Tennis Betting Rules: Retirements, Walkovers, Delays and Cancelled Bets
*Last verified: October 2026*
Since tennis matches can be terminated early by a player retiring, by a walkover or by disqualification, special rules apply to tennis bets and bookmakers handle such cases in a particular way. Before you place a bet with 1xBet, you should read the tennis section of its betting rules since this page lists the points you need to consider. It includes information on retirements, walkovers, delays, cancelled bets and the steps to take if you believe your bet has been settled incorrectly, so that you will know the questions to ask prior to putting money on a bet.
Four Retirement Rules and What Each Means for Your Bet
A player is said to have retired when the match has already begun, typically due to injury. Different bookmakers deal with such cases in various ways, which is why the outcome of the same match can vary according to the rule applied. The table lists four rules that some bookmakers use in the case of a Match Winner bet, 'void' indicating that the stake is refunded. If you know the rule before the match takes place, you can avoid being surprised afterwards.
| Bets stand once the first ball is served | Lost | Won |
|---|---|---|
| Bets stand once one set is completed | Lost if a set is done, void if not | Won if a set is done, void if not |
| Match must be completed | Void | Void |
| Player who advances is the winner | Lost | Won |
With regard to the first rule, a retirement at any time after the first ball has come to rest settles the bet. For the second rule, the outcome depends on whether or not a set had been completed, and according to the third rule any retirement before the end of the match returns the stake. Any markets which had already been decided at the time of the retirement, for instance a completed first set, generally remain. Markets that are open such as the handicaps and the totals are generally cancelled unless they have already been decided.
The one rule that counts is the one set out in 1xBet's own tennis rules, so make sure you check it before placing your bet.
Walkovers, Delays and Other Unusual Endings
It is not the case that all matches conclude with the last point; although the table identifies various atypical endings and the typical outcome for a bet, the precise handling will depend on the bookmaker's rules, so it should be used as a guide to help you identify such situations.
| Walkover (player withdraws before the first serve) | Match bets are void and the stake is returned | Whether your market counts as a match bet |
|---|---|---|
| Rain or light delay, match resumes later | Bets usually stand if the match finishes within the bookmaker's time limit | The time limit for suspended matches in the tennis rules |
| Match moved to another court or day | Usually stands | The new start time, if you planned around it |
| Change of surface or indoor/outdoor switch | May be void | Whether the rules list the change as a reason to void |
| Disqualification | Often treated like a retirement | The retirement rule for your market |
With a void bet, the amount you staked is returned to your balance, meaning that a void is neither a win nor a loss. In your bet history, the status of each bet—whether it is settled, unsettled or void—is displayed.
The time limits for matches that are suspended vary from bookmaker to bookmaker.
Why a Tennis Bet Can Be Cancelled or Limited
Canceling or placing a limited tennis bet is frustrating, but such cancellations generally have one of a number of causes. In this situation both parties are concerned: the bookmakers require protection from errors and fraud, and the bettors need clear rules to check over before they place their bets.
- It is an obvious mistake in the pricing. In most cases, bookmakers have the option of voiding a bet if the price is a long way from the market price due to a clear error. This is the main reason why a 1xBet tennis bet is cancelled, and so any price that seems far too good should be examined further.
- There is suspicious betting involving a match. Since tennis has an independent integrity body which can look into unusual betting patterns, bets placed on a match that is under review may be affected.
- The stakes are at their highest. The maximum bet available on 1xBet for tennis is generally lower when the tournament is small or when the market is live than when the match is a major one, since those markets involve greater risk for the bookmaker.
- There is a maximum amount that can be paid out on each bet. Various review websites quote a limit of €50,000 per bet at 1xBet, but it is important to check the rules since this limit may change.
The slip will display the maximum allowable value before you confirm if a stake is cut.
What to Do if You Think a Bet Was Settled Wrongly
Since most difficulties in settlements arise from a misunderstanding of the rules, the best approach is to carry out a calm and methodical check in order to determine whether anything has actually gone wrong.
- Make a note of the bet ID. In your bet history, open the relevant entry and copy the ID of the bet along with the match, the market and the stake.
- You should check the official result; look on the ATP, WTA or tournament website to see the final score, including whether the match concluded due to retirement or a walkover.
- Go through the tennis rules again for that market and compare the official result with the rule in question, for instance the retirement rule, since a number of surprises are accounted for there.
- Write to customer support. Include the bet ID and a brief, factual explanation of the issue you think exists, and state which rule you believe applies.
- Keep the evidence; take screenshots of the bet slip, the bet history and the reply from support in order to have a record of the case.
It is important that your message is both polite and specific since this will make it easier for support to look at it. The response from support should state how the bet was settled.
Check Local Rules Before You Bet
The laws relating to gambling vary from country to country and are subject to change. People in Pakistan and Sri Lanka should make sure that they check the current regulations that apply to them before registering with any betting site, such as 1xBet. These regulations may specify who is allowed to place bets, which sites can be used and what taxes or limits apply; the most reliable source for this information is the official documentation or a qualified professional in your own country. This website does not provide legal advice and nothing on this page should be taken as indicating what is or is not permitted in your area. It is up to you to find out what rules apply to yourself.
Bet Responsibly
Betting ought to be form of entertainment that you fund with money you are able to lose. Before you begin, decide on a limit for how much you will deposit and one for how long you will bet, and never try to recover your losses. You should only place a bet when you are calm and not under the influence, and never borrow money to do so. If betting ceases to be enjoyable, then you should take a break. The betting sites provide various tools such as deposit limits, time-outs and self-exclusion, all of which can be accessed in your account settings. If betting is causing you problems, you should speak to someone you can trust or contact a professional support service. For more guidance, see our responsible gambling page.
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