When a postponed match or an abandoned match affects your bet, the bookmaker’s rules decide whether the bet is void, stands or is settled on what had already happened. The rules differ between bookmakers and between markets, so it pays to know the common patterns before a winter weekend of frozen pitches and waterlogged grounds. This guide explains how postponed and abandoned football matches are usually settled, including accumulators and bet builders.
Postponed and abandoned matches in 30 seconds
- A postponed match that isn’t played within the bookmaker’s time limit is usually void, and your stake is returned.
- In an abandoned match, markets already decided usually stand; the rest are void.
- In an accumulator, a void leg normally drops out and the bet carries on with the other legs.
- The time limit and the details are in each bookmaker’s rules, so check them.
How bookmakers settle a postponed match
A match is postponed when it’s called off before kick-off, for example because of the weather, a waterlogged pitch or a clash with a cup tie. Most bookmakers keep bets open for a set period. If the match is played within that period, bets stand. If it isn’t, bets on it are made void and stakes are returned.
The period varies. Some bookmakers use a fixed number of hours from the original kick-off, others use the end of a set day. A rearranged fixture weeks later is normally treated as a new event, so bets on the original date don’t carry over.
How an abandoned match is settled
A match is abandoned when it starts but isn’t completed. Here bookmakers usually split markets into two groups:
| Market type | Usual settlement after abandonment |
|---|---|
| Already decided, such as first goalscorer once a goal is scored, or over 0.5 goals once there’s a goal | Stands and is settled on what happened |
| Not yet decided, such as the match result or total goals still in play | Void, and stakes are returned |
Some bookmakers settle on the official result if the competition confirms one, for example when a result is awarded. Check the rules for the bookmaker you used.
Postponed match in an accumulator
In an accumulator, a void leg is normally treated as if it wasn’t there, a bit like a non-runner in horse racing. The bet carries on with the remaining legs at their odds.
Example: a £5 four-fold at 2.0, 1.8, 2.5 and 1.5 would return £5 × 13.5 = £67.50. If the 1.5 match is postponed and voided, the bet becomes a treble at 2.0 × 1.8 × 2.5 = 9.0, returning £45 if the other three win.
A void leg can also change whether an offer applies. Many acca insurance deals need a minimum number of legs, and a postponed match can take you below it. Read our guide to acca and bet builder free bets for more on offer terms.
Bet builders and postponed matches
A bet builder combines selections from one match. If that match is postponed and voided, the whole bet builder is usually void and your stake is returned. If it’s abandoned, the bookmaker’s rules decide whether the decided parts stand.
What to check before you bet
- The time limit for a postponed match to be played.
- Whether decided markets stand in an abandoned match.
- How void legs affect offers such as acca insurance or a qualifying bet for free bets.
- Whether a free bet stake used on a void bet is returned as a free bet.
Free bet offers
Kwiff Sports Easy difficulty Very low risk
£40 in free bets
18+ · £10 bet at 2.0+ in 5 days · 4 x £10 free bets (3+ legs each) · 7-day expiry
Full T&Cs
New UK customers. £10 cash bet, min. odds 2.0, in 5 days of deposit. Get 4x £10 Free Bets: Single, 2 Accas & Bet Builder (3+ legs each). Excl. cashout, E/W, Multis, Ineligible Markets & Odds Boosts. 7-day expiry. T&Cs apply. 18+ | GambleAware
Unibet Sports Easy difficulty Very low risk
£40 in free bets
18+ · Opt in · Dep & bet £20 at 2.0+ in 7 days · £40 free bets · 7 days · Debit/bank only
Full T&Cs
18+ | GambleAware.org. New GB customers only. Opt in, deposit and Bet £20+ on sports at min odds of 2.0+ (1/1) for £40 in Free Bets within 7 days of registration. Debit cards or instant bank transfers only. Free bets expire within 7 days of issue. Geographical restrictions and T&C’s apply.
Sky Bet Easy difficulty Low risk
£30 in free bets
18+ · First £5+ single/EW bet at evens+ · 3 x £10 bet tokens · 30 days · Stake not returned
Full T&Cs
18+ · New customers only. First single & E/W bet only. Odds of 1/1 or greater. 3 X £10 bet tokens. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets exclude virtuals. Free bets are non withdrawable. Free bets expire after 30 days. Eligibility restrictions and further T&Cs apply.
No offers match those filters — try clearing one.
Postponed match FAQ
Usually, yes. If the match isn’t played within the bookmaker’s time limit, bets on it are void and stakes are returned. The postponed leg is normally voided and the accumulator carries on with the remaining selections, so your potential return goes down. Not usually. Markets that weren’t decided are void, and markets already decided stand. If it’s played within the bookmaker’s time limit, bets usually stand. If it’s later than that, they’re usually void.Do I get my money back if a match is postponed?
What happens to my acca if one match is postponed?
Does an abandoned match count as a loss?
What if a match is moved to another day the same week?
18+ only. Free bets and welcome offers are for new customers and T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose. If gambling stops being fun, visit our responsible gambling page or call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. Free advice is also available from BeGambleAware.org.
