Sports Binary Rules

The General Sports Rules set out below apply to all binary bets on sporting, political and other topical events placed with IG Index. Particular Sports Rules which apply to certain sports or binary markets are set out below the General Sports Rules. In the event of any conflict between the Particular Sports Rules and the General Sports Rules, the Particular Sports Rules will apply. All bets are subject to the Terms and Conditions.

You should note that binary bets are not subject to regulation by the Financial Services Authority. In respect of Fixed Odds Bets and Binary Bets IG Index plc is licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission. License number 066-002628-R-103649-001.

Please click for information on Responsible Gambling.

General Sports Rules

For all events, bets will be accepted until the event is decided unless otherwise stated.

1. Event not taking place or event on which there is no play following the placing of a bet

Any bet, open or closed, which is:

(a) On an event which does not take place; or

(b) On an event which has begun but in which there is no further activity after the bet is placed;

will be void.

2. Abandonment

Markets traded in-running where the result is already known at the time of abandonment will be settled on the basis of that result. However where the result is not determined, all bets will be void, whether open or closed. By way of example, a bet on the first goal scorer where a goal has been scored before the match is abandoned will be settled, but a bet on the final score will be void.

If markets are not traded in-running then, in the case of abandonment, all bets will be void unless they have already been unconditionally determined.

3. Postponement

Where an event which is scheduled to be completed within one day is not completed within three days of the day on which it was scheduled to be completed, all bets on that event which have not yet made up, whether open or closed, will be void. All bets placed after the last completed action in the event will be void, whether open or closed.

Where an event is scheduled to be completed over a period of two or more days is not completed within three months of the day on which it was scheduled to be completed, all bets on that event which have not yet made up, whether open or closed, will be void. All bets placed after the last completed action in the event will be void, whether open or closed.

For the avoidance of doubt, where an event is completed on the day scheduled for competition, but at a later time than scheduled, that delay will not affect the settlement of any bet on that event.

4. Bets placed on result of unknown future events

All bets are placed on the result of unknown future events. In the event that after a bet is placed no further action occurs, or it subsequently becomes known that at the time the bet was placed the result had already been unconditionally determined, the bet will be void, whether open or closed. For example, if a golfer withdraws from a tournament before commencing his second round, any bets placed after the completion of his first round and before the announcement of his withdrawal will be void, whether open or closed.

5. The result

The official result is final for settlement purposes except where the Particular Rules state to the contrary. The official result will be determined by IG Index in its reasonable opinion, such opinion being informed by reference to all publicly available evidence. The podium position in motor racing and the medal ceremony in athletics and other similar official ceremonies or presentations in other sports will be treated as the official result.

Where, in our reasonable opinion, no official result is available the result will be determined by:

(a) an independent authority chosen by us whose verdict shall be final for all purposes; or

(b) us, acting reasonably and reaching our decision by reference to all publicly available evidence.

In the event of a tie or dead-heat all stakes will be divided by the number of winners officially declared. For example if two horses are declared to have won a horse race in a dead-heat, a £30 stake will be divided by two, into two stakes of £15, one a winning stake and the other a losing stake.

If after you place a bet there is a non-runner in the same market, we reserve the right to implement the equivalent of a Tattersall's Rule 4 based on the price of the competitor/team at the time of withdrawal.

Where a non-runner is declared in a multiple bet, the price of the multiple will be re-calculated using the last available published component prices prior to the acceptance of your trade. All trades will stand on the remaining components, so where there is a non-runner in a double your trade will become a single, in a treble your bet will become a double and so on.

6. Final settlement of bets

Final settlement of bets will occur as follows:

(a) bets on markets scheduled to be completed within one day will be finally settled within three days of the day on which the underlying event is completed, and there will be no adjustment to the settlement of any such market after the final settlement; and

(b) bets on markets scheduled to be completed over a period of two or more days will be finally settled as soon as is practicable after the underlying event is completed, and there will be no adjustment to the settlement of any such market after the final settlement.

7. Non-mainstream markets; unusual situations

We may occasionally offer markets on events which we do not regularly cover and situations may arise from time to time that have not been specifically addressed in these Sports Rules or the Terms and Conditions. Such markets and situations will be settled on a basis which conforms as closely as reasonably possible to these Sports Rules, and by reference to similar sports markets which are offered regularly. IG Index will use its reasonable discretion to decide where parallels may most fairly be drawn and any such decision will be final.

8. Markets involving stipulations

Certain markets involve stipulations which must be met if the bet is to stand; for example in a golf tournament a player must tee off for bets on that player to stand. Where the stipulation or stipulations is/have not been met, any bet on that market shall be void, whether open or closed.

