What Does Void Bet Mean? Complete Guide to Voided Bets in 2025

Understanding void bets is crucial for every bettor. Whether you're placing singles or building complex accumulators, knowing when a bet becomes void and how it affects your potential winnings can save you from confusion and disappointment. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about void bets in 2025.

What Is a Void Bet?

A void bet is a wager that has been cancelled and treated as if it never existed. When a bet is voided, your stake is returned in full, and the selection is removed from any accumulator or system bet. The bet is essentially nullified, with no win or loss recorded.

Think of a void bet as a betting reset button. The bookmaker returns your original stake, and the wager disappears from your betting history as an active bet (though it may still appear as "void" for record-keeping purposes).

Key Characteristics of Void Bets

• Full Stake Refund: Your entire stake is returned to your betting account
• No Profit or Loss: The bet doesn't count as a win or loss
• Accumulator Impact: Removed from multi-leg bets (doesn't cause the entire bet to lose)
• Automatic Processing: Bookmakers void bets automatically when conditions are met
• No Appeal Required: You don't need to request a void; it happens automatically

When Does a Bet Become Void?

Bets become void under specific circumstances defined by bookmaker rules and general betting regulations. Understanding these scenarios helps you anticipate when your bets might be cancelled.

Common Reasons for Void Bets

1. Event Cancellation or Postponement

If a sporting event is cancelled or postponed beyond a certain timeframe (typically 24-48 hours), all bets on that event are usually voided.

Example: A Premier League match is postponed from Saturday to the following Wednesday due to severe weather. All bets placed on the original fixture are voided, and stakes are returned.

Exceptions: Some bookmakers have specific rules for rescheduled events within 24-48 hours, where bets may still stand.

2. Player or Team Withdrawal

In individual sports, if a participant withdraws before the event starts, bets on that participant are typically voided.

Example: A tennis player withdraws from a tournament before their first match due to injury. All bets on that player to win matches or the tournament are voided.

Important Note: If a player starts the match but retires during play, bets are usually settled as losses, not voided. The key distinction is whether they started competing.

3. Venue Changes

Some bookmakers void bets if a match is played at a different venue than originally scheduled, particularly if the change affects home/away status.

Example: A football match scheduled to be played at Team A's stadium is moved to a neutral venue. Some bookmakers may void bets, while others will allow them to stand with adjusted odds.

4. Dead Heat Rules Not Applicable

In markets where dead heat rules cannot be applied (when multiple participants tie), bets may be voided instead.

Example: A "First Goalscorer" market where two players score simultaneously in different incidents that are later shown to have occurred at exactly the same time.

5. Obvious Pricing Errors

If a bookmaker offers odds that are clearly erroneous (often called "palpable errors"), they may void bets placed at those odds.

Example: A bookmaker accidentally lists odds of 1000.00 instead of 10.00 for a match favorite. Bets at the incorrect odds may be voided.

Consumer Protection: Reputable bookmakers have strict rules about what constitutes a palpable error and must follow gambling commission guidelines.

6. Technical Issues

Bets may be voided if placed during periods when live data feeds were incorrect or systems malfunctioned.

Example: A live betting market remains open after a goal has been scored but before the odds update. Bets placed in this window may be voided.

7. Insufficient Participants

In racing and some other sports, if the minimum number of participants isn't met, the event or specific markets may be voided.

Example: A horse race requires at least 4 runners for certain markets. If only 3 horses start, some exotic bet types may be voided.

8. Rule Changes or Competition Format Alterations

If fundamental competition rules change after bets are placed, affecting the nature of the event, bets may be voided.

Example: A football match is changed from two 45-minute halves to four 25-minute quarters due to experimental rules. Bookmakers may void all bets due to the format change.

How Void Bets Affect Different Bet Types

The impact of a void selection varies significantly depending on your bet type. Understanding these differences is crucial for managing your betting strategy.

Void Bets in Single Bets

Impact: Complete refund of stake

When a single bet is voided, the outcome is straightforward—you receive your full stake back, and the bet is cancelled.

