What happens if a game I bet on is cancelled or postponed?

When it comes to sports betting, unforeseen events such as cancellations and postponements can be frustrating for bettors. These unexpected changes can affect the outcome of a bet, leaving many wondering what happens to their wagers in such situations.

In the UK, most sports betting platforms have clear rules regarding cancelled or postponed games. If a game is cancelled before it starts, the bets are usually refunded. However, if the game has already started and is cancelled or postponed, the rules may vary depending on the platform and the specific sport.

It’s important to note that while some sports betting platforms may have similar rules, there may be slight differences in how they handle cancelled or postponed games. Bettors should always check the specific rules of the platform they are using to ensure they understand what happens to their bets in such circumstances.

Understanding Betting and Cancellation

Sports betting is a popular form of gambling that involves placing wagers on the outcome of sporting events. Bettors place bets on games or matches, hoping to win money if their predictions are correct. However, what happens if a game is cancelled or postponed? This section aims to provide a clear understanding of what happens to bets when a game is cancelled or postponed.

When a bet is placed on a game or match, the sportsbook sets the rules for cancellation or postponement. In most cases, if a game is cancelled or postponed, the bet will be void, and the wager will be refunded to the bettor. This is because the outcome of the game is uncertain, and the sportsbook cannot determine a winner or a loser.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if a game is postponed, but the outcome is already determined, the bet may stand. Additionally, if a game is postponed and rescheduled within a certain time frame, the bet may still be valid.

It’s important to note that cancellation or postponement rules may vary between sportsbooks. Therefore, bettors should always check the terms and conditions of their sportsbook before placing a bet.

Here are some common cancellation and postponement rules for popular sports:

Football

If a football match is cancelled or postponed, the bet will be void, and the wager will be refunded. However, if the match is rescheduled within a certain time frame, the bet may still be valid.

Basketball

If a basketball game is cancelled or postponed, the bet will be void, and the wager will be refunded. However, if the game has already started, the bet may still stand, depending on the sportsbook’s rules.

Tennis

If a tennis match is cancelled or postponed, the bet will be void, and the wager will be refunded. However, if the match has already started, the bet may still stand, depending on the sportsbook’s rules.

In conclusion, when a game is cancelled or postponed, the bet may be void, and the wager will be refunded. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, and cancellation or postponement rules may vary between sportsbooks. Bettors should always check the terms and conditions of their sportsbook before placing a bet.

Impact of Postponed and Cancelled Games

When a game that a bettor has placed a wager on is cancelled or postponed, it can have a significant impact on the outcome of the bet. In most cases, a postponed game will result in a cancelled bet and the wager will be refunded, even if the game had already started. On the other hand, if the game is rescheduled for a later date, the bet will still be valid.

It is important to note that the rules regarding cancelled and postponed games can vary depending on the sport and the bookmaker. For example, if a game is halted before the minimum time has been played, and not completed within 48 hours of the scheduled start date, bets will be cancelled, unless the specific market outcome is already determined. Similarly, if a suspended game is scheduled to be resumed more than 36 hours after the original start time, all bets will be void, unless the wager has been unequivocally determined prior to the game’s suspension.

If a game is cancelled or postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, such as bad weather or a power outage, most bookmakers will refund the bets. However, if the game is cancelled or postponed due to a decision made by the league or governing body, the rules may be different. For example, if a match is cancelled due to a team being disqualified, bets may still be valid.

It is important for bettors to read and understand the rules and regulations of the bookmaker they are using to ensure they are aware of the potential impact of postponed or cancelled games on their wagers. By doing so, they can make informed decisions and avoid any unexpected losses.

Role of Sportsbooks

When a sporting event is cancelled or postponed, sportsbooks play a critical role in determining the outcome of bets placed on that event. The exact policies and procedures for handling cancelled or postponed events can vary between sportsbooks, but most reputable bookmakers have clear rules in place to ensure that bets are handled fairly and consistently.

In general, if a game is cancelled or postponed before it has started, bets on that game will typically be voided and the stake returned to the bettor. This is because the outcome of the game is unknown, and it would be unfair to either pay out or collect bets based on an event that did not take place.

If a game has started but is then cancelled or postponed, the rules can be more complicated. In some cases, bets may be voided and stakes returned, while in other cases, bets may be allowed to stand and settled based on the outcome of the game when it is eventually played.

The policies for handling cancelled or postponed games can also vary depending on the sport and the specific sportsbook in question. For example, some sportsbooks may require that a game be played within a certain timeframe in order for bets to stand, while others may allow bets to stand regardless of how long it takes for the game to be played.

