Saving Your Bet From “Void”: What Does It Mean in Sports Betting?
Written by
Mia - Researcher / WriterLast updated:
November 5, 2023
The thrill of victory. The agony of defeat. And then there’s…void? If you’re a sports bettor, you’ve probably seen this weird word pop up from time to time and scratched your head, wondering what it means. To be short and clear: a void bet is one that is canceled and your stake is returned to you, but its exact meaning can be a bit murky. In this article, we’ll shed some light on this word and explain precisely what ‘void’ means when it comes to your bet slips. We’ll cover when and why sportsbooks void wagers, the key differences between a void bet and a push, and how to avoid having your bets voided. Whether you’re a seasoned sports bettor or just placing your first wager, it’s important to understand the implications of a void bet. So read on to finally make sense of the void!
What Does Void Mean In Sportsbet?
In the sports betting and gambling world, the term “action” can have two meanings. In its most basic sense, it refers to the amount of money wagered on an event. However, it can also refer to a bet accepted by a sportsbook and considered valid. This distinction is important because there are some circumstances, where a bet may be considered “no action” or “void,” and we will discuss that later in this article. For now, the main takeaway is to understand that these two words on your bet slip imply that the wager is canceled as if it had never been placed in the first place. In other words, you did not lose or win your bet.
When and Why Sportsbooks Void Wagers?
There are various reasons sportsbooks declare a bet as voided due to multiple circumstances. The most common reasons for sportsbooks to void wagers are?
- The sporting event was postponed and canceled– When an event is canceled or postponed before it begins, sportsbooks void all wagers on that event and return bettors’ money. The reason is that they can’t and don’t want to grade bets on events that never happened because it would be a loss for both sides- the bookmaker and the bettors.
- An obvious error in odds listing was reported– Sometimes, bookmakers accidentally offer erroneous odds on an event, usually caused by a typo. Hence, they must void those wagers because the odds were clearly a mistake.
- There was suspected cheating or match-fixing– Bookmakers won’t grade bets they suspect that were placed due to inside information or match manipulation to keep their market fair.
- The bet was past-posted– When a bettor gets down a wager after an event has already started, this is called “past-posting”. Sportsbooks will void these bets because the bettor had an unfair advantage in knowing how the event unfolded.
- Bookmaker’s policy and rules– Bookmakers may cancel a bet if the event is changed in a certain way. While sporting events may still occur after changes are made, wagers placed on them are subject to being voided if the modifications alter the initial conditions. For instance, in cricket, decreases in the number of overs could invalidate bets. If a tennis match switches court surfaces, bets may be canceled. And if a new pitcher enters a baseball game, previous wagers may no longer stand. The bookmaker’s rules for each sport will clearly state which events will result in a voided bet. Hence, it is very important to read the sportsbook’s void policy before placing any bet.
- The bookmaker found out that the player was restricted from betting– If a sportsbook discovers a bet was placed by someone who was prohibited from wagering (such as an athlete), they will void the wager.
- There was a Non-Runner or Injured– In sports betting, a “non-runner (NR) ” is a participant who does not take part in the event they were scheduled to compete in. If you wagered on a non-runner, your bet will be voided and your stake will be returned. This rule is most commonly applied to horse racing, but can also apply to other sports such as golf, tennis, football, and boxing. For instance, in football, bets on the first goalscorer market will be void if the player you bet on does not start the match or if they come on as a substitute after the first goal has been scored.
- There was a change in weather, event format, venue, or rules.
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Void VS. Push: What Are The Key Differences?
Void and Push are two gambling lingo that often get confused by bettors, especially newbies. Let’s have a close look at the main differences between the two and clear any confusion once and for all.
| Void Bet | Push Bet |
| It is when a bet is canceled entirely due to specific circumstances. | It is when the outcome of an event ends in a tie. In other words, there is no winner or loser. |
| A void bet happens before an event starts. | A push happens after the event finishes and bets are graded. |
| There is no chance of winning a voided bet. | There is a possibility of the wager winning before the tie, no result or draw outcome is confirmed. |
| The sportsbook returns all the wager money(bet+vig) | The sportsbook may or may not return the vig. Typically, sportsbooks only return the bet amount and keep the vig as their profit in the case of a push. |
10 Tips To Avoid Having Your Sportbets Voided
Typically, bets are voided due to unpredictable circumstances. Still, there are some things you can do to minimize the risk of your wagers being voided by online sportsbooks. Here are ten tips to remember:
- Read the sportsbook’s void policy and wagering rules carefully. Each sportsbook sets its own rules regarding void bets, so make sure you understand when and why they void wagers so you don’t make risky bets.
- Don’t past-post bets.
- Check for errors – Don’t try to take advantage if a book posts an obvious incorrect line or odd. These will likely be voided.
- Avoid suspicious betting – Don’t make bets that might appear influenced by insider info or match-fixing attempts.
- Verify your account status to ensure you are not restricted from betting for any reason before placing wagers.
- Stick to reputable sportsbooks – Top legit sportsbooks are less likely to void winning bets.
- Keep your account funded – Some books will void bets if your account doesn’t have sufficient funds to cover the wager.
- Don’t hedge past limits – If a bookie restricts hedging, exceeding limits could force a void of one side.
- Be aware of the non-runner rules for the sport you are betting on.
- Check the starting lineups before placing bets- If you are betting on a team sport, it is important to check the starting lineups before you place your bets. Your bet may be voided if a key player is injured or suspended.
Wrap Up
And there you have it – everything you need to know about voids in the sports betting realm. While this weird term may seem confusing at first, you now understand what it means when a bookmaker declares a bet is being voided. You know potential reasons for wagers being voided and know how to prevent your wagers from being declared as “no-action”.
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Void In Sports Betting FAQs
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What Happens When My Wager Is Voided?
When your bet is voided, the sportsbook will return the entire wager amount. You don’t win or lose any money.
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Is Void And Push The Same Thing?
No. Void is when a bet is canceled before an event starts. But a push happens when the event finishes in a tie.
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What Are The Rules For Void Bets In Different Sports?
The rules for void bets vary from sport to sport. The rules will generally be stated in the sportsbook's terms and conditions or void policy page. Make sure to read these terms and conditions carefully before you place any bets.
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Can I Dispute A Voided Bet?
Again, it depends on the sportsbook’s T&Cs. Sometimes, you may dispute a voided bet if you are 100% sure that the bookmaker incorrectly voided it and you have evidence to prove it.