Example:

• You bet £20 on Team A to win at 2.50 odds
• The match is postponed
• Result: £20 refunded, no win or loss

Settlement Time: Usually processed within 24 hours of the void decision

Void Bets in Accumulator Bets (Accas)

Impact: The void selection is removed, and the accumulator continues with remaining selections

This is where void bets become interesting. Unlike a losing selection (which would cause the entire accumulator to lose), a void selection is simply removed from the bet.

Example 1 - Standard Accumulator:

• You place a 4-fold accumulator with £10 stake:
  • Selection 1: Team A to win @ 2.00 (Wins)
  • Selection 2: Team B to win @ 1.80 (Wins)
  • Selection 3: Team C to win @ 2.20 (VOID)
  • Selection 4: Team D to win @ 1.90 (Wins)

Original Potential Return: £10 × 2.00 × 1.80 × 2.20 × 1.90 = £150.48

After Void: The bet becomes a 3-fold accumulator:

• £10 × 2.00 × 1.80 × 1.90 = £68.40

The voided selection is simply removed, and your accumulator continues with the remaining legs. If all remaining selections win, you win the reduced amount.

Example 2 - Multiple Voids: If multiple selections are voided, they're all removed:

• 5-fold accumulator with 2 void selections becomes a 3-fold
• 4-fold accumulator with 3 void selections becomes a single
• All selections void = full stake refunded

Void Bets in System Bets

System bets (like Trixie, Patent, Yankee) are collections of multiple accumulators. Void selections affect each component bet individually.

Example - Trixie Bet (3 selections, 4 bets: 3 doubles + 1 treble):

• Selection A @ 2.00 (Wins)
• Selection B @ 1.80 (VOID)
• Selection C @ 2.20 (Wins)

Impact:

• Double (A+B): Becomes a single on A
• Double (A+C): Unaffected, continues as a double
• Double (B+C): Becomes a single on C
• Treble (A+B+C): Becomes a double (A+C)

Your Trixie effectively converts to a different bet structure, with each component adjusted for the void selection.

Void Bets in Each-Way Betting

For each-way bets, if the selection is void before the event starts, both the win and place portions are voided, and the full stake is returned.

Example:

• £10 each-way bet (£20 total stake) on a horse at 10.00 odds
• Horse is withdrawn before the race
• Result: £20 full refund (both win and place stakes returned)

Void Bets in Live/In-Play Betting

In-play void bets typically occur due to:

• Incorrect live data
• Technical issues
• Bets accepted after key events (goals, red cards) but before odds updated

Example:

• You place a bet on "next goal" market in live football
• A goal was actually scored 10 seconds before your bet was accepted (but the system hadn't updated)
• Result: Bet voided, stake refunded

Bookmaker Void Bet Policies

Different bookmakers have varying rules for void bets. While the basics are similar, understanding specific policies helps you choose where to place your bets.

Standard Industry Practices

Most UK and European bookmakers follow similar guidelines:

1. Event Postponement: Bets void if event delayed > 24-48 hours
2. Abandoned Matches: Specific rules depending on sport and how much of the event was completed
3. Non-Runners: Racing bets voided if horse/participant withdrawn before start
4. Dead Heats: Stakes divided by number of winners (not typically voided)
5. Palpable Errors: Clearly incorrect odds can be voided at bookmaker discretion

Sport-Specific Void Rules

Football

• Abandoned Matches: Often require 90 minutes to be completed for bets to stand
• Venue Changes: Some bookmakers void, others adjust odds
• Postponements: Usually void if not played within 24-48 hours
• Player Markets: Often void if player doesn't start the match

Tennis

• Retirements: Bets stand if match starts; void if player withdraws before first serve
• Walkovers: All bets void
• Match Betting: Opponent awarded victory; bets settled normally
• Set Betting: May be void if match doesn't reach completion threshold

Horse Racing

• Non-Runners: Bets void or Rule 4 deductions apply to remaining horses
• Abandoned Races: All bets void unless race rescheduled same day
• False Starts: Bets stand if race is rerun on the same day
• Dead Heats: Stakes divided, not voided

American Sports (NBA, NFL, MLB)

• Listed Pitchers (MLB): Bets may be void if listed pitcher doesn't start
• Postponements: Usually void if not played within 24-36 hours
• Player Props: Void if player doesn't participate
• Cancelled Games: All bets void

Enhanced Void Protection

Some bookmakers offer enhanced void protection as a promotional feature:

• Extra Time Guarantee: Bet refunded if your team loses in extra time
• First Goalscorer Insurance: Stake returned if your player doesn't start
• Bore Draw Refund: Stake returned on 0-0 draws
• Acca Insurance: One leg fails, get your stake back (as free bet)

These aren't technical voids but offer similar stake protection.