Some of the major sportsbooks, such as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, PointsBet, and Caesars, have clear policies in place for handling cancelled or postponed games. These policies are designed to ensure that bets are handled fairly and consistently, and to minimise confusion and disputes among bettors.

Overall, sportsbooks play a crucial role in determining the outcome of bets placed on cancelled or postponed games. By having clear policies and procedures in place, they can help to ensure that bets are handled fairly and consistently, and that bettors are treated with respect and transparency.

Different Scenarios and Their Outcomes

When a game is cancelled or postponed, it can be confusing to know what will happen to any bets placed on the event. Different bookmakers may have slightly different rules, but there are some general scenarios and outcomes to be aware of.

Weather-related cancellations or postponements

If a game is cancelled or postponed due to weather conditions, it is usually rescheduled for a later date. In this case, most bookmakers will treat the bet as ‘action’, which means that the bet is still valid and will be settled on the new date. However, if the game is not rescheduled within a certain time frame, typically 24-48 hours, the bet will be declared void and the stake returned to the bettor.

Void or voided bets

Sometimes, a bet may be declared void if certain conditions are not met. For example, if a player is disqualified before the start of a tennis match, any bets placed on that player will be declared void. In this case, the stake will be returned to the bettor. Similarly, if a game is abandoned before a certain point, such as half time in football, any bets placed on the outcome of the game will be declared void.

Playoff game rules

Playoff games may have different rules when it comes to cancellations or postponements. For example, in the NFL, if a playoff game is postponed or rescheduled to a different venue, all bets will still stand. However, if the game is cancelled, all bets will be void.

Crowd trouble

If a game is cancelled or postponed due to crowd trouble, the outcome will depend on the specific circumstances. If the game is rescheduled for a later date, most bookmakers will treat the bet as ‘action’. However, if the game is not rescheduled within a certain time frame, the bet will be declared void.

Betting on Specific Sports

When it comes to betting on specific sports, there are certain rules and regulations that apply to each. Here is a breakdown of what to expect if a game you bet on is cancelled or postponed.

Baseball

In baseball, if a game is cancelled or postponed before it becomes official, typically after five innings have been played, then all bets are voided. However, if the game becomes official, then the score at the time of postponement is used to determine the outcome of the bet.

Football

For football games, if a game is cancelled or postponed before it begins, then all bets are voided. However, if the game has started and is then cancelled or postponed, then most sportsbooks will consider the bet valid if the game is resumed within a certain timeframe, usually within 48 hours. If the game is not resumed within this timeframe, then all bets are voided.

NFL

For NFL games, the rules are similar to regular football games. If a game is cancelled or postponed before it begins, then all bets are voided. However, if the game has started and is then cancelled or postponed, then most sportsbooks will consider the bet valid if the game is resumed within a certain timeframe, usually within 48 hours. If the game is not resumed within this timeframe, then all bets are voided.

Home Team

If the home team changes due to a game being cancelled or postponed, then some sportsbooks will void all bets. However, some sportsbooks will allow bets to stand if the home team remains designated as the home team.

Raiders

If you are betting on the Las Vegas Raiders, then the same rules apply as for any other NFL team. If a game is cancelled or postponed before it begins, then all bets are voided. However, if the game has started and is then cancelled or postponed, then most sportsbooks will consider the bet valid if the game is resumed within a certain timeframe, usually within 48 hours. If the game is not resumed within this timeframe, then all bets are voided.

Impact on Bet Types

When a game is cancelled or postponed, it can have various impacts on different types of bets. Here are some of the most common types of bets and how they are affected:

Single Bets

If you have placed a single bet on a game that is cancelled or postponed, the bet will usually be voided, and your stake will be returned to you. This is the most straightforward scenario, and it applies to most bookmakers.

Accumulator Bets

If you have placed an accumulator bet, also known as an acca or parlay, and one of the games in the bet is cancelled or postponed, the bet will usually still be valid, but the odds for the remaining games will be adjusted accordingly. For example, if you have a four-fold accumulator bet with odds of 10/1, and one of the games is cancelled, the odds for the remaining three games will be adjusted to reflect the new probability of the bet winning.

System Bets

System bets are similar to accumulator bets, but they offer more flexibility by allowing you to win even if one or more of your selections lose. If one of the games in a system bet is cancelled or postponed, the bet will usually still be valid, but the odds for the remaining games will be adjusted accordingly, just like with accumulator bets.

In-Play Bets

In-play bets, also known as live bets, are placed during the course of a game, and they are settled based on the outcome of the game at the time the bet was placed. If a game is cancelled or postponed before the bet is settled, the bet will usually be voided, and your stake will be returned to you.

Futures Bets

Futures bets are placed on events that will happen in the future, such as the winner of a league or tournament. If a game that is part of a futures bet is cancelled or postponed, the bet will usually still be valid, but the odds may be adjusted to reflect the new probability of the bet winning.

