What Happens When a Parlay Leg is Void or Pushes?
Your player didn't play. The game pushed. A leg was cancelled. Don't panic - this guide explains exactly what happens to your parlay bet and how your payout is recalculated across FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and every major sportsbook.
Quick Answer
Your parlay is NOT dead. When a leg voids or pushes, that leg is removed and your parlay is recalculated with the remaining legs. A 5-leg parlay at +2500 becomes a 4-leg parlay at lower odds (around +1100). You can still win - just at a reduced payout.
Calculate Your New Parlay Payout
Had a leg void? Use our Parlay Calculator to see exactly what your new payout will be with the remaining legs.
Open Parlay CalculatorIn This Guide
Void vs. Push: What's the Difference?
VOID
A void means the bet is cancelled - it never happened. The leg is removed from your parlay entirely.
Common Void Reasons:
- • Player doesn't play (DNP, injury, rest)
- • Game cancelled or postponed
- • Obvious pricing error by sportsbook
- • Player traded before game
- • Line taken off the board
PUSH
A push means the bet tied - neither won nor lost. The leg is removed and your stake is returned for that portion.
Common Push Scenarios:
- • Spread lands exactly on the number
- • Total lands exactly on the line
- • Player hits exact prop number
- • Tie in a money line (some sports)
Key Point: Both voids and pushes have the same effect on your parlay - the leg is removed and odds are recalculated. The only difference is why the leg was removed.
Common Void Scenarios Explained
1. Player Doesn't Play (DNP)
You bet LeBron James Over 25.5 points, but he's a late scratch due to rest. Your leg is voided because he never took the court.
✓ Player props are voided if player doesn't enter the game
⚠ Some books require minimum playing time (e.g., 10+ minutes)
2. Game Postponed or Cancelled
Weather delays an NFL game or a COVID outbreak cancels an NBA game. The entire game leg is voided.
✓ Most books: Game must start within 24-48 hours or void
⚠ Some books keep bets live if game rescheduled same week
3. Spread or Total Pushes
You take Chiefs -3 and they win by exactly 3 points. The spread leg pushes and is removed from your parlay.
✓ Push = leg removed, parlay continues
💡 Pro tip: Use half-point lines (-3.5) to avoid pushes
4. MLB Pitcher Change
You bet Yankees ML with Cole listed as the pitcher, but he's scratched last-minute. Depending on your bet type, this may void.
⚠ "Listed Pitcher" bets void if pitcher doesn't start
✓ "Action" bets stay live regardless of pitcher
Sportsbook Rules Comparison
Each sportsbook has slightly different rules. Here's how the major books handle parlay voids:
| Sportsbook | Standard Parlay | Same Game Parlay | Min. Play Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| FanDuel | Leg removed, recalculated | Leg removed, recalculated | Must enter game |
| DraftKings | Leg removed, recalculated | Leg removed, recalculated | Must enter game |
| BetMGM | Leg removed, recalculated | May void entire SGP* | Must enter game |
| Caesars | Leg removed, recalculated | Leg removed, recalculated | Must enter game |
| PointsBet | Leg removed, recalculated | Leg removed, recalculated | 10+ minutes (NBA) |
| Bet365 | Leg removed, recalculated | Leg removed, recalculated | Varies by sport |
*BetMGM SGP Note: BetMGM may void entire Same Game Parlays if a key correlated leg is voided. Always check their specific terms for SGPs.
Payout Recalculation: Step-by-Step Example
Let's walk through exactly what happens when one leg of your parlay is voided.
Original 5-Leg Parlay ($10 bet)
Recalculated 4-Leg Parlay ($10 bet)
What Changed?
Legs
5 → 4
Odds
+1847 → +952
Payout
$194.70 → $105.20
Your bet is still live! If the remaining 4 legs win, you collect $105.20 instead of $194.70.
Same Game Parlay (SGP) Void Rules
Same Game Parlays have special rules because all legs are from the same game and often correlated.
Usually Safe (Leg Removed)
- Player prop voids (DNP)
- Individual leg pushes
- First scorer bets if player doesn't play
May Void Entire SGP
- Game postponed/cancelled
- Key player scratched (book discretion)
- Pricing error on correlated legs
Pro Tip: If building an SGP around a star player (e.g., Mahomes passing yards + Chiefs to win), check your book's rules on what happens if that player is scratched. Some books may void the entire SGP.
How to Protect Your Parlays
1. Check Injury Reports Before Lock
Always check the latest injury reports before your parlay locks. A player listed as "questionable" could be a late scratch, voiding your leg.
2. Use Half-Point Lines to Avoid Pushes
Spreads like -3.5 or -7.5 can't push. You'll pay slightly more juice, but you eliminate push risk entirely.
3. Consider Round Robins for Insurance
A round robin bet creates multiple smaller parlays. Even if one leg voids, you still have other parlays that can hit.
4. Hedge Live If Parlay Is Looking Good
Use our Hedge Calculator to lock in profit on your last leg. Don't let a void on a future leg ruin a parlay that's already 4/5.
5. Know Your Sportsbook's Rules
Each book is different. Read the fine print on parlay voids, especially for SGPs. When in doubt, contact support before placing the bet.
Parlay Calculators & Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a player doesn't play in my parlay?
If a player doesn't play (DNP), that leg is voided and your parlay is recalculated with the remaining legs. Your parlay is NOT cancelled - it just becomes a smaller parlay at reduced odds.
What's the difference between a void and a push in a parlay?
The effect is the same - both remove the leg and recalculate your parlay. A void is due to external factors (player DNP, cancelled game), while a push is when the bet ties (spread lands on the exact number).
Can a Same Game Parlay be completely voided?
Yes, in some cases. If the entire game is cancelled or if a key correlated leg is voided (at the book's discretion), the entire SGP may be refunded. Most books will just remove the voided leg, but rules vary.
What if all my legs push?
If every leg of your parlay pushes, your entire stake is refunded. This is extremely rare but possible in theory. In practice, having 1-2 legs push with others winning is more common.
Do I get my money back if a parlay leg is voided?
No - your bet stays live with the remaining legs. You don't get a partial refund for the voided leg. The odds are simply recalculated. The only time you get a full refund is if ALL legs are voided.
Responsible Gambling
Sports betting should be fun, not a financial burden. Only bet what you can afford to lose. If gambling stops being enjoyable, please seek help.
National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700