What Happens to Your Money When a Bet Is Void?

Understanding the financial flow of voided bets helps you manage your bankroll and expectations.

Immediate Stake Return

When a bet is voided:

1. Detection: Bookmaker's system identifies the void condition
2. Processing: Bet status changes to "void" in their system
3. Refund: Stake is credited back to your account
4. Timeline: Usually within 1-24 hours of void decision

Withdrawal Implications

Can you withdraw voided stake funds?

• Yes: Once the void is processed and stake returned, funds are available for withdrawal
• No Restrictions: Returned stakes have no wagering requirements
• Same as Original Funds: Treated as your deposited money, not bonus funds

Bonus Bets and Void Selections

If you placed a bet using bonus funds:

• Bonus Stake: Usually not returned when voided (bonus is consumed)
• Qualifying Bets: May not count toward wagering requirements if voided
• Check Terms: Bonus terms and conditions specify void bet treatment

Example:

• You use a £10 free bet on a match at 3.00 odds
• Match is postponed and bet is voided
• Result: The £10 free bet is not returned; it's been used

This varies by bookmaker, but most don't return bonus stakes when bets are voided.

Accounting for Void Bets in Records

For serious bettors tracking performance:

• Don't Count as Losses: Void bets shouldn't affect win/loss ratios
• Neutral Impact: Record as "N/A" or "Void" in spreadsheets
• Stake Returned: No effect on profit/loss calculations
• Opportunity Cost: Consider that capital was tied up temporarily

Void Bet vs. Push: Understanding the Difference

In American sports betting, you'll encounter the term "push," which is similar but not identical to a void bet.

Void Bet

• Definition: Bet cancelled due to external circumstances (postponement, withdrawal, error)
• Cause: Event doesn't occur as originally defined
• Example: Tennis player withdraws before match

Push

• Definition: Bet result lands exactly on the spread or total, resulting in no winner
• Cause: Result equals the betting line
• Example: You bet on Team A -7, they win by exactly 7 points
• Outcome: Stake returned (same as void)

Key Difference: A void bet is cancelled due to circumstances; a push is a legitimate result that happens to tie the betting line.

Asian Handicap Half-Void Rules

Asian Handicaps introduce "half-void" scenarios where only part of your stake is voided:

Quarter Ball Handicaps (e.g., -0.25, -1.75):

• Your stake is split between two handicaps
• One half may void while the other settles normally

Example: £20 bet on Team A -0.25 (split into -0 and -0.5)

• Team A wins 1-0
• -0 handicap: Push (£10 returned)
• -0.5 handicap: Win (£10 wins at given odds)
• Result: Half void, half win

How to Check If Your Bet Is Void

Modern bookmakers provide multiple ways to check bet status:

Online Betting Account

1. Log into your betting account
2. Navigate to "My Bets" or "Bet History"
3. Look for status indicators: "Void," "Cancelled," or "Refunded"
4. Check for stake return in transaction history

Mobile App

• Push notifications when bets are voided
• Bet slip shows updated status
• Account balance automatically updated

Customer Service

If unclear, contact customer service:

• Live chat (fastest)
• Email support
• Phone support

Questions to Ask:

• "Why was bet [reference number] voided?"
• "When will the stake be returned?"
• "How does this affect my accumulator [reference number]?"

Automatic Notifications

Most bookmakers send:

• Email notification when major bets are voided
• SMS alerts for significant stake refunds
• App push notifications for active bets

Common Void Bet Scenarios and Examples

Let's explore real-world scenarios to understand void bets in practice:

Scenario 1: Weekend Football Accumulator

Situation: You place a 5-fold accumulator on Saturday's Premier League matches. One match is postponed Friday evening due to a COVID outbreak.

