What is a Void Bet?

Anyone who has gambled for a period of time will have probably come across a void bet at some point. There are many different types of void bet that can happen, each with the same outcome.

For those who don’t know, a void bet is one that does not count. When this happens, your wager is void and the stake you placed will be returned to you. It doesn’t matter what kind of void bet you have, if its void you get your stake back.

If you are a new punter and you haven’t had a void bet before then here are a number of different scenarios where you could find yourself with one.

Void Bet Because of a Non-Runner

A non-runner is most commonly associated with horse racing but if a player pulls out of a tournament before the start of it, in tennis or golf for example, then non-runner rules are put in place.

This is all about getting a run for your money. If your horse doesn’t take part in the race, or your golf player pulls out before the start then you haven’t had a run for your money, therefore your bet is void because it is a non-runner.

Postponement or Abandonment

From time to time, events will be postponed until a later date or completely abandoned. In the majority of cases, this results in your bet being void but it is always worth checking out the rules with your bookmaker, these are not always the same across the board.

Issues where a bet may not be void are when the event has nearly been completed. For example, if bad weather brings a golf tournament to a sudden end, this could mean the result at the time is used as the end of the tournament.

With this type of potential void bet in particular it is vital to know and understand the rules your own bookmaker has in place for the sport you are betting on.

What Happens is There is a Human or Computer Error?

From time to time there will be an error, this may be done by a human or it could be a computer error. These cannot be helped, when you think how many bets and betting markets the bookmakers put together each day, these are bound to happen at some point.

The hope is that your bookmaker will contact you before the event takes place as soon as they realise the error, but these will always be void by the bookmaker. One of the most common problems with this type of void bet is a price error, giving you a far bigger price than you should get.

Void Selection in a Multiple Bet

If you have a void selection in any type of multiple bet, then the void part is only to do with that particular selection. For example, a bet on five football teams with one that has been abandoned goes down to a bet on the other four teams on your wager.

The results of those matches are used to work out whether your bet is a winner or loser, and the returns are lowered to reflect the fact only four teams are in the bet instead of five.

What Happens if a Bookie Goes Bust?

What’s the Easiest Sport to Win Bets At?