 and +0.5.
Can the Away Team Be Selected at Level Ball?
Yes. Either the home team or the away team may be selected. Both use a zero-goal handicap.
Are Extra Time and Penalties Included?
They are generally excluded from standard 90-minute football markets unless the market rules specifically include them.
Conclusion
A level ball handicap is a 0.0 Asian Handicap market in which the selected team must win for the ticket to settle as a full win. A draw normally returns the original stake, while a defeat settles as a full loss.
Before confirming a selection on FU88, check the team, handicap number, odds, market period and ticket status. Do not confuse level ball with even-money odds or quarter-goal lines such as ±0.25.
