What Does Void Mean in Sports Betting?

Ever had a bet marked as “void” and wondered why? A void bet means the sportsbook cancels your wager, but what’s the reason behind it? In this guide, learn what void bets are, how they impact your wagers, and how to handle them effectively. Let’s get started!

🔑 Key Takeaways

Discover the meaning of voided bets and their impact on your betting strategy.
Learn how to avoid “void bets” and what to do if your bets get voided.
Understand why sportsbooks void bets.

Understand Voided Bets

Voided bets are canceled wagers that sportsbooks deem invalid, meaning the bets are removed and your stake is refunded. It’s as if the bet was never placed, sparing you any loss—though potential winnings are forfeited.

Here are the most common reasons for voided bets:

Event cancellations or postponements: Bad weather, venue issues, or security concerns can cancel or delay games, voiding all associated bets.
Player injuries: Bets on a player’s performance are void if they don’t participate.
Technical errors: Glitches or incorrect odds on sportsbooks can lead to bet cancellations.

Example Scenarios:

Cancellations: In 2020, an NBA game was canceled due to COVID-19, and all wagers were refunded.
Injuries: Roger Federer’s withdrawal from the 2021 French Open voided futures bets on him.
Glitches: A bookmaker canceling bets due to incorrect odds displayed after a system lag.

Note: Voided bets are more common than you think, so ensure you’re aware of the selected sportsbook’s rules to handle them effectively.

How Top Betting Sites Handle Voided Bets

Most sportsbooks handle voided bets by refunding stakes or offering alternatives. Some may provide additional perks like bonuses, while others have sport-specific rules, particularly for events like tennis or golf.

Here are how two of the most popular bookies handle the case of voided bets:

DraftKings: Refunds canceled events but keeps settled bets intact if a game is abandoned. For parlays, the entire ticket is voided if any leg is canceled, with the stake refunded.
FanDuel: Adjusts parlays by removing voided legs, recalculating odds for the remaining selections.

Voided Bets Impact on Bettors

Voided bets are often unexpected and can disrupt your strategy and reduce potential returns.

If part of a parlay bet, voided legs lower overall payouts.
If it’s a straight bet, potential winnings vanish.

Imagine betting on a football game only for the sportsbook to void it due to technical issues. All your effort and analysis feel wasted, leading to frustration and possible distrust in the platform.

In the next section, learn how to minimize the risks of voided bets.

What to Do When Your Bet Is Voided

If your bet gets voided, here’s what to do:

Check the rules: Calmly review the sportsbook’s voided bet policy under their terms and conditions, often listed as “House Rules” (FanDuel) or “Voiding Rules” (DraftKings).
Verify the reason: Confirm the validity of the void by checking sports news or updates about the event.
Contact the support: If unclear, reach out to customer service for clarification and ensure your stake is refunded.
File a dispute: If the void seems unjustified, submit a formal complaint with the sportsbook or your state’s gaming regulator, providing relevant proof like bet slips or transaction records.

Now let’s see how you can avoid voided bets.

How to Avoid Voided Bets

While many voided bets are beyond your control, these tips can help minimize the risk:

Understand the bookmaker rules: Always review your betting site’s terms.
Confirm player lineups: Double-check team announcements or social media for player availability before placing prop bets.
Verify odds: Avoid betting on unusually high odds without comparing them to other sportsbooks.
Check weather conditions: Stay informed about weather forecasts for events you’re betting on.
Use trusted bookmakers only: Stick to reputable, regulated betting platforms to reduce issues.

The Role of Technology in Reducing Voided Bets

Technology is transforming sports betting, making voided bets less frequent. AI and machine learning help sportsbooks create more accurate odds and predictions, reducing technical errors.

Regulations are also improving, with authorities prioritizing fair play and player protection, ensuring better outcomes for bettors.

In 2023, DraftKings faced regulatory denial when requesting voids due to a technical glitch, highlighting stricter oversight.

Ready To Handle Your Future Voided Bets Properly?

Voided bets happen, but risks can be managed, letting you place a new wager quickly. With this guide, you’re now equipped to minimize risks and handle voided bets confidently. Always check your sportsbook’s policies or contact support if unsure.

Want to know why games often get voided? Learn about PPD in sports betting on our dedicated page. Or check our Bet101 section for further betting options.