If an NFL game is postponed, will your bet stand?
You may be asking yourself that question on Thursday night, as the NFL Hall of Fame Game between the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears was hit by severe, inclement weather with 3:36 remaining in the third quarter.
As always, the answer to how your bets will be treated in such a circumstance depends on the book.
Here are the four likely scenarios and how sportsbooks treat them:
- If a game has already started: 55 minutes must be completed for all bets to count, unless the outcome has been unequivocally determined (like it already went over the total, or a player already scored a touchdown).
- If a game is postponed several days: Some books require NFL games to be played by the next Wednesday to count. If not, all bets will be void. Others require the game to be played within 48 hours of the original start time.
- If a game moves locations: Some books will void all bets if the venue changes; DraftKings allows bets to stand if the home team remains designated as the home team.
- If a game starts, and must be resumed later: This almost never happens in the NFL but most books require it to be finished in 48 hours.
We detailed the policies for four popular American sportsbooks below, but check your book for specific rules, or contact customer service if they're not listed.
FanDuel
- Canceled pregame: Must be played by Wednesday
- Canceled in-game: 55 minutes elapsed
"Abandoned or postponed games are void unless played within the same scheduling week. In the event of a change of venue, all bets will be void."
"At least ten minutes of official time must elapse in the fourth quarter for bets to have action."
DraftKings
- Canceled pregame: Must be played by Wednesday
- Canceled in-game: 55 minutes elapsed
"Games must start in the same scheduling week of the league (scheduling week is Thursday-Wednesday, local stadium time, for NFL) for bets to have action."
"There must be 5 minutes or less of scheduled game time left for bets to have action unless the specific market outcome is already unconditionally determined."
"If a game is halted before the minimum time has been played, and not completed within 48 hours of the scheduled start date, bets will be cancelled, unless the specific market outcome is already determined (unless otherwise stated, i.e., playoff game rule)."
BetMGM
- Canceled pregame: Played within 7 days
- Canceled in-game: 55 minutes elapsed
"Football games and any games/events not specifically listed must be held within one week of the originally scheduled date and location to be considered action."
"Pro and College Football results are official after 55 minutes of play."
Caesars Sportsbook
- Canceled pregame: Played within 7 days
- Canceled in-game: 55 minutes elapsed
"All events must be held within seven (7) days of the scheduled date to be considered 'action.' For example, if a game is postponed on a Saturday, it must be completed by the following Friday. Games are official after 55 minutes of play."
What Happens in the Preseason?
While it's safe to assume that rules for preseason games would apply in the same manner as regular season games, the NFL will likely be more willing to cancel games in the preseason.
After all, these games are just exhibitions, and there is no need for games to be played when weather is not permitting.
