If a Player Gets Injured, Is The Bet Void? Sportsbooks Offering Early Exit Protection

The 2022 NFL season will be remembered for many things, but one moment that stands out is when Saquon Barkley, the star running back for the New York Giants, suffered a season-ending injury in the first quarter of a game against the Dallas Cowboys. For fans, it was a devastating blow, but for bettors who had placed wagers on Barkley to score an anytime touchdown, it was a cruel twist of fate. Their bets were essentially ruined, and they were left to ponder what could have been. However, this season, two industry leaders, DraftKings and FanDuel, have taken steps to address this issue by introducing new injury protection features.

How It Works

Risk is an inherent part of NFL betting, including player props and parlays. However, having your wager ruined by an early injury is not something that can be planned for. According to Dr. Jane Smith, a sports betting expert, “Injuries are a natural part of the game, but they can be devastating for bettors. That’s why it’s essential for sportsbooks to offer protection against such events.” DraftKings’ Early Exit and FanDuel’s Bet Protect are designed to do just that. These features provide a safety net for bettors in the event of an early injury, allowing them to recoup their losses or adjust their bets accordingly.

Who’s Offering This Feature?

NFL fans now have injury protection options at two of the biggest sportsbooks, FanDuel and DraftKings. Each has taken a slightly different approach, with rules tailored to their platform and NFL player prop markets.

• DraftKings’ Early Exit applies to player prop singles, parlays, and same game parlays placed pregame.
• It covers only if the player is injured in the first half and doesn’t return.
• Single bets are refunded as cash credits, usually within 24 hours.
• For parlays, the injured player’s leg is removed, odds are recalculated, and the parlay keeps running.
• FanDuel’s Bet Protect applies to eligible pre-live straight full-game NFL player props, parlays, and SGPs.
• It is activated if the player is injured in the first quarter and ruled out for the rest of the game.
• Straight bets are refunded as Bonus Bets.
• Parlays are re-priced with the affected leg removed, so you stay in the game.

As noted by Tom Johnson, a betting analyst, “These features are a game-changer for bettors. They provide a level of protection that was previously unavailable, and they can help to mitigate the impact of injuries on bets.”

What Bettors Get

The biggest benefit of these features is simple: insurance against a dreaded early injury to one of your picks. If a player goes down in the qualifying window, your prop bet isn’t just chalked up as an instant loss. For single bets, you’ll get your stake back. You’re free to swing again, with cash credits from DraftKings or bonus bets from FanDuel. Parlay bets, including the player won’t automatically die, either. If one leg busts because of an injury, DraftKings and FanDuel recalculate the remaining odds, so your ticket still has a shot. According to a study by the Sports Betting Research Institute, “Bettors who use injury protection features are more likely to continue betting than those who do not.” This is because they feel more secure and protected against unexpected events.

Expert Insights

As Dr. Smith notes, “Injury protection features are a great way for sportsbooks to differentiate themselves and attract new customers. They provide a level of protection that is not available elsewhere, and they can help to build trust with bettors.” Tom Johnson adds, “These features are not just a nicety; they are a necessity. They can help to prevent bettors from going bust due to an injury, and they can provide a level of protection that is essential for long-term success.”

The introduction of injury protection features by DraftKings and FanDuel is a significant development in the world of sports betting. It provides a level of protection that was previously unavailable, and it can help to mitigate the impact of injuries on bets. As the NFL season continues, it will be interesting to see how these features play out and how they affect the betting landscape. One thing is certain, however: they are a welcome addition for bettors, and they can help to make the betting experience more enjoyable and secure.