What Is A Settled Bet?
If you’re new to sports betting, or just starting to explore how things work on a UK online sportsbook, you might come across the term settled bet. It’s a key part of understanding how your bet is processed and when you’ll find out the result.
In this blog, you’ll learn exactly what a settled bet is, how the process works from start to finish, and why some bets may take a little longer to settle. Whether you’re placing your very first sports bet, or simply want to understand things better, this guide explains everything in a straightforward, easy-to-follow way.
Betting can be enjoyable when done responsibly, but it can help to know how each stage works—especially when it comes to finding out whether your bet has won or lost. Knowing when and how a bet is settled can make the experience smoother and may help you set clear expectations.
What Does a Settled Bet Mean?
A settled bet is one where the result of the event you bet on has been officially confirmed, and your betting account has been updated to show whether your bet won or lost.
If your bet wins, your account will be credited with the correct payout. If it loses, your stake won’t be returned—unless the bet qualifies for a special offer, such as a stake refund or if the selection was void (for example, if an event was cancelled).
Once the outcome is confirmed, your bet will move from the open bets section to settled bets or bet history in your account. This means the bookmaker has finished processing it.
The amount you receive from a winning bet depends on the odds and your stake. For example, placing £5 on a team to win at 3/1 odds would return £15 in winnings, plus your £5 stake—£20 in total. Using decimal odds, the same bet at 4.0 would also return £20, as decimal odds include the stake in the total payout.
Bets are settled automatically by the sportsbook using official information from trusted sources, such as sports authorities or result providers.
How Long Does a Bet Take To Settle?
The time it takes for a bet to be settled can vary depending on the event, the sport, and the bookmaker. For most mainstream sports like football or tennis, bets are usually settled within minutes after the match ends. For less common sports or in-play bets, it might take a little longer.
Some factors that affect settlement time include:
- The type of bet: Simple bets like match results are usually settled faster than bets with more detailed conditions, like number of corners or cards.
- The source of confirmation: Bookmakers rely on official data providers. If the final result is delayed or under review, settlement may be delayed too.
- Technical issues: On occasion, system delays or technical checks may slow things down.
It may be a good idea to read the terms and conditions of your chosen bookmaker or sportsbook. Some may state average settlement times or explain what happens if a result is disputed.
What Happens When a Bet Is Settled?
When a bet is settled, it goes through a verification process. This includes checking the official result and calculating your potential return based on your stake and odds.
Here’s what typically happens:
- The bookmaker confirms the outcome of the event.
- Your betting slip is updated to reflect whether your bet won or lost.
- If you won, your winnings are added to your account balance.
- If the bet lost, your stake is removed.
For multiple or accumulator bets, each part (known as a “leg”) must be settled before the entire bet is finalised. If any leg is voided—for example, if a match is cancelled—the bet will still stand, but with adjusted odds.
Keep in mind that all gambling involves an element of chance. Even if you’re confident in your bet, there’s no way to predict an outcome with certainty.
Why Has My Bet Not Been Settled?
There are a few common reasons why a bet may not have been settled yet:
- Event is still ongoing: Some matches or races might be delayed, paused, or extended, meaning the final result isn’t yet available.
- Result is under review: In sports like football, VAR decisions or post-match disputes can delay official confirmation.
- Technical delays: Sometimes, betting platforms experience technical issues or slow processing times.
- Complex bet types: Bets involving stats like assists, corners, or player performance may take longer to verify, due to more detailed data being required.
- Void events or cancellations: If a match is cancelled or postponed, the bet may be voided. This can take time to process, especially if it’s part of an accumulator.
If your bet hasn’t been settled and you’re unsure why, you can usually find more information on your betting account, or in the help section of the site you used. You may also contact customer support for clarification.
As always, it’s a good idea to take a responsible approach to gambling. Use deposit limits, time reminders, and avoid betting more than you can afford to lose. There’s no guaranteed way to win, and outcomes can be unpredictable.
Although Ivy Casino doesn’t provide a way to bet on horse racing online, we do offer a wide range of exciting casino games. Explore games such as online slots, blackjack and roulette for an entertaining casino experience.
*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.
**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.