Overall, the impact of a cancelled or postponed game on a bet will depend on the type of bet and the bookmaker’s rules. It is always a good idea to check the terms and conditions of your bookmaker before placing a bet to understand how they handle these situations.

Financial Consequences of Cancellations

When a game that a bettor has placed a wager on is cancelled, there are financial consequences that can result. The specific outcome will depend on the rules of the sportsbook and the type of bet that was placed.

In most cases, if a game is cancelled before it has started, the bettor will receive a full refund of their wager. However, if the game has already started and is cancelled or postponed, the outcome can be different.

If a game is postponed and rescheduled for a later date, the bettor’s wager will typically remain valid for the rescheduled game. If the game is ultimately played, the bettor will have the opportunity to win or lose their bet based on the outcome of the rescheduled game.

If a game is cancelled or postponed and not rescheduled within a certain timeframe, the bettor’s wager may be refunded or considered a push, resulting in a tie. The specific rules for cancellations and postponements can vary between sportsbooks, so it is important for bettors to familiarise themselves with the rules of the sportsbook they are using.

In some cases, sportsbooks may offer free bets or other bonuses to bettors who have had their wagers impacted by a cancellation or postponement. However, this is not always the case and should not be relied upon.

Overall, the financial consequences of a cancellation or postponement will depend on the specific circumstances of the game and the rules of the sportsbook. Bettors should be aware of the potential outcomes and should always read the fine print before placing a wager.

The Role of Original Start Time

The original start time of a game is a crucial factor in determining what happens to bets when a game is cancelled or postponed. Most sportsbooks have specific rules regarding the timeframe in which a game must be completed for bets to be valid.

For example, if a game is cancelled before the original start time, all bets are typically voided, and the money is returned to the bettor’s account. However, if a game is postponed after the original start time, the bets may still be valid, depending on the sportsbook’s rules.

In some cases, if a game is postponed and rescheduled within a certain timeframe, such as within 48 hours of the original start time, the bets will still be valid. However, if the game is not rescheduled within the specified timeframe, the bets may be voided.

It is important to note that the rules regarding cancelled or postponed games can vary depending on the sport and the sportsbook. Bettors should always check the specific rules of their chosen sportsbook to understand how their bets will be affected in the event of a cancelled or postponed game.

Overall, the original start time of a game plays a crucial role in determining the validity of bets in the event of a cancellation or postponement. Bettors should always be aware of the rules of their chosen sportsbook to ensure they understand how their bets will be affected in these situations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to understand the rules and regulations of a sportsbook regarding cancelled or postponed games before placing a bet. While it can be frustrating to have a bet cancelled or postponed, it is important to remember that sportsbooks have specific rules in place to protect both the bettor and the sportsbook itself.

If a game is cancelled or postponed, the sportsbook will typically have a set of rules in place to determine the outcome of the bet. It is important to read and understand these rules before placing a bet to avoid any confusion or disappointment.

Sportsbooks may have different rules regarding cancelled or postponed games, so it is important to do research and find a sportsbook that has clear and concise rules in place. It is also important to keep in mind that these rules may change over time, so it is important to stay informed and up-to-date on any changes.

Overall, it is important to approach betting on sports with a clear understanding of the rules and regulations in place. By doing so, bettors can make informed decisions and avoid any unnecessary frustration or disappointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to my bet if a game is postponed?

If a game is postponed, the bet is usually voided, and the money is refunded to the bettor’s account. However, if the game is rescheduled to take place within a specified timeframe, usually within the same week, the bet will still stand. The exact rules for postponed games can vary between bookmakers, so it is always advisable to check the terms and conditions of the specific bookmaker.

What happens to an accumulator when one game is postponed?

If one game in an accumulator is postponed, the entire bet will usually be voided. However, some bookmakers may allow the remaining legs to stand, while others may offer the option to cash out the bet early.

What happens to my accumulator if a game is postponed?

If a game in an accumulator bet is postponed, the bet will usually still stand, provided that the remaining games are played within the specified timeframe. However, if the postponed game is not played within the timeframe, the bet will be voided.

What happens if a game is postponed in SportyBet?

If a game is postponed in SportyBet, the bet will be voided, and the money will be refunded to the bettor’s account. However, if the game is rescheduled to take place within the same week, the bet will still stand.

What happens if a game is postponed in Betway?

If a game is postponed in Betway, the bet will be voided, and the money will be refunded to the bettor’s account. However, if the game is rescheduled to take place within the same week, the bet will still stand. The exact rules for postponed games can vary between bookmakers, so it is always advisable to check the terms and conditions of the specific bookmaker.