9. Client's responsibility

Clients must make themselves aware of all conditions, rules and stipulations affecting any market on which they wish to bet. Our customer service team will be pleased to answer any enquiry put to them, and the client will be deemed to know of any condition, rule or stipulation which would be revealed by such enquiry.

10. Exclusion of liability

All information about events or markets is supplied in good faith, and to the fullest extent permitted by law IG Index shall have no liability whatsoever for any error or inaccuracy in the information supplied.

11. Curtailment of long-term markets

If any long-term market is curtailed with no further play possible then the following settlement principle will be applied:

(a) where an official result is declared, settlement will be based on the official result;

(b) where no official result is declared, all bets that have not yet made up will be void and (subject to (c) below) closed bets will stand; and

(c) where no official result is declared, all bets placed after the last completed action, whether open or closed, will be void.

For the avoidance of doubt, all bets on a league season will stand where one or more club is subject to a take-over or merger, which may or may not involve a name change, providing their original fixture commitments are fulfilled.

12. Rigging

Where there is evidence of price, race, match or event rigging, we reserve the right to withhold payment, pending the outcome of any subsequent investigation and ultimately to declare bets on that event as void. In the event of an official enquiry in relation to suspicious betting activity surrounding an event, we reserve the right to disclose confidential information to the relevant sports governing body or their representatives, on the condition that they consent to keeping such information confidential.

13. Betting in running

We bet 'in running' on a selection of live events. Whilst we endeavour to ensure that the odds displayed are current, the nature of live betting means that, on occasions, the odds displayed may differ from the odds that we are willing to accept a bet at. The odds confirmed to you at the time of bet acceptance will determine settlement.

Any price quotation given to you in response to a request for an in-running price will be deemed to be an indicative quotation, and not a binding offer to accept a bet at that price. Subsequent price changes may take place after the initial quotation of an 'in-running' price.

Please note that a time delay is applied for in-running bets placed via the website.

14. Bet acceptance

Bets will be accepted up to the scheduled start time of an event, unless the market is advertised as being traded in-running. Any bet taken inadvertently, five minutes after the scheduled start time of an event that is not traded in-running will be void.

Particular Rules

The General Sports Rules set out above are subject to the Particular Sports Rules, set out below, which are applied to particular sports, markets or types of market.

Football

Individual match markets

Bets on football matches are, unless otherwise stated, for the scheduled 90 minutes of play plus injury time, but excluding extra-time. Extra-time markets may be introduced at the end of the scheduled period. If the venue of a game is changed, all bets will stand provided that the ground to which the game is moved is not the ground of either team involved in the match, in which case all bets in that individual game shall be void, whether open or closed.

Long-term divisional markets

If any team has points deducted during the season from its total attained on the field of play, the deduction will be included in its final total, possibly affecting the team's final league position. If any deduction is made in respect of a team after all the games in that team's division have been completed for the season, it will have no affect on the final total and league position. Any appeal against a points deduction shall be disregarded unless concluded before all the games in the division concerned have been completed for the season.

Abandoned games

All bets on markets where the underlying event is abandoned will be settled in accordance with General Rule 2.

1st player to score

Bets on all players are void, if they take no part in the match or come on as a substitute after the first goal has been scored. Own goals do not count. If the identity of the first Goal Scorer is disputed then bets will be settled according to the Press Association’s decision, which decision will be final.

Correct scores

We will list as many possible correct score outcomes as we deem necessary. If the final correct score was not quoted in our original list, then the actual score will still be treated as the correct score winner and all scores quoted in the original list will be treated as losers. 

Match handicap

A specified number of goals (which may be a fraction of a goal) is given as a handicap to either or both of the teams. This number is added to or subtracted from the number of goals that team has scored at the end of the match. This bet involves predicting which team will win the match after the handicap has been included.

Corners

In all corners based markets only corners taken will count, corners that have been awarded but not taken will not count.

Shirt numbers

When a bet is about the aggregate of the shirt numbers of the goal scorers in a match or matches:

(a) if any goal is an own goal, the shirt number of the scorer of the own goal will be counted. It will count towards whichever side is credited with the goal.

(b) in the event of uncertainty about who scored a goal, the opinion of the TV station which is broadcasting the game will be applied. If there is disagreement within the television station about who scored the goal, or if the game is being covered by more than one television station and the television stations disagree about who scored, or if the game is not televised at all, the scorer will be determined in accordance with General Rule 5.

For the purposes of any bet about shirt numbers, a player will be deemed to wear throughout the game the shirt worn at the start of play (or, in the case of a substitute, when he comes on to the pitch).

Any player whose shirt bears no number on his first joining the field of play will be allocated number 12.

Player bookings (yellow and red cards)

Markets involving the incidence of cards shown to players during an individual match are traded by reference to all available evidence but are settled on the official result when available from the football authority responsible for organising the match.

