Early Settlement Explained: What Does Cash out Mean in Betting

Betting Expert

Updated: 3 October 2023

When you use the cash out feature on online bookies, you are taking up the option of ending your bet early either with profit offered by betting sites or cutting potential losses. It’s as simple as that. This page expands on what does cash out mean in betting and for you as a punter? This rather nifty little feature that shows up on most bookmakers can help you get the edge if used right.

Used correctly, cash out can be used to maximise profits and minimise losses. So, whether you are looking to guarantee a profit or mitigate losses, this article will give you a good grounding on how cash out works in the UK today. On top of this, we will also explain how the cash out feature can be used within different sports markets.

What Does Cash Out Mean in Betting?

Cash out, also known as early settlement, effectively means settling bets before all events have finished. Bookies with cash out option are perfect for punters looking to lock in a profit or cut their losses. Many cash out betting sites today offer full, partial and auto options to their customers. When available, not only the top football sites but most bookies will offer punters the chance to cash out a proportion of their potential winnings, based on how events are panning out. So, let’s take a closer look at a few examples of how things work at cash out betting sites:

Example 1:

You have placed a £10 bet on five football teams to win their respective fixture over the weekend at total odds of 10/1. Your first four picks have all picked up three points, meaning that you are counting on just one more win. However, your bookie is offering you the chance to cash out for an appealing amount. Your potential return is £110, however you now have a decision to make with your bookie offering £85 to cash out now.

Example 2:

You have placed a bet worth £100 on your favourite tennis player to win their opening match at Wimbledon. Despite being the favourite, they have lost the opening set and are struggling. In this instance, it may well be worth using the cash out feature to ensure that you are at least left with something to play with.

Using Cash Out in Betting

When using the cash out feature, besides knowing how betting odds work, there are some simple rules in which punters must keep in mind:

You are always sacrificing a proportion of your maximum available winnings when cashing out.
In the event of your bet going well, cash out betting sites are likely to offer your stake, along with some additional earnings.
If things are not panning out as you had hoped, cash out betting sites will offer less than your initial stake.

We briefly mentioned full, partial and auto cash out earlier. So let’s take a closer look at the options available to punters at cash out betting sites:

Full Cash Out

When full cash out is available, punters choose to cash out their bet in full or wait for it’s completion.

Partial Cash Out

Many cash out betting sites offer the chance to partially cash out bets. This means that a proportion of your stake will be returned to you, while the remaining amount will remain. Those using this option will still be able to win a percentage of the potential winnings, while also being left with something to play with.

Auto Cash Out

Here, punters can select an amount in which they wish to auto cash out at. This means that cash out will be triggered once winnings reach a set amount. This also saves punters the time in carefully keeping an eye on their picks. Auto cash out can also be used in conjunctions with partial cash out.

Cash Out in Different Betting Markets

When it comes to cash out betting sites, the markets available to customers will differ between bookies. Operators will normally make it clear as to which sports markets qualify for their cash out feature, with the following being among the most popular:

Football – Football betting sites with cash out are likely to allow punters the chance to cash out on the following markets: Full time result, double chance, correct score, half time/full time, over/under goals, both teams to score, winning margin and handicaps.
Cricket – Match winner, top batsmen, total runs, leading wicket taker and total runs.
Tennis – Match winner, total games, 1st set winner and double result.
Golf – To win outright, top 5 finish, top 10 finish and group betting.
Horse Racing – Win and each-way betting
Snooker – Match winner, total frames, correct score, player centuries and match centuries.
American Football – Game lines, winning margin, double result and total points

How to Succeed When Using Cash Out: Strategy & Tips

Cash out betting sites open up a host of options for punters hoping to be successful when betting on sporting events. While there is no strategy that guarantees success, the following tips will undoubtedly help you maximise your chances of winning.

1. Use Available Information – As you would when placing bets initially, be sure to look at all available information when deciding whether to cash out or not. Whether a football team has a knack for scoring late goals, a tennis player is known as being a strong starter or a cricket team has a high scoring tail, such details can all potentially impact how your bet pans out. Such statistics are readily available online, while many bookies provide information surrounding in-play markets.

2. Back Your Instinct – Be sure to remember why you chose to place the bet in the first place. As soon as you start second guessing yourself, you will quickly become confused regarding your decision. Betting sites will make cashing out appear like the best option, especially when you are looking to cut your losses.

3. Be Positive – When it comes to cash out betting sites, remember that the glass is half full. When cashing out, you are still getting something out of it. Whether it be a guaranteed profit or something to play with in the future from an otherwise unsuccessful wager.

What Makes a Bookie With Cash Out Good?

With so many bookies online today having a cash out feature, deciding which one is best can be difficult. Punters should look for some features to ensure a safe and painless betting experience.

Markets – Leading online bookies today cover a huge number of sporting events. While market availability is important, the majority of markets should also be available when it comes to cashing out.
Odds – The amount offered by bookies to punters cashing out will be effected by the odds that were initially staked on. Prices should be competitive for all sports, as well as being available to view in decimal, fractional and American formats.
Features – Cash out is not the only popular feature found at betting sites today. Live streaming, live chat support and live betting markets