What happens to my bet if there is a rain delay?
As an avid MLB gambler and content creator, I know firsthand how frustrating it can be when rain delays and postponements throw a wrench in your bets. So what exactly happens in those cases? Here‘s a detailed breakdown:
Game Postponed Before First Pitch
If inclement weather forces a game to be postponed before it officially starts, sportsbooks will void all wagers on that game and refund your money.
For example, a 3-way moneyline bet on Team A would be voided and funds returned to your account, regardless if the game is rescheduled for a later date.
MLB Rainouts Per Season
On average, there are around 5-10 postponed MLB games per season due to rain or other weather issues. August and September tend to see the most rainouts as coastal storms roll through at the end of summer.
Game Suspended After First Pitch
If a game begins and is later paused or delayed due to rain or darkness, the fate of existing bets depends on whether or not the game resumes within a specific period of time.
Most sportsbooks require MLB action as long as the game resumes no later than 36 hours from the original start time.
Impact on Game Bets When Play Resumes
Bets on markets whose outcomes were already determined are settled based on the score at time of suspension (e.g. 1st half spread).
Bets on markets whose outcomes are still to be determined will have action as long as game is resumed by the 36 hour mark (e.g full game moneyline).
Examples:
Team A was winning 5-2 at the end of the 5th inning when game was suspended. If the game resumes following day, bets on Team A -1.5 for the 1st 5 innings are settled as winners. Full game bets on Team B +1.5 still have action when game resumes.
Player X had 4 strikeouts before rain delay in the 7th. Bets on ‘over 3.5 player X strikeouts‘ are settled as winners based on stats at time of pause.
Impact on Game Bets If Not Resumed in Time
If the MLB game cannot resume before the 36 hour cancellation period, all unmatched bets are refunded or voided. You get your wager amount back, but don‘t win anything.
Rain Delayed Games Part of Parlay
If you included a rain delayed MLB game as part of a parlay, one of two things can happen:
Game completes in time: If the game resumes before expiration, that leg will remain live and parlay payouts are adjusted to current odds.
Game not completed: If unplayed game is still postponed beyond 36 hours, the parlay drops down a leg, reducing to a smaller parlay.
For instance, a 5-leg parlay with odds of +750 ($100 bet returns $850) could become a 4-leg parlay with adjusted odds of +550 ($100 bet returns $650).
Comparing Sportsbooks‘ Rain Delay Policies
While 36 hours is the standard expiration period for MLB game suspensions, some sportsbooks differ slightly on their rulebooks. Be sure to read the fine print!
| Sportsbook | Rain Delay Expiration |
| FanDuel | 36 hours from scheduled start |
| DraftKings | 36 hours from scheduled start |
| PointsBet | By 12am local time next day |
Strategies to Reduce Rain Delay Risks
As a betting pro, I always keep an eye on weather reports before placing wagers. And I hedge appropriately.
For example, if storms are forecasted, I may:
- Avoid player prop bets since substitutions more likely
- Bet first 5 inning lines at reduced risk instead of full game
- Place small wager on postponed game refund for "insurance"
I hope this comprehensive guide better prepared you to navigate those chaotic rain delays! Let me know if you have any other sports betting questions.