Bets may be provisionally settled by reference to all available evidence but if the official result differs from the result used for provisional settlement, settlement will be retrospectively adjusted so as to reflect the official result, provided that the official result is available within the period for final settlement set out in General Rule 6.

A player receiving a red card as a consequence of receiving a second yellow card will in all cases be deemed to have been shown one yellow card and one red card.

Bookings markets are settled by reference to cards shown during the first or second half of the match including injury time but excluding extra time. Cards will only count which are shown to players after they take the pitch for the first time and before they leave the pitch for the final time. Cards shown to non-players (e.g. managers) do not count. Any card shown after the full-time whistle has been blown shall be disregarded. If after the final whistle a card shown during a game is rescinded, or reduced to a yellow card from a red card, that will not affect the settlement of any markets involving bookings on the game in question.

For markets involving the time of yellow and red cards, these markets will be settled by reference to the time at which the relevant card is shown.

Cricket

One-day matches

The official result will determine the settlement of one day matches where:

(a) the game is completed, even if the scheduled number of overs for either side is reduced;

(b) the game is abandoned, but an official result is declared by reference to the Duckworth-Lewis method, or such other method applied by the relevant authority, on the basis of whether or not an adjusted target has been attained; or

(c) the official result is a tied match and there is no such eventuality offered in the market, in which event the dead heat rules will apply

Where a one day game is abandoned with no official result:

(d) if the market has/is being traded in-running, all bets will be void unless they have been unconditionally determined prior to the abandonment.

(e) if the market is not being traded in-running, all bets, whether open or closed, will be void unless they have been unconditionally determined prior to the abandonment.

Test matches and County Championship matches

All bets will be settled in accordance with the official match result except in the following circumstances:

(a) if no play in the match has been possible due to weather, or any other circumstances, all bets shall be void, whether open or closed;

(b) in matches affected by adverse weather, bets will stand on the official result, provided at least one ball has been bowled; and

(c) if the official result is a tied match, bets on the two competing teams will be settled in accordance with the dead heat rules, whilst a bet on the draw will be treated as a losing bet

Golf

Outright tournament betting

All bets will be settled in accordance with the official result. Any extra holes will count should a play-off be required to find a winner. In tournaments affected by bad weather, bets will be settled on the official result regardless of the number of rounds played.

If any player withdraws before teeing off in the tournament, all bets shall, whether open or closed, be void.

Any bets on a player who, for whatever reason, takes no further part in the tournament following the making of a bet shall, whether open or closed, will be void. However, all bets on a player who, after teeing off in the tournament, subsequently withdraws or is disqualified, shall stand.

Two-balls

If any player withdraws before the start of his two-ball, all bets on that two-ball will be void.

If one player commences his two-ball and then withdraws or is disqualified, that player will be deemed to be the loser and all bets will stand. A penalty or disqualification that would affect the settlement of a two-ball round will only be taken into consideration in deciding the settlement of that round if it is announced before the relevant player tees off in his next round.

Three-balls

If any player withdraws before the start of his three-ball, all bets on that three-ball will be void.

If any player commences his three-ball and then withdraws or is disqualified, that player will be deemed to be a loser and all bets on that three-ball stand. If all three players commence the three-ball and all withdraw or are disqualified, all bets in that three-ball will be void. If there is no winner of the three-ball, the dead heat rules will apply. A penalty or disqualification that would affect the settlement of a three-ball round will only be taken into consideration in deciding the settlement of that round if it is announced before the relevant player tees off in his next round.

Tournament match bets

In the event of a tie the dead heat rules will apply. Play offs will count for settlement purposes, should one player win the event. If one player misses the cut, the other is deemed the winner. If both players miss the cut, then the one with the lowest score will be deemed the winner. If a player is disqualified, either prior to the completion of two rounds or after both players have made the cut, the other player is deemed the winner. If a player is disqualified after making the cut, when his opponent has already missed the cut, the disqualified player is deemed the winner. If both players fail to complete a scheduled round, all bets will be void, regardless of how many holes each player completes.

Tournament group bets

If any player withdraws before teeing off in the tournament, all bets shall be void, whether open or closed. General Rule 4 may apply. Play offs will count for settlement purposes. Dead heat rules will apply. Bets are settled on the player who achieves the highest placing at the end of the tournament.

Rugby league and union

Individual match markets

Bets on rugby matches are, unless otherwise stated, for the scheduled 80 minutes of play plus injury time, but excluding extra-time. Extra-time markets may be introduced at the end of the scheduled period. If the venue of a game is changed, all bets will stand provided that the ground to which the game is moved is not the ground of either team involved in the match, in which case all bets in that individual game shall be void, whether open or closed.

