What Is a Void Bet?
A void bet is a bet the bookmaker cancels, so it is neither won nor lost. On a single bet, your stake is returned. In an accumulator, a void leg usually counts as odds of 1.00, and the rest of the bet carries on.
Void bet example: Gor Mahia vs Tusker
Say you place a three-leg accumulator (one bet that links several picks). You stake (the money you bet) KSh 100.
| Leg | Selection | Odds (example odds) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gor Mahia to beat Tusker | 2.20 |
| 2 | AFC Leopards to win | 1.70 |
| 3 | Kaizer Chiefs to win | 1.60 |
| Total odds | 2.20 × 1.70 × 1.60 = 5.984 |
If all three win, your return is KSh 100 × 5.984 = KSh 598.40.
Now say the Gor Mahia match is postponed and not replayed in time. Leg 1 is void and counts as 1.00:
- New total odds = 1.00 × 1.70 × 1.60 = 2.72
- Return if legs 2 and 3 win = KSh 100 × 2.72 = KSh 272.00
- Profit = KSh 272.00 − KSh 100 = KSh 172.00
The bet carries on, but the return is smaller. Check returns with the payout calculator.
Why are bets voided?
Bets are voided when the bookmaker decides a bet cannot be settled fairly. The rules differ by bookmaker, so always read their terms.
Common reasons include:
- Postponed match. The match is not played on the planned date.
- Abandoned match. The match starts but stops early, for example due to heavy rain or crowd trouble.
- Wrong odds. The bookmaker shows a clearly wrong price by mistake, sometimes called a "palpable error".
- Player does not play. On a player bet, such as "first goalscorer", the player may not take part.
- Rule breaks. For example, the same bet placed many times to get around stake limits.
For an abandoned match, some markets may already be settled. A bet on "over 0.5 goals" could stand if a goal was scored before the match stopped.
What happens to my stake?
On a void single bet, your stake goes back to your account. You get no profit and no loss.
| Bet | Stake | If won (example odds 2.40) | If void |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single on Kaizer Chiefs | R20 | R20 × 2.40 = R48.00 | R20.00 returned |
The refund is usually automatic. It can take some time to show, so check your bet history. If a refund does not arrive, contact the bookmaker's support.
How does a void leg work in an accumulator?
A void leg in an accumulator usually counts as odds of 1.00. Multiplying by 1.00 changes nothing, so the leg simply drops out.
Here is a ₦1,000 double on Enyimba (1.90) and Remo Stars (1.40), both example odds:
| What happens | Total odds | Return on ₦1,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Both win | 1.90 × 1.40 = 2.66 | ₦2,660.00 |
| Remo Stars match void, Enyimba win | 1.90 × 1.00 = 1.90 | ₦1,900.00 |
| Remo Stars match void, Enyimba lose | — | ₦0.00 |
| Both matches void | 1.00 × 1.00 = 1.00 | ₦1,000.00 returned |
A void leg does not save a losing accumulator. If any other leg loses, the whole bet still loses. Read more in our accumulator bet guide.
How long do bookmakers wait for a postponed match?
Bookmakers often wait 24–48 hours for a postponed match, but check your bookmaker's rules. If the match is played within that time, your bet usually stands.
If the match is not played in time, the bet is usually made void. Some bookmakers use a different time limit, or treat tournaments differently.
Example: you stake TSh 1,000 on Simba to beat Young Africans. The match is moved by one day. If your bookmaker's limit allows that, your bet stands. If the match ends 2–1 to Simba, you win as normal.
Common mistakes
- Thinking void means lost. On a single, your stake comes back.
- Thinking a void leg kills an accumulator. It usually counts as 1.00, and the bet goes on.
- Placing another bet on the replayed match too soon. Your first bet may still stand if the match is played in time.
- Not reading the rules. Postponement, abandonment and player rules differ between bookmakers.
FAQ
Is a void bet a win or a loss?
Neither. A void bet is cancelled. On a single, your stake comes back, so you make no profit and no loss.
Can I stop my bet from being voided?
No. The bookmaker voids bets under its own rules. You can read those rules before you bet so you know what to expect.
Does a void leg count towards an accumulator bonus?
Often it does not. Many bookmakers only count legs that are settled as won. Check the bonus terms.
Will a voided bet show in my bet history?
Yes. It usually shows as void, cancelled or refunded in your bet history or settled bets.