When a football match is abandoned after 75 minutes, it can raise questions about what happens to any bets placed on the event. For those who are not familiar with how betting operators manage such situations, the rules may not always seem straightforward.
This article outlines how bets are typically settled when a match does not reach full time. It is intended to provide clear, factual information based on common practices followed by UK-licensed bookmakers.
Why Games Get Abandoned
In UK football, matches may be stopped early for a variety of reasons. Weather conditions are a common cause; heavy rain, snow, or thick fog can make playing unsafe. A waterlogged pitch might also lead to postponement.
Technical problems can also affect a match. For instance, if the floodlights fail and cannot be fixed quickly, the referee may decide to end the game.
Disruptions involving spectators can also influence whether a match continues. Events such as pitch invasions or safety concerns for the crowd might result in abandonment.
On-field emergencies, including serious injuries or medical incidents, can lead the referee to stop play. When a match does not run for its full scheduled time, this may affect how bets are settled.
The “75 Minute Rule” Explained
Some UK bookmakers use what is often referred to as the “75 Minute Rule” when handling abandoned football matches. This rule considers whether the match has reached a certain point—commonly the 75th minute—before play is stopped.
If the match is abandoned after the bookmaker’s stated cut-off time, bets may be settled based on the score at that moment. For example, if the game stops at 78 minutes with one team leading 2-1, that score could be used to settle certain types of bets.
It is important to understand that there is no single rule that applies to all bookmakers. Some may set a different cut-off point, such as 80 minutes, while others may void bets unless the match is completed in full.
Certain markets, like ‘Next Team to Score’ or ‘Correct Score,’ may be treated differently. If the relevant event has not taken place before the match is stopped, these bets are often voided. The details on how bets are settled are typically outlined in each bookmaker’s terms and conditions.
Is It Common for Matches to Be Abandoned This Late?
Abandonments after the 75th minute are uncommon in UK professional football. Most matches in leagues like the Premier League and Championship are completed without interruption.
These competitions take place in well-equipped stadiums with trained staff and officials who aim to keep play going whenever possible.
In semi-professional or amateur football, matches may be more likely to experience delays or cancellations. However, even at these levels, abandonment late in a game remains relatively rare.
Finding Out About Match Restarts or Replays
If a match is abandoned, the organisers will decide whether the game will be restarted, resumed, or replayed in full. This decision depends on the competition’s rules and the reason for the stoppage.
For official updates, club websites and social media channels can provide useful information. National and local sports news outlets also cover these announcements.
In professional leagues, governing bodies may issue official statements outlining the next steps. In local or lower-league football, announcements are usually made by the clubs or competition organisers.
Bookmakers take these outcomes into account when settling bets. If you have an unsettled bet on a rescheduled game, your bookmaker’s terms and conditions will explain how that bet is handled.
Player Payouts and Refunds on Bets
How your bet is treated when a match is abandoned after 75 minutes depends on your bookmaker’s specific rules. If the abandonment happens after the bookmaker’s stated cut-off time, some bets may be settled based on the score at that moment.
If the match stops before this point, bets on many markets may be declared void, with original stakes usually returned.
Markets where the outcome has already been decided, such as ‘First Goalscorer,’ may still be settled. Bets where the result could not be completed are often voided.
It is important to check your bookmaker’s website for the most up-to-date rules and settlement policies. This can help you understand what to expect if a match is not played to completion.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.