Void bet
A void bet is a bet the bookmaker cancels and settles as if it was never placed, usually returning your stake. Bets are voided when a match is abandoned, a player doesn't take part, or the odds were an obvious error.
By Mark SmithChecked On this page 4
Common reasons for a void
- Postponed or abandoned events: if a match doesn’t finish within the bookmaker’s time limit (often 24 to 48 hours), bets are voided.
- Non-runners: in racing, bets on a withdrawn horse are returned, with possible deductions to other bets.
- Player markets: a goalscorer bet on a player who doesn’t come on is usually void.
- Push results: a bet that lands exactly on a whole-number handicap or totals line, or a draw no bet when the match is drawn.
- Palpable errors: prices clearly wrong, such as a favourite shown at 50.00.
Void legs in accumulators
If one leg of a five-leg accumulator is void, the slip becomes a four-fold. Your potential return drops, because that leg now counts as 1.00, but the bet isn’t lost.
Void vs cancelled bonus
Don’t confuse a void bet with a voided bonus. A bonus can be cancelled if you break its terms, such as the max bet rule, which may also remove any winnings. Check the bookmaker’s general betting rules for exactly how it settles voids, and use our bet calculator to rework the return.
Frequently asked questions
Do I get my money back if a bet is void?
Yes. For a single bet your stake is returned. In an accumulator, the void leg is treated as odds of 1.00 and the rest of the slip is settled as normal.
Why would a bookmaker void my bet?
Common reasons are a postponed or abandoned match, a non-runner in a race, a player who doesn't play in a player market, or a clear pricing error. The bookmaker's betting rules list every case.
Does a void bet count toward a bonus?
Usually not. Void bets don't count toward wagering requirements or free bet qualification, because nothing was risked.
Related terms
Mark has been writing about online gaming since 2007, covering everything from sportsbooks to casino and slot reviews, offering insights for players of all levels.