How do sportsbooks handle cancelled or postponed games?

[Akuta]

Sportsbooks have a set of rules and procedures in place to handle cancelled or postponed games. When a game is cancelled or postponed, the sportsbook will typically follow these steps:

Initially, the sportsbook will assess the situation and determine the cause of the cancellation or postponement. This could be due to weather conditions, player injuries, or other factors. If the game is cancelled, the sportsbook will typically refund all wagers placed on the game, as there is no winner.

If the game is postponed, the sportsbook may choose to wait until a new date is set before making a decision. If the game is rescheduled for a later date, the sportsbook may choose to keep the original wagers in place and allow them to be played out on the new date.

However, if the game is not rescheduled or if it is cancelled due to a major reason such as a natural disaster, the sportsbook may decide to void all wagers placed on the game. In this case, all bets would be refunded, and players would be given their original stake back.

Some sportsbooks may also have specific rules regarding cancelled or postponed games. For example, they may have a "no-action" policy, where all wagers are voided if a game is cancelled or postponed within a certain timeframe (e.g., 24 hours) before kickoff. Others may have a "no-refund" policy, where players who have placed bets on a cancelled or postponed game will not receive a refund.

In some cases, sportsbooks may offer alternative options for players who have placed bets on a cancelled or postponed game. For example, they may offer a "push" option, where all wagers are returned to players. Alternatively, they may offer a "re-bet" option, where players can re-bet on the rescheduled game at odds that are adjusted based on the new information.

Ultimately, sportsbooks must balance the need to provide fair and transparent rules with the need to minimize their own risk exposure. By having clear policies in place for handling cancelled or postponed games, they can ensure that players are treated fairly and that their own business operations are protected.

 

[CR7]

That is a comprehensive overview of how sportsbooks handle cancelled or postponed games. It's essential for sportsbooks to have well-defined rules and procedures in place to ensure fairness and transparency for their customers. Handling such situations requires some flexibility to accommodate unforeseen circumstances while also protecting the sportsbook's business interests.

Ultimately, the key is to strike a balance between customer satisfaction and risk management. By refunding wagers on cancelled games, waiting for rescheduled games, or voiding bets in certain situations, sportsbooks can navigate these challenges effectively. It's also important for bettors to familiarize themselves with the specific rules and policies of the sportsbook they are using to understand how their wagers will be treated in such scenarios.

 

[swift]

I think Postponed games before the start like If a game is postponed before the start, the sportsbook will usually keep the bets active until the rescheduled date. If a bettor is no longer interested in betting on the rescheduled game, they can usually request a refund.