Reviewed by TipsterCheck Editorial TeamLast checked 29 October 2026MethodologyCorrections
Betting glossary · Odds & Maths
What is Void Bet?
What is Void Bet?
How a Void Bet Works
When a bet is voided, the bookmaker or exchange cancels it entirely and returns your stake. The settlement shows neither a profit nor a loss; it is simply struck from the record. Common triggers include a horse being withdrawn before the off, a football match being abandoned before a full result is official (typically before 90 minutes are completed, though rules vary by operator), a named player not taking part in a market where their participation was required, or a palpable error in the original price offered.
In multiple bets such as doubles, trebles, or accumulators, a void selection usually reduces the bet by one leg rather than cancelling the whole slip. A five-fold accumulator with one void selection becomes a four-fold, recalculated at the remaining odds. Some operators apply slightly different rules on system bets and each-way multiples, so it is worth checking their terms. On a betting exchange, a voided market results in all matched bets being cancelled and stakes returned, with no commission charged.
Why It Matters When Judging a Tipster
Void bets have a direct impact on how a tipster's results should be recorded and interpreted. The most straightforward and widely accepted approach is to exclude void bets entirely from the profit-and-loss record, treating them as if the tip was never issued. This keeps the yield and ROI figures clean. However, some tipsters count a void as a 0-point result rather than removing it, which slightly flatters their strike rate by inflating the denominator without affecting profit. Neither method is dishonest in itself, but you should know which one is being used.
When reviewing a proofed tipster service, check whether their record states how voids are handled. A service with a high proportion of ante-post or player-specific tips may accumulate more voids than one focused on straightforward match-result markets, and this affects the reliability of a sample size assessment. A run of ten voids in a row does not tell you anything about the tipster's edge, but it does mean your actual capital is tied up longer than expected and your bank growth is delayed. Always factor void frequency into your practical assessment of a service.
Example: A tipster advises a horse each-way at 10/1; the horse is withdrawn on the morning of the race, the bet is voided, and the full stake is returned with no impact on the tipster's profit-and-loss record.
FAQs
Do I lose my stake on a void bet?
No. Your original stake is returned in full when a bet is voided. You neither win nor lose anything, and the wager is treated as though it was never placed.
What happens to an accumulator if one selection is void?
In most cases the void leg is removed and the accumulator drops down by one, so a treble becomes a double. The remaining odds are recalculated accordingly, though you should confirm the specific terms with your operator.
Can a bookmaker void a bet after it has already won?
Yes, in limited circumstances. A bookmaker may void a winning bet if it resulted from a palpable error in pricing or if the event itself is voided. Rules and timeframes vary, so checking the operator's settlement terms is advisable.
More odds & maths terms: American (Moneyline) Odds, Closing Line Value (CLV), Decimal Odds