Your Bet:

• Match 1: Arsenal vs Chelsea @ 2.10 (Wins)
• Match 2: Liverpool vs Man United @ 1.90 (Wins)
• Match 3: Leicester vs Wolves @ 2.30 (POSTPONED - VOID)
• Match 4: Brighton vs Everton @ 1.85 (Wins)
• Match 5: Southampton vs Villa @ 2.00 (Wins)

Outcome:

• Original 5-fold becomes a 4-fold
• If all 4 remaining matches win, you win the 4-fold accumulator
• Odds: 2.10 × 1.90 × 1.85 × 2.00 = 14.76 (instead of original 33.95)

Lesson: You still have a live bet, but at reduced potential winnings. The void doesn't kill your accumulator.

Scenario 2: Tennis Match Retirement

Situation: You bet on Player A to beat Player B at 1.80 odds. Player B retires in the second set due to injury.

Two Possible Outcomes:

Before Match Starts:

• If Player B withdraws before the first serve: Bet VOID, stake returned

After Match Starts:

• If Player B retires during play: Bet stands, Player A declared winner, you win at 1.80 odds

Lesson: Timing is crucial—withdrawal before start = void; retirement during play = bet stands.

Scenario 3: Obvious Pricing Error

Situation: A bookmaker accidentally lists Manchester City to beat a League Two team in the FA Cup at 50.00 odds (should be 1.05). You place £100 on this bet.

Likely Outcome:

• Bookmaker identifies palpable error
• Bet is voided under "obvious pricing error" terms
• £100 stake returned
• You receive notification explaining the void

Your Rights:

• If you believe the void is unfair, you can complain
• UK Gambling Commission requires bookmakers to justify palpable error claims
• Some jurisdictions favor the bettor in borderline cases

Lesson: If odds seem too good to be true, they probably are. Bookmakers can void clear errors.

Scenario 4: Horse Racing Non-Runner

Situation: You place an accumulator on three horse races. One horse is withdrawn 30 minutes before the race.

Your Bet:

• Race 1: Horse A @ 4.00 (Wins)
• Race 2: Horse B @ 3.50 (WITHDRAWN - VOID)
• Race 3: Horse C @ 2.80 (Wins)

Outcome:

• Horse B selection voided
• Treble becomes a double: Horse A × Horse C
• Odds: 4.00 × 2.80 = 11.20
• If both remaining horses win, you win at double odds

Alternative - Rule 4 Deductions: Some bookmakers apply Rule 4 deductions to remaining horses instead of voiding. This is different from a void and reduces your potential winnings rather than removing the selection.

Lesson: Check if your bookmaker uses straight voids or Rule 4 for non-runners.

Scenario 5: Live Betting Technical Void

Situation: You place a live bet on "next team to score" at 2.20 odds. Unknown to you, a goal was scored 15 seconds earlier but the system hadn't updated.

Outcome:

• Bookmaker reviews bet timestamp vs. goal time
• Bet accepted after goal occurred
• Bet voided as it was placed on an already-decided market
• Stake returned with explanation

Lesson: In live betting, always be aware that slight delays can result in voided bets for fairness.

Strategies for Managing Void Bets

While you can't prevent void bets entirely, you can manage their impact:

1. Build Accumulators with Void Buffer

Strategy: Add extra selections to accumulators expecting some may void

Example: Instead of a minimum 3-fold, build a 4-fold or 5-fold, knowing that one void still leaves you with a solid accumulator.

