Have you ever placed a bet and later noticed it was marked as void or cancelled? Whether you're a regular bettor or a beginner, encountering a void bet can be confusing. In this guide, we’ll break down why bets get voided, what it means, and how it affects your betting balance, with real-life examples for clarity.
What Does a Void Bet Mean?
A void bet means that your wager has been cancelled by the sportsbook, and the stake is refunded to your account. It’s as if the bet never happened. This typically happens due to irregularities or unforeseen circumstances related to the event or market.
Common Reasons Why a Bet Is Voided or Cancelled
1. Event Cancellation or Abandonment
If the event you bet on is cancelled or abandoned before completion and not rescheduled within a certain time frame (usually 24–72 hours), the bet is voided.
Example:
You bet on an IPL match between Mumbai Indians and CSK. The match was washed out due to rain and not resumed. Your stake is refunded.
2. Player Did Not Participate (Player-Specific Bets)
In markets like first goalscorer or top run-scorer, if the selected player doesn’t participate, the bet is void.
Example:
You place a bet on Virat Kohli to be the top scorer in an India vs Australia match. Kohli is rested and does not play. The bet is voided.
3. Non-Runner in Horse Racing or Greyhounds
If your selected horse or greyhound does not start the race, your stake is refunded.
Example:You back “Thunderbolt” in Race 3 at Ascot, but the horse is withdrawn. Your bet is cancelled and refunded.
4. Technical or Pricing Errors
Sometimes sportsbooks list incorrect odds or wrong match information. When such errors are discovered, the bookmaker may void all affected bets.
Example:A bookmaker mistakenly lists Real Madrid at 8.00 odds to beat a lower-division side. Bets placed at this inflated price may be voided due to obvious error.
5. Market Rules and Settlement Disputes
If there's a discrepancy in the market rules or an incorrect settlement, the sportsbook might cancel the bet and refund it.
Example:You bet on "Team A to win the coin toss" in a cricket match. The sportsbook mistakenly marks "Team B" as the winner. Upon review, the bet is voided and refunded.
6. Abandoned Matches in Accumulators
In accumulator bets, if one leg is voided due to cancellation or other reasons, that leg is treated as "void," and the accumulator continues with the remaining selections.
Example:You place a 5-leg football accumulator. One game was postponed. That leg is voided, and your bet becomes a 4-leg accumulator instead.
What Happens After a Bet Is Voided?
Stake Refund: Your original stake is returned to your betting account.
No Profit or Loss: You neither win nor lose money on a void bet.
Accumulators Adjusted: In combo bets, void legs are removed, and the odds are recalculated.
Can the Bookmaker Cancel My Bet at Any Time?
Yes, most sportsbooks reserve the right to cancel bets if:
There’s suspicious betting activity.
Regulatory issues arise.
The bet violates the terms and conditions (e.g., betting after the event has started).
Always check the terms and conditions of your betting site to know your rights.
How to Avoid Void or Cancelled Bets
Double-check player participation for player-specific markets.
Avoid betting on events with bad weather forecasts.
Understand market rules before placing bets.
Use trusted sportsbooks to minimize errors.
Getting a bet voided or cancelled can be frustrating, but it's often due to standard procedures set by sportsbooks to ensure fairness and accuracy. By understanding the common reasons and reading the terms and conditions carefully, you can minimize such occurrences and improve your overall betting experience.
FAQs
Q1. Do I lose money on a void bet?
No, your stake is refunded.
Q2. Can I dispute a voided bet?
Yes, you can contact customer support for clarification, especially if you believe the bet was wrongly voided.
Q3. Why was only one leg of my accumulator voided?
If one event in your multi-bet is cancelled, that selection is removed and the bet continues with adjusted odds.
Must Read |