Grand National Free Bets

What is Non Runner No Bet? | NRNB Meaning Explained

What is Non Runner No Bet? | NRNB Meaning Explained

Non runner no bet (NRNB) is a valuable concession offered by many of the top UK betting sites that protects a punter's stake if their selection doesn't run.

Particularly useful for ante-post horse racing betting, a non runner no bet offer should be a major factor in choosing a bookmaker. Below, you'll find an in-depth examination of exactly how the non runner no bet concession works, where you'll discover how savvy punters can capitalise fully on NRNB offers.

How Does Non Runner No Bet Work?

Non runner no bet can be applied to any sport but it's most commonly attached to horse racing, and in particular, ante-post horse racing betting.

Standard ante-post terms and conditions dictate that if you back a horse and it doesn’t run, for whatever reason (and there are many of them), then you've lost your stake. That changes the moment a bookmaker announces that they're now applying the non runner no bet concession to ante-post bets.

From this point, bettors can place ante-post bets knowing that if their selection does not run then they will have their stake refunded – it’s an invaluable safety net.

 Not all bookmakers offer non runner no bet and markets can often be live for a number of months before the concession is applied, so it's crucial that punters pay close attention to the current terms and conditions across the multitude of new betting sites now available.


Read More: Get top Cheltenham Odds for the 2023 Festival


Why is Non Runner No Bet Popular?

Non runner no bet is a punter's best friend, especially if you can get it a long way in advance of the event – for example, betting on a Cheltenham Festival race in December. 

The safety net of a full stakes Cheltenham non runner no bet refund is a major addition to any Cheltenham punter’s armory. After all, there's a multitude of reasons why a horse might not run in the specific race you have in mind.

The most innocuous of incidents can have a major impact on any horse’s campaign and future targets, which is why ante-post betting is so fraught with danger.

 Backing a horse to win the Champion Hurdle three months in advance is all well and good if you get great odds, but you have to be aware that the horse could pick up an injury a few days later, which without NRNB, would kill your bet. From February onwards many high-profile Cheltenham Festival contenders fall by the wayside for one reason or another.

The other considerable upside to getting the non runner no bet concession is gaining the ability to back a horse for a race that isn’t considered to be the main target in the mainstream. 

There are so many options for horses at big festivals nowadays that connections often change plans late on. So, the ability to back a horse for a race that isn’t considered to be his main target (because you know you'll get a full non runner no bet refund), is a big advantage.

Does Non Runner No Bet Apply to Ante Post Betting?

Non runner no bet does not, as a general rule, apply to ante-post betting rules. There's no obligation for any betting site to offer the concession and many choose not to, but thankfully many do.

In recent years, the timing of the introduction of the Cheltenham non runner no bet concession tends to be from early January onwards, but the timing of each bookmaker announcement varies markedly.

The key is to shop around and seek out a bookmaker offering NRNB on your selections. Bookies get bonus points in our eyes if offering this concession through high quality betting apps.


Read More: Get top 2023 Cheltenham Gold Cup odds


Cheltenham Non Runner No Bet Sites

The Cheltenham festival has become synonymous with the non runner no bet concession. Ante-post betting on the festival has always been huge, so much so that any good horse’s festival targets are discussed after every win through the winter.

The addition of more races to the festival programme over the years has given trainers so many more options for their horses. This reality means Cheltenham NRNB concessions are more important to bettors than ever. 

It is, therefore, a significant moment in the season whenever any bookmaker announces that they are introducing the Cheltenham non runner no bet offer.

Many thrifty punters like to combine NRNB concessions with free bets and other promotions offered by the best bookies.

in early January, William Hill became the first bookmaker to go non runner no bet on all Cheltenham Festival 2023 races, and it is only a matter of time before others follow suit. Paddy Power, for example, is nearly always one of the first to offer Cheltenham NRNB so it probably won’t be long before the Irish firm follows William Hill’s lead.


Pro Tip: Combine your NRNB concession with Cheltenham betting offers


Grand National Non Runner No Bet Sites

The single biggest betting race in Britain is the Grand National at Aintree. The prestige attached to the world's most popular steeplechase generates year-round interest in potential candidates and winners at top horse racing betting sites.

Obviously, Grand National non runner no bet concessions are massively popular with punters - especially those looking to back a horse that isn't guaranteed to get into the race.

Grand National weights can often be a significant factor in whether any potential runner qualifies to take a chance at the big prize. 

