Seeing the wrong time on a betting slip can be confusing, especially if you are not sure whether the bet will stand. It happens more often than people think, and there are clear ways to check what went on.
This guide explains why incorrect times appear, how to confirm the real schedule, and what to do if something looks off. You will also find what usually happens to affected bets, how refunds are handled, and simple ways to avoid the same issue next time.
Read on to learn more.
What Does "Wrong Time" On A Betting Slip Mean?
A "wrong time" on a betting slip is when either the timestamp of your bet or the listed event start time does not match the actual schedule. That might be a slip showing your wager as placed after the match began, or an event time that differs from the official start.
This can occur with both online and in-shop slips. The time matters because it helps confirm whether the bet was accepted before the event started and guides how the bookmaker settles it. Where the slip and the real-world timing do not align, settlement may be delayed while checks are made.
So why does it happen in the first place?
Common Causes Of Incorrect Time On A Sports Betting Slip
Incorrect times can come from several sources, and knowing the common ones makes the situation easier to assess.
Technical hiccups are frequent. A site or app might show an outdated schedule if feeds are slow to refresh, or if there is maintenance. Postponements and late fixture changes can also leave a window where times are out of sync.
Clerical mistakes can occur in shops if a cashier selects the wrong market or misreads a schedule during busy periods. Human error is possible, especially around popular fixtures.
Time zones and daylight saving changes often cause confusion. If an international event is listed without a clear local-time conversion, the slip may show a time that seems off at first glance.
Device or network delays sometimes affect online records. A slow connection or a device with an incorrect system clock can make it appear as though the bet was logged at the wrong moment, even if it was submitted in time.
In rarer cases, the bookmaker’s data provider might send an incorrect start time that is then displayed across multiple markets.
Once you know the likely causes, the next step is checking whether your slip or the schedule has the error.
How Can I Check If The Event Time On My Slip Is Wrong?
Start by comparing your slip with an official source. The organiser’s website and reputable sports outlets usually list confirmed start times, including any late changes. If your slip shows a different time or date, note the difference.
For online accounts, review your bet history. The account log often includes a precise timestamp that can be matched against the official start. Check for time zone labels as well, as some sites display times in a default region.
If you placed the bet in a shop, ask staff to confirm the event listing or compare it to the printed schedule on display. Where you spot a mismatch, keep a record: save screenshots, take photos of the slip, and note the source of the official time you are using for comparison.
If you have confirmed an error, you are ready to raise it with the bookmaker.
How To Resolve A Wrong Time On Your Betting Slip
If something looks off, a clear and organised approach helps everything move faster. Focus on the essential facts and be ready to share them in one go.
Gather Evidence: Screenshots, Bet ID And Timestamps
Keep copies of anything that shows what happened: a photo or PDF of the slip, screenshots of your account history, and links or captures of the official schedule. Write down the Bet ID or slip number, the market and selection, and the event start time you believe is correct. If your device clock was incorrect at the time, make a note of that too.
Having these details to hand makes it easier for support teams to check logs and confirm the sequence of events.
Contacting Support: What To Say And Which Channels To Use
Reach out through live chat, email, or phone, using whichever channel you find easiest to keep a record of. Briefly explain that the slip shows an incorrect time, then list the essentials: Bet ID, event, the time shown on the slip, and the official time you verified. Attach your screenshots where possible.
Keep the message factual and concise. Support teams usually follow a set process, and clear information at the start helps them reach a decision sooner.
What Happens To Bets Placed At The Wrong Time?
Outcomes depend on the bookmaker’s rules and the exact sequence recorded in their system. As a general guide, bets must be placed before the event starts. If a wager is logged after the official start, it is commonly voided.
If the slip shows the wrong time due to a display or feed error, but the bookmaker’s logs confirm the bet was placed before kick-off, the bet is usually allowed to stand and will settle in the normal way. Where the event time was listed incorrectly on site but did not change when the bet was actually placed, the bookmaker may simply correct the record.
For live betting, timing is more sensitive. If there is evidence that the market should have been suspended or the timing was materially wrong, settlement may be paused while an audit is completed.
Will I Get A Refund If The Event Time Is Incorrect?
Refunds are handled case by case and according to the bookmaker’s terms. If the records show a bet was accepted after the event had started because of an incorrect display, many bookmakers void the bet and return the stake.
If the event time on the site was wrong but the bet still went on before the actual start, the wager is often treated as valid and settled in line with the result. Where there is uncertainty, the operator may review logs from multiple systems before making a call.
If you are unsure, ask support to confirm how your case fits their rules. Providing the evidence mentioned earlier usually speeds things up.
If a refund or correction is due, the natural next question is how long it might take.
How Long Do Corrections Or Refunds Usually Take?
Timeframes vary with the complexity of the issue. Straightforward display mistakes that are easy to verify can be resolved within hours, while cases that need checks against external data feeds or in-shop records may take a few days.
Support teams sometimes request extra details, such as clearer screenshots or confirmation of the exact market. Responding promptly helps keep things moving. Once a decision is made, account adjustments typically appear soon after. Shop refunds are either handled at the counter or arranged through customer service, depending on the policy.
If the process seems to be taking longer than expected, a polite follow-up with your case reference is usually the best way to get an update.
How To Avoid Time Errors On Future Betting Slips
A few simple habits reduce the chance of running into time issues again. Compare event times with an official source before confirming your bet, especially for international fixtures or events moved at short notice.
When betting in person, take a quick look over the printed slip before leaving the counter and query anything that looks out of place. Online, glance at the bet summary and check for time zone labels. Keeping your device clock accurate and your internet connection stable helps your timestamps match the bookmaker’s records.
Saving a copy of your slip or a quick screenshot makes any future query easier to resolve. If you choose to place bets, set personal limits that fit your circumstances and never stake more than you can afford to lose. If gambling starts to affect your well-being or finances, seek support early. GamCare and GambleAware provide free, confidential help for anyone who needs it.
Handled calmly and with the right information to hand, a wrong time on a betting slip is usually straightforward to check, explain, and resolve.
**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.