Caution: More selections = lower probability of winning, so balance carefully

2. Diversify Event Timing

Strategy: Don't build accumulators entirely from matches on the same day or in the same competition

Benefit: Reduces risk of multiple voids from a single weather event or competition postponement

Example: Mix Premier League, La Liga, and Bundesliga matches across Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

3. Check Weather and News Before Placing Bets

Strategy: Review weather forecasts and team news before placing bets on potentially affected events

Resources:

• Weather apps for outdoor sports
• Team news sites for injury updates
• Official league postponement announcements

Timing: Bet as close to event start as reasonable to minimize postponement risk

4. Understand Bookmaker-Specific Rules

Strategy: Read the terms and conditions for void scenarios at your chosen bookmaker

Key Sections:

• General betting rules
• Sport-specific rules
• Postponement policies
• Abandoned match rules

Application: Choose bookmakers whose void policies align with your betting style

5. Use Single Bets for High-Void-Risk Events

Strategy: If an event has high postponement/cancellation risk, use singles instead of including it in accumulators

High-Risk Events:

• Outdoor sports in winter
• Events in regions with civil unrest
• Matches involving teams with COVID outbreaks
• Early-season tennis tournaments

Benefit: Void singles simply return stake; voids in accumulators reduce potential winnings even if other legs win

6. Track Void Bet Patterns

Strategy: Keep records of voided bets to identify patterns

What to Track:

• Which sports have highest void rates
• Which bookmakers void most frequently
• Time of year for void bets
• Reasons for voids

Action: Adjust betting strategy based on void history

7. Consider Bet Insurance Promotions

Strategy: Use bookmaker promotions offering acca insurance or bet refunds

Common Offers:

• "Acca insurance" - one leg loses, stake returned as free bet
• "Extra time refund" - money back if team loses in extra time
• "Bore draw" - refund on 0-0 football matches

Benefit: Provides protection similar to void bets, reducing overall risk

Void Bets and Responsible Gambling

Understanding void bets is part of responsible gambling education:

Protecting Your Bankroll

Principle: Never bet money you can't afford to lose, even if you expect a void to return your stake

Reason: Voids aren't guaranteed. What you think should be void might be settled as a loss based on specific terms and conditions.

Best Practice: Treat all stakes as potentially lost until actually returned

Avoiding Void Bet Exploitation Attempts

Some bettors try to exploit potential voids:

Example Exploitation Attempts:

• Betting on both sides of a match likely to be postponed
• Placing large bets on obvious pricing errors hoping they won't be voided
• Claiming bets should be void when they've lost fairly

Why This Fails:

• Bookmakers have sophisticated detection
• Terms and conditions protect against exploitation
• Accounts may be limited or closed for abuse
• You may forfeit legitimate winnings

Ethical Approach: Accept voids as part of betting, not opportunities for exploitation

When to Contact Gambling Support

If you find yourself:

• Betting recklessly hoping for voids to bail you out
• Chasing losses by placing questionable bets
• Arguing excessively about void decisions
• Relying on stake returns from voids to fund further betting

Action: Contact gambling support services:

• UK: GamCare (0808 8020 133), BeGambleAware
• US: National Council on Problem Gambling (1-800-522-4700)
• International: Your local gambling support service

Frequently Asked Questions About Void Bets

1. Do I get my money back if a bet is void?

Yes, when a bet is voided, your full stake is returned to your betting account. You don't win or lose; the bet is cancelled completely, and you receive 100% of your original stake back.

2. What happens to a void bet in an accumulator?

In an accumulator, a void selection is removed from the bet, and the accumulator continues with the remaining selections. For example, a 4-fold accumulator with one void becomes a 3-fold. If all remaining selections win, you win at the reduced odds.

3. How long does it take to get a refund for a void bet?

Most bookmakers process void bet refunds within 24 hours. For live events, refunds are often instantaneous. For postponed events, the refund typically occurs within hours of the official postponement announcement. Check your account's transaction history to confirm.

4. Can a bookmaker void a bet after it's won?

Bookmakers can void bets after the event only under specific circumstances outlined in their terms and conditions, such as obvious pricing errors (palpable errors) or if the result is later overturned by official ruling. However, they cannot arbitrarily void winning bets. If you believe a void is unfair, you can appeal to the bookmaker and, if necessary, to gambling regulators.

5. Is a void bet the same as a push?

No. A void bet is cancelled due to external circumstances (match postponement, player withdrawal, errors), while a push occurs when the result lands exactly on the betting line (e.g., you bet -7 and the team wins by exactly 7). Both return your stake, but the cause is different.

