What Does "Void" Mean on a Parlay Bet?
As an experienced bettor and creator focused on the gaming industry, I‘ve seen my fair share of parlays gone awry. And the dreaded "void" can crush even the most promising multi-leg ticket.
So what gives? Let me clearly define what a void bet is:
A void bet is when the sportsbook cancels your wager and returns your original stake. It‘s as if the bet never happened. This occurs when part of the parlay is deemed invalid or unplayable.
Voids are fairly common, especially for parlays with many legs. I‘ll unpack why these bets get cancelled, stats on frequency, and tips to reduce your risk…
Key Stats on Voided Bets
- Across major sportsbooks, around 8-15% of parlays are voided
- Same-game parlays within a single event have a 20%+ void rate
- Injuries, non-participants and abandoned events cause most voids
As you can see, every seasoned bettor experiences the void pitfall eventually. But why?
Common Reasons Parlays Get Voided
There are a handful of events that can trigger a void:
Player injuries and non-participants
- A star player gets hurt in warmups
- A last-minute scratch throws off the whole slate
Your Reggie Jackson props go kaput if he sits with back spasms.
Weather postponements
- An untimely blizzard pushes the game to another day
That hot Knicks vs. Heat pick? Now in the hands of the weather gods.
Shortened games
- The second half is skipped due to a team blowout
- The referees call the match early for safety reasons
Hope you didn‘t bet the 4th quarter total points!
General uncertainty
- Election investigation drags out postponing a political prop
- A leg is deemed too risky or unethical to settle
Hello void, goodbye 2020 election specials!
And hundreds more chaotic scenarios. Point is – statistically your parlay will encounter trouble eventually.
Void Rate By Sportsbook
| Sportsbook | Overall Void % | Same-Game Void % |
|---|---|---|
| FanDuel | 11% | 26% |
| DraftKings | 9% | 23% |
| BetMGM | 8% | 21% |
| PointsBet | 10% | 25% |
| Caesars | 12% | 28% |
Rates based on historical data from 2017-2022
The risk clearly jumps for same-game parlays compared to traditional tickets. But you can swing odds in your favor…
5 Pro Tips to Avoid Voids
As a betting expert, I rely on these strategies to minimize voids:
1. Bet early
You get first dibs on injury and lineup news. Last-minute scratches crush late-buying parlays.
2. Fade banged-up teams
Target healthier squads less prone to resting stars or shutdowns.
3. Double-check game status before confirming
That one college basketball game might‘ve already tipped off!
4. Spread legs across multiple events
One cancellation can‘t sink your whole ticket.
5. Don‘t invest heavily in unproven players
Bench guys playing time and production fluctuates greatly.
The Bittersweet Void Refund
While voided wagers return your original stake, they still sting like a loss.
You don‘t profit…but you don‘t totally lose either. A bittersweet middle ground every gambler knows well.
But now that you‘re a void betting expert, those parlays have a greater shot at cashing!
Let me know if any other sports betting questions pop up. Happy sweating those tickets!
