How to Understand a Platform's Settlement Rules
Settlement rules are the rules that determine how bets are settled in various situations. The most important thing to understand: most markets are settled on the 90-minute result (including injury time), excluding extra time and penalties unless stated. If a match is abandoned and not completed within a certain time (often 24-48 hours), most markets are voided and the stake is refunded, except for markets whose outcome was already determined. These rules DIFFER between platforms, so always read your platform's official terms before betting.
Why settlement rules matter
Every platform has its own "settlement rules" — the rules that determine how bets are settled in various situations. Two platforms can handle the same situation differently. This is why our articles always remind you to refer to your platform's terms. Understanding these rules avoids surprises after the match ends. The basics of the markets are covered in our market types guide: Types of Football Markets: A Beginner's Guide to 1X2, Handicap & Over/Under.
The 90-minute rule
As a general convention, most match markets are settled on the result after 90 minutes (including injury time), NOT including extra time and penalty shootouts unless stated otherwise. This applies to match results, handicaps, over/under, and most other markets. How this rule works in a knockout context is explained in our World Cup markets guide: World Cup 2026 Betting Markets: How Results Are Settled (1X2, Handicap, Over/Under).
Postponed vs abandoned
These are two different situations that are often confused:
- Postponed: the match is rescheduled BEFORE it starts. Your bet may remain valid if the match is played within a certain period (often a few days), or be voided if not.
- Abandoned: the match HAS started but cannot be completed. Settlement depends on whether the outcome was already determined before play stopped.
When a bet is voided
When a match is abandoned and not completed within the platform's set time (often 24 or 48 hours, but it varies), most markets are voided and the stake is refunded. But markets whose outcome was ALREADY determined usually still settle. For example:
- Markets already resolved (e.g. first goalscorer if a goal was already scored, or the half-time result if half-time is over) usually STAND.
- Undetermined markets (e.g. correct score, next goal) are usually VOIDED and the stake refunded.
A "void" bet means your stake is returned — neither a win nor a loss.
What happens to a parlay
If one match in your parlay is voided, most platforms remove that leg and settle the rest as normal. For example, a five-leg parlay becomes a four-leg parlay, with the voided leg treated as odds of 1.00. The overall odds drop, so the potential return decreases. Some special parlays (such as a same-game parlay) may require the match to be completed for any part to stand. How parlays work is explained here: What Is a Mix Parlay? A Beginner's Guide to How It's Calculated.
Where to find these terms
Every platform has a rules or help page covering settlement for postponed or abandoned matches, plus market-by-market guidance. Searching for terms like "settlement", "void", "abandoned", or "football rules" usually takes you straight there. Because the rules differ between platforms, this is the only reliable source for your specific platform.
Important note
This article is for educational purposes and does not encourage anyone to gamble. Understanding settlement rules helps you avoid confusion, but does not guarantee winning and does not change the operator's margin. Other terms can be looked up in our glossary: Football Betting Terms: A Complete Glossary for Beginners. If you choose to bet, do so responsibly: Responsible Gambling: A Practical Guide & Where to Get Help in Malaysia.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between a postponed and an abandoned match?
- Postponed means the match is rescheduled before it starts — bets may remain valid if it is played within a certain period. Abandoned means the match has started but is not completed — settlement depends on whether the outcome was already determined before it stopped. Both are handled according to the platform's terms.
- What does a "void" bet mean?
- A "void" bet means your stake is refunded in full — neither a win nor a loss. This usually happens when a match is abandoned before the outcome is determined, or in other situations specified in the platform's terms.
- What happens to a parlay if one match is voided?
- Most platforms remove the voided leg and settle the rest of the parlay as normal — a five-leg parlay becomes a four-leg parlay, with the voided leg treated as odds of 1.00. The overall odds and potential return decrease. Check your platform's terms, as rules can differ.