6. What happens if all selections in my accumulator are void?

If all selections in an accumulator are voided, you receive your full stake back, and the entire bet is cancelled. It's treated as if the accumulator never existed.

7. Do void bets count toward wagering requirements for bonuses?

Generally, no. Most bookmakers exclude void bets from bonus wagering requirements. If you placed a bet using bonus funds and it's voided, that bet usually doesn't count toward fulfilling your wagering obligations. Always check the specific bonus terms and conditions.

8. Can I appeal a void bet decision?

Yes, you can contact customer service to question a void decision. Provide your bet reference number and ask for clarification. If you believe the void was incorrect, request a review. If unsatisfied with the bookmaker's response, you can escalate to gambling regulatory bodies like the UK Gambling Commission or IBAS (Independent Betting Adjudication Service).

9. Why was my tennis bet voided when the player retired?

If the player withdrew before the match started, the bet is void. If the player retired during the match, the bet usually stands, and the opponent is declared the winner. The key is whether the match began. Always check the specific time the retirement occurred relative to the first serve.

10. Do I get my free bet stake back if the bet is void?

No, in most cases. When you use a free bet or bonus bet and it's voided, the free bet is consumed and not returned. This is because free bets are promotional offers, not your own money. Always check your bookmaker's specific free bet terms.

11. Will voided bets show in my betting history?

Yes, most bookmakers retain voided bets in your betting history for record-keeping and transparency. They'll typically be marked as "Void," "Cancelled," or "Refunded" with a note explaining why the bet was voided.

12. Can postponed matches be un-voided if rescheduled quickly?

Some bookmakers have rules allowing bets to stand if an event is rescheduled within 24-48 hours. However, many still void the original bets and require new wagers on the rescheduled event. Check your bookmaker's specific postponement rules.

13. What is a palpable error, and can bookmakers always void these bets?

A palpable error is an obvious mistake in pricing, such as listing a heavy favorite at 50.00 instead of 1.50. Bookmakers can void bets placed at palpably incorrect odds, but the error must be clear and obvious. Regulators require bookmakers to justify palpable error claims, and borderline cases may be decided in the bettor's favor.

14. Are there sports where void bets are more common?

Yes. Tennis has frequent voids due to player withdrawals and retirements. Horse racing has many non-runners. Outdoor winter sports (football in northern climates, for example) have more postponements due to weather. Indoor sports like basketball have fewer voids.

15. Can I withdraw money immediately after a void bet refund?

Yes, once the void bet stake is refunded to your account, it's treated as your regular funds and can be withdrawn immediately (subject to any overall account verification or withdrawal processing times). There are no wagering requirements on returned stakes from voided bets.

Conclusion: Mastering Void Bet Knowledge

Understanding void bets is essential for every bettor, from beginners to professionals. Void bets are a normal part of the betting landscape, providing protection when circumstances beyond anyone's control affect sporting events.

Key Takeaways:

1. Void bets return your stake - You don't win or lose; the bet is cancelled
2. Accumulators continue with voids removed - One void doesn't kill your entire acca
3. Common void causes - Postponements, withdrawals, errors, technical issues
4. Sport-specific rules vary - Tennis, racing, and football have different void scenarios
5. Refunds are automatic - No action required; bookmakers process voids automatically
6. Check terms and conditions - Understand your bookmaker's specific void policies
7. Don't exploit voids - Treat them as normal occurrences, not opportunities for manipulation
8. Track your voids - Monitor patterns to improve your betting strategy

By understanding when and how bets are voided, you can:

• Build more resilient accumulators
• Avoid disappointment from unexpected cancellations
• Choose bookmakers with favorable void policies
• Manage your bankroll more effectively
• Make more informed betting decisions

Remember, void bets are protective mechanisms ensuring fair treatment when events don't go as planned. Embrace this knowledge as part of your betting education, and use it to become a more sophisticated, responsible bettor.

Ready to put your void bet knowledge into practice? Check out our guides on accumulator betting strategy, treble bets, and double chance betting to build smarter, more resilient bets that account for potential voids.

Want to calculate your accumulator odds with potential voids? Use our free Accumulator Calculator to see how removing selections affects your potential returns.