This guide explains how common football betting situations are settled during the World Cup. It covers key rules around VAR, match timing, Bet Builders, and what happens when matches are delayed, abandoned, or go to extra time.
VAR (Video Assistant Referee)
How does VAR impact my bet?
VAR (Video Assistant Referee) is used by officials to review key decisions such as goals, penalties, red cards, and other match-changing incidents.
Because decisions may be changed after review, bet settlement can be delayed until the final official decision is confirmed.
Tip: Always wait for the official match result before raising any settlement queries.
Bet Builders
Why was my Bet Builder made void?
If any selection in a Bet Builder is void, the entire Bet Builder will be void and your stake will be refunded.
This is because all selections are linked as part of a single combined bet. If one selection cannot be settled, the full Bet Builder cannot stand.
Match timing rules
What does “90 minutes play” mean?
Most football bets are settled on 90 minutes of play, which includes stoppage time added by the referee.
Term | Meaning |
Normal time | 90 minutes of gameplay. |
Full time | Full time includes stoppage time added for delays. |
Important: Extra time and penalty shoot-outs are not included unless the market clearly states otherwise.
Extra Time and Penalties
Some football markets are settled on:
90 minutes plus injury time only
Other markets, such as To Qualify or Lift The Trophy, may include:
Extra Time
Penalty Shootouts
Always check the market rules before placing your qualifying bet, as settlement rules may affect whether your selection qualifies for a promotion.
Abandoned matches
What happens if a match is abandoned?
If a match is abandoned before completion:
Most bets are void
Exception: bets already determined (e.g. first goals-corer, half-time result)
If the match is completed at a later date, remaining bets will be settled using the final official result.
Postponed matches
What happens if a match is postponed?
If a match is postponed (not played on the scheduled date at the venue):
Bets are usually void
Note: A delay of up to 8 hours from kick-off is not considered a postponement, so bets remain valid.
Asian Handicap
What is an Asian Handicap bet?
An Asian Handicap evens out the contest by giving one team a virtual advantage or disadvantage.
Favourite → negative handicap (must win by more than the handicap)
Underdog → positive handicap (goal advantage added)
Half-ball handicaps (e.g. -0.5, -1.5)
Applied to the final result.
The team with the higher adjusted score after the handicap is applied wins the bet.
Split-ball handicaps (e.g. 0 / -0.5)
Your stake is split across two handicap lines.
This can result in:
Outcome type | Meaning |
Full win | Both parts of the bet win |
Partial win | One part wins, one is refunded |
Push | Stake is refunded on part of the bet |