If a trainer feels like a horse is too high in the weights, they might be tempted to change course and instead target a different race, which can scupper any bet made on that same horse. This won’t be a problem for anyone that has backed that horse with the Grand National non runner no bet concession.


Read More: Check out Grand National free bets


Non Runner No Bet – Key Takeaways

Hopefully, this article has highlighted just how valuable NRNB concessions are to bettors, especially those trying to seek out value from long range. Here are a few of the key points on this valuable offer we'd like to leave you with.

  • Punters like backing horses at long range to lock in a good price.
  • The safety net of NRNB takes the risk factor out of backing a horse for a race it might not even run in.
  • It’s not just individual race value seekers that benefit from the non runner no bet concession.
  • Anyone wanting to combine horses in a multiple a few weeks in advance of a race can do so, safe in the knowledge that if one of their selections doesn’t run, the bet will just shorten by a leg.
  • So a Royal Ascot non runner no bet concession could mean a three-horse treble on the opening day of the Festival would automatically become a double if one horse doesn’t make it. Without the Royal Ascot non runner no bet concession, normal ante-post rules would deem this wager a loser.
  • You can combine the NRNB concession with other offers and promotions like Royal Ascot free bets
  • Not every bookmaker offers NRNB so make sure you check out where the offer is available because it could make all the difference to your returns.