Long-term divisional markets

All long-term markets are for the regular season only, unless stated. Any end of season play-off will not count.

1st try scorer

Bets on all players are void if they take no part in the match or come on as a substitute after the first try has been scored. Penalty Tries do not count for the purpose of this market.

Match handicap

A specified number of points (which may be a fraction of a point) is given as a handicap to either or both of the teams. This number is added to the number of points that team has scored at the end of the match. This bet involves predicting which team will win the match after the handicap has been added to the final result.

Tennis

Tournament betting

A player must strike at least one ball in the tournament for bets to stand, whether open or closed.

Individual matches

If the maximum duration of a match is reduced, e.g. from five sets to three sets, all bets, whether open or closed, shall be void.

If a player retires or is disqualified at any time during the match, the player who progresses (or is deemed to have won the tournament) will be settled as the winner, as long as one set has been completed. Should one set not have been completed, all bets relating to the match will be void. 

Horse racing

Non-runners

In the event of non-runners being declared after we have commenced betting on a race, the following rules will apply:

(a) all bets on a horse that does not run will be void; and

(b) bets on the remaining runners in that race will be subject to a deduction. This is based on Tattersalls Rule 4 (see below) and is dependent on the non-runner's price at the time it was withdrawn.

Tattersalls Rule 4

Price at time of withdrawal and amount deducted in the pound from winnings:

1/9 or shorter - 90p
2/11 to 2/17 - 85p
1/4 to 1/5 - 80p
3/10 to 2/7 75%
2/5 to 1/3 - 70p
8/15 to 4/9 - 65p
8/13 to 4/7 - 60p
4/5 to 4/6 - 55p
20/21 to 5/6 - 50p
Evens to 6/5 - 45p
5/4 to 6/4 - 40p
13/8 to 7/4 - 35p
15/8 to 9/4 - 30p
5/2 to 3/1 - 25p
10/3 to 4/1 - 20p
9/2 to 11/2 - 15p
6/1 to 9/1 - 10p
10/1 to 14/1 - 5p
over 14/1 - no deduction

Please note, we reserve the right not to apply any stipulated Rule 4.

In-Running

IG Sport will on occasion advertise an in-running Horse Racing service. On such occasions we will endeavour to offer a closing in-running price for all selections, however it may not be possible at all times. At times when we are unable to offer such a service, all bets will be settled as per the final result.

Boxing

If a boxer fails to answer the bell for a round, then the bout will deemed to have finished at the end of the previous round.

In the event of a clash of heads or a low blow resulting in the judges' scorecards being used to determine the winner before the scheduled number of rounds are completed, the fighter declared the winner will be deemed to have won by a stoppage at the time the bout was halted, and all markets, including the duration of the fight, will be settled on that basis.

Motor Racing

Settlement of long-term markets

Long-term markets will be settled on the basis of the podium positions after the last race of the season, which shall be treated as the official result, and nothing occurring afterwards will affect the settlement of the bet.

Settlement of individual motor races

Individual race markets will be settled on the basis of podium positions, which shall be treated as the official result, and nothing occurring afterwards will affect the settlement of the bet. The first warm-up lap counts as the start of each race.

If a race is curtailed or abandoned and no podium ceremony takes place (i.e. there are no podium positions and no official result) then all bets, open or closed, shall be void unless:

(a) an official result is declared, in which case all bets will be settled by reference to that result, or:

(b) if there is no official result but the race is being traded in-running, in which case all bets will be void unless unconditionally determined prior to the race being curtailed or abandoned.

Qualifying

Bets will be settled on the basis of the result immediately following the end of the qualifying session. Any subsequent demotion or disqualification will not affect the settlement of any bet.

Politics

PM After the next election

The winner will be deemed to be whoever first accepts an invitation from the Head of State to form a government after the next general election.

Next general election

The party winning the most seats at the next general election will be deemed to be the winner. In the event of a tie, the dead-heat rules will apply.

US presidential election

Settlement for this market will be in accordance to whoever is officially declared the winner. In the event of the election being postponed or delayed for whatever reason all bets will remain open until a winner is declared. However, if one or more candidates quoted in our market does not stand, all bets, whether open or closed, will be void.

Next party leader

The winner of any party leadership contest will be deemed to be the winner declared by official party sources.

American sports (basketball, ice hockey, American football)

Overtime counts for all markets.

Shootouts will count for all markets bar total goals/points markets.

For any market reliant on statistical information, the statistics published by the sports' governing body will be used for final settlement purposes.

Snooker & pool

If either player in a snooker or pool match fails to complete the match for any reason then all bets on the match, whether open or closed, other than bets on individual frames that have been completed prior to the curtailment or abandonment of the match, will be void.

Speciality markets

Speciality markets may be settled by reference to additional rules displayed on our website.