How do VAR decisions affect exchange bets?

AVR was introduced into the Premier League for the 2019/2020 season and two weeks in, we’ve seen the technology being used on multiple occasions and has already had an effect on the result of some matches such as Man City v Tottenham last weekend. There are four match-changing decisions which VAR can be used for:

1. Goals
2. Penalties
3. Red Cards
4. Mistaken Identity

What about offsides?

VAR can be used to determine whether a player was offside or not but only when linked to one of the four instances above. For example, if a goal is scored, VAR will check to see if any players were offside in the build-up to that goal. VAR will not be used to determine offsides in standard gameplay.

There is no doubt that VAR will have a huge impact on football with fans opinions being split as to whether it is beneficial to the game. However, it is not just the excitement and enjoyment of the game that VAR affects, it also has an impact on betting.

As VAR can change the outcome of specific events in a football match, it can also change the outcome of bets. As a result, online betting exchange Betfair have introduced a number of rules in relation to VAR decisions.

Goals which are reversed by VAR

If a goal decision is reserved by VAR, any bets matched during the time of the goal being scored and the final VAR decision will be voided.

Goals which are awarded by VAR

If VAR determines that a goal stands, any bets matched between the time of the goal being scored and the time of the final VAR decision will be voided.

Penalties which are awarded by VAR

Betfair Exchange aims to suspend all markets as soon as it’s believed that the referee will use VAR for a penalty decision. If a penalty is awarded due to VAR, any bets matched after the time at which the video assistant referee commences the review will be voided.

Red cards which are reversed by VAR

If a red card decision is reversed by VAR, any bets matched after the time VAR has started will be voided.

Red cards which are awarded due to VAR

Betfair Exchange aims to suspend all markets as soon as it’s believed that the referee will use VAR for a red card decision. If a red card is awarded due to VAR, any bets matched after the time VAR has started will be voided.