If you have created a bet builder where a specific player must complete an action, such as scoring or getting an assist, you may have many questions about your bet if you find out they are not starting.
Whether you’re new to sports betting or a regular punter, it’s important to know what to expect when a player doesn’t make the starting eleven.
In this blog post, we’ll explain what happens to your bet if a player doesn’t start and what happens to your stake if your bet is voided.
What Happens To a Bet If a Player Doesn’t Start?
When you’ve made a Bet Builder for a match and find out one of your selected players isn’t starting, it may seem confusing; however, this situation is a common occurrence, meaning your entire bet isn’t necessarily at risk.
Typically, if a player you’ve chosen isn’t in the starting line-up, the part of the bet that depends on that player is considered void, meaning that specific selection is removed.
Your bet is adjusted as though that part was never placed; however, this adjustment doesn’t mean you’ll lose your stake, but your potential winnings will be recalculated to reflect the change.
Most UK bookmakers automatically update your bet for you, removing the odds associated with the non-starting player, which usually results in lower potential returns since that part of your bet didn’t happen.
Bookmakers may have rules about minimum player participation time. If a player comes on as a substitute, but only for a brief period, the bet may still be voided depending on the bookmaker’s policies. If a player starts but is substituted off early without completing the action (e.g., scoring), the bet may stand as they were part of the starting line-up.
It’s crucial to make sure you understand how different bookmakers handle this situation. While there’s a general approach, each bookmaker may have slight variations, such as voiding the full bet.
Always check the bookmakers terms and conditions or contact their customer service for clarification.
Goalscorer Bet Example
Let’s consider a common scenario within a Bet Builder, like a goalscorer bet. Suppose you’ve bet that a player will score during the match, but he stays on the bench and never plays.
In this case, the goalscorer bet is voided because a player who doesn’t play obviously can’t score, yet the rest of your Bet Builder remains active.
Your stake doesn’t change, but the potential payout will be adjusted, as the odds specifically tied to your chosen player scoring will be removed, so you may notice a lower potential return than you anticipated.
What Happens If a Player Doesn’t Start In a Bet Builder?
Imagine you’ve set up your Bet Builder for a football match, which includes a specific player needing to complete an action; however, you realise your chosen player doesn’t start.
When a bookmaker voids a bet, they treat it as though it never existed. In a multi-part Bet Builder, this means the selection involving the non-starting player is simply removed, but the rest of your Bet Builder still stands and will continue as normal.
For example, if your Bet Builder included predictions on Player X scoring and they don’t start, this specific part will be taken out. Importantly, this doesn’t mean you lose your money, as the bookmaker recalculates the odds and potential payouts for the remaining selections. The overall stake doesn’t change, just the potential returns.
Different bookmakers may handle this in varying ways, as some may have their own unique rules about when a bet can be voided. Always check the terms and conditions of your chosen bookmaker.
Do You Get Your Money Back If a Bet Is Voided?
When placing a bet, it’s normal to wonder what happens if it ends up being voided, with the main concern being whether you’ll get your money back.
A voided bet essentially means that something occurred, making the original bet unplayable, such as a match being cancelled or an athlete withdrawing before the start. For single bets, this usually results in a full refund of your stake, meaning the money you initially bet is returned to you.
When it comes to Bet Builders, things work a bit differently. If a specific selection within your Bet Builder is voided, this part is simply taken out without affecting the entire bet.
The rest of the selections continue to stand, and your overall bet is recalibrated as if that voided selection was never included. Your potential winnings may change slightly as the overall odds are adjusted, but your initial stake stays in the remaining active selections.
It’s crucial to remember that rules may differ slightly from one bookmaker to another. Looking at their terms and conditions will give you a clear picture of their specific policies regarding voided bets. Understanding these details not only lets you know what to expect but also adds a layer of confidence when placing your bets.
By staying informed about how voided bets work, you protect yourself from unwanted surprises and ensure a smoother gambling experience. Being aware of the finer details helps you manage your bets wisely and keeps you in control of your gambling activities at all times.
Always remember to gamble responsibly for an enjoyable betting experience. Ensure your betting experience remains safe and entertaining by setting limits to your playing time, sticking to a strict budget within your means and making use of any responsible gambling tools available.