Read More: Compare 2023 Grand National Odds


Recommended Betting Sites

Bell Icon
Affiliate Disclosure: At Gambling.com, we want to ensure that players are matched with the right casino and sportsbook offers for them. For this reason, some of the recommended site links are affiliate links. This means that if you visit a website through our link and make a deposit, Gambling.com will receive a commission payment at no extra cost to you. At Gambling.com, we want to ensure that players are matched with the right casino and sportsbook offers for them. For this reason, some of the recommended site links are affiliate links. More
  1. 1
    Bet UK Sports
    Established 2012
    More Details
    Brand Ambassador Teddy Sheringham
    Live Streaming of UK Horse Racing
    Acca Club: £5 Free Bet Every Week
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    Yes
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    9
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    Yes
    BetUK have former England footballer Teddy Sheringham and six time champion jockey Kieren Fallon as brand ambassadors and betting experts.
  2. Awarded 'Sportsbook of the Year' 2018/19/20/21
    Live Streaming of 1000's of Events
    2 Goals Ahead Early Payout Offer
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    Yes
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    31
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    No
    Bet365 offer the most comprehensive online sports betting service, including live steaming of a huge range of sports, plus a unique 'Edit Bet' functionality.
  3. 3
    Spreadex Betting
    Established 1999
    More Details
    Primary Shirt Sponsor of Burnley FC
    Football First Goalscorer Insurance
    Horse Racing '2nd to a Rag' Insurance
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    No
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    20
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    No
    Spreadex is the only UK betting site to offer traditional sportsbook fixed-odds betting as well as sports spread betting and financial trading from the same account. It is also one of the few betting companies to offer credit facilities - meaning sports betters can place bets without having to first deposit funds.
  4. 4
    Hey Spin Sports
    Established 2020
    More Details
    Dual Sportsbook & Casino Platform
    Extensive Range of Football Markets
    Accumulator Boosts of up to 77%
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    No
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    18
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    No
    Heyspin is an online betting site that offers both sports betting and online casino games. Their impressive sportsbook platform offers a huge range of markets, including in-play betting and cash-out options.
  5. UK's Leading Horse Racing Pool Betting Operator
    Home of the Placepot & Exclusive Placepot App
    Never Beaten by SP on Horse Racing with Tote+
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    Yes
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    2
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    No
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    No
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    No
    The Tote offers horse racing pool betting, popular with punters who place small stakes to win large amounts. Favourite bets include the Placepot (picking a horse to be placed in the first six races) and Jackpot/Scoop6 (picking the winner of each of six nominated races on a single day).
  6. Official Betting Partner of Worcester Warriors
    Dual Sportsbook & Casino Platform
    'Wager Wars' Leaderboard & Cash Prizes
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    SB30
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    No
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    48
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    No
    TebWin are the official betting partner of Gallagher Premiership rugby union club Worcester Warriors and offer a very simple and easy to navigate betting site.
  7. Long Established Independent Bookmaker
    Unique Horse Racing Free Bet Refunds
    Racing Ambassadors Hayley Turner & Tom Cannon
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    No
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    10
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    No
    Betgoodwin is the new online betting site from the independently owned Goodwin Racing telephone betting service. They offer a variety of horse racing special offers as well as betting on a variety of other sports.
  8. Live Betting & Cash-Out Options
    Well Designed & Easy To Use Interface
    ‘Boost Up’ Accumulator Boosts
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    No
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    12
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    No
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    No
    Luckster is a dual sportsbook and casino platform with a vaguely Irish theme, including the inevitable leprechaun logo and shamrock imagery.
  9. 10
    Zet Bet Sports
    Established 2022
    More Details
    Fast & Clean Betting Interface
    'Zet Boost' Accumulator Boosts
    Broad Range of Sports & Esports Markets
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    No
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    21
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    No
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    No
    ZetBet is a new to market UK betting site that includes an attractive sportsbook with excellent filters to enable you to find your bet quickly and easily.
  10. 12
    Kwiff Sports
    Established 2015
    More Details
    Random Supercharged Payouts
    Weekly ‘kwiff Club’ Cashback & Free Bets
    ‘Acca Shield’ Refund (if One Leg Fails)
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    Yes
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    13
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    No
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    Yes
    When a customer places a bet with kwiff, they may find that their bet is “kwiffed” - where you receive increased odds after placing your bet.
  11. Official UK Betting Partner of Fulham FC
    Regular Money-Back Specials
    'Racing Sportsbook of the Year' 2020
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    No
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    8
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    No
    Fitzdares have offered a boutique bookmaker service to members of their exclusive Mayfair Club (The Fitzdares Club) since 1882, but have now launched an online sportsbook open to all.
  12. 14
    888 Sports
    Established 1997
    More Details
    Create your own Multiples with Bet Builder
    Live Streaming of all UK & Irish Racing
    Daily Price Enhancements & Specials
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    Yes
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    16
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    Yes
    888sport offer a wide range of sports betting markets, combined with regular enhanced specials, plus an exclusive 'Acca Club' (bet £20 on Multiples or Bet Builder to get a £5 free bet - every week).
  13. 15
    BetVictor Sports
    Established 1946
    More Details
    Long Established UK Bookmaker
    BV Loyalty Club - Weekly £5 Free Bet
    Free to Play 'Pick 6' Predictor Game
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    Yes
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    12
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    No
    BetVictor is named after founder Victor Chandler (known as the 'Gentleman Bookmaker') and they boast superstar jockey Rachael Blackmore, plus football legends Michael Owen and Harry Redknapp amongst their brand ambassadors and betting experts.
  14. Dual Sportsbook & Casino Platform
    Free Bet Thursdays - Earn Free Bets Every Week
    Accumulator Boosts of up to 77%
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    No
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    25
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    Yes
    BZeebet is a fresh new betting site, but they offer everything we expect from the best online bookmakers, including features such as live betting, cash out, bet builder and accumulator boosts.
  15. 17
    Coral Sports
    Established 2002
    More Details
    One of the UK's Biggest Bookmakers
    Football & Racing 'Super Series' Predictor Games
    'Beaten by a Length' Free Bets
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    No
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    14
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    No
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    No
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    Yes
    Coral has long established high street shops across the UK and with their industry-leading Coral Connect card you can deposit and withdraw money in shops, alongside a host of other benefits.
  16. 18
    Leo Vegas Sports
    Established 2016
    More Details
    Mobile First Betting Interface
    'Leo King' Sports Prediction Game
    24/7 Customer Service
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    Yes
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    34
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    No
    Leo Vegas Sports is the sportsbook from this multi-award-winning casino operator, with a focus on mobile users - including a sport betting app for Android & iOS Devices.
  17. 19
    10bet Sports
    Established 2003
    More Details
    Regular Free Bets & Enhanced Odds Specials
    Cutting Edge In-Play Betting Options
    Accumulator Boosts of up to 50%
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    No
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    12
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    No
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    No
    10bet is one of the smaller online bookmaker brands in the UK but they are becoming more popular thanks to their impressive website and daily betting promotions.
  18. 20
    BetItOn Sportsbook
    Established 2020
    More Details
    'Rising Star Operator of the Year' 2021
    Interactive Football Match Centre
    ‘BoostItOn’ Accumulator Boosts
    Bonus Code
    The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    No
    In-Play Betting
    The number of sports with in-play betting available
    27
    Bet Builder
    Can you create your own personalised bets?
    No
    Cash Out
    Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    Acca Insurance
    Refund or free bet when one selection in an accumulator lets the bet down
    No
    BetItOn have ex-Liverpool striker and Champions League winner Djibril Cissé as their brand ambassador and resident football expert.
Show More
Showing 20 of 41
×