What is a Void Bet?
A void bet is a wager that has been cancelled by the bookmaker, meaning it’s treated as if it never took place. When a bet is voided, your original stake is refunded in full, but no winnings are paid, even if your selection would have won under normal circumstances.
Bookmakers void bets when situations arise that make it impossible or unfair to settle the wager as usual. This protects both punters and bookmakers from results affected by unexpected events, errors, or cancellations.
Why do bookmakers Void Bets?
- Event cancellation or postponement: If a match is called off or doesn’t start within the bookmaker’s set time frame, all related bets are void.
- Errors in odds: If there’s a pricing or market error, such as incorrect odds or a wrong bet type, the bookmaker may void the wager and refund the stake.
- Player or team withdrawal: In sports like tennis, golf, or racing, if a competitor withdraws before the event begins, bets involving them are usually voided.
- Rule breaches or technical errors: Glitches, rule violations, or mistakes in bet settlement can result in a bet being declared void.
- Inaccurate or incomplete data: If a result was settled using incorrect information, the bookmaker will void affected bets and issue refunds.
- Match abandonment: If a game starts but doesn’t finish, due to weather, power failure, or crowd trouble, all unsettled bets are typically voided.
Void Bet vs Cancelled bet vs Push
In sports betting, the terms void bet, cancelled bet, and push each describe situations where a wager doesn’t result in a win or a loss, but for different reasons. Here’s how they differ:
- Void bet: A void bet happens when the bookmaker cancels the wager due to factors such as event cancellation, incorrect odds, or competitor withdrawal. When a bet is voided, your stake is refunded, and no result is recorded. This protects punters from circumstances beyond their control.
- Cancelled bet: A cancelled bet usually occurs when either the punter or the bookmaker withdraws the bet before the event begins. The wager is effectively removed and never placed. Unlike a void bet, a cancelled bet happens before the event starts, and a refund may depend on the bookmaker’s policy.
- Push: A push occurs when the outcome ends in a tie. For example, when a football match finishes level on the handicap line or a team wins by the exact point spread. In a push, your stake is refunded, as neither side has won.
In summary, void and cancelled bets involve the cancellation of wagers, while a push results from a tied outcome. In all three cases, punters don’t lose their money, but the circumstances behind each are distinct.
What to do if your bet is voided
If your bet is voided, don’t panic; it’s a common situation and usually means your stake will be returned. Here’s what to do next:
- Check the bet’s status: Review your betting account or the bookmaker’s rules to see why the bet was voided. Common reasons include event cancellation, rule changes, or competitor withdrawal.
- Wait for the refund: When a bet is voided, your stake is typically refunded automatically. Still, it’s good practice to check your account balance to confirm the return.
- Contact customer support: If your refund hasn’t appeared or the reason for the void bet isn’t clear, reach out to the bookmaker’s support team. Provide your bet details and ask for clarification.
- Review terms and conditions: To avoid future confusion, familiarise yourself with the bookmaker’s policy on void bets. Knowing when and why bets are voided helps you manage similar cases with ease.
- Stay calm and patient: Voided bets are standard in betting, and reputable bookmakers handle them fairly. Give them time to process the issue before taking further action.
Conclusion
A void bet is a routine part of sports betting, often caused by factors such as event cancellations, competitor withdrawals, or pricing errors. While it can be frustrating, it’s reassuring to know that bookmakers refund your stake when this happens.
Frequently asked questions
Can I dispute a voided bet?
If your bet is voided and you believe it was done incorrectly, you can contact the sportsbook’s customer support team for clarification or to dispute the decision.
Does a void bet affect my betting record?
No, a void bet has no impact on your betting record since it is neither a win nor a loss. It’s essentially as if the bet never occurred.
What happens if one leg of my accumulator is voided?
When a leg in an accumulator is voided, that selection is removed, and the odds for the remaining legs are recalculated. The overall bet continues as normal with reduced potential returns.
Are live or in-play bets ever voided?
Yes. Live bets can be voided if a technical issue, data delay, or event suspension affects the outcome. Bookmakers will usually review and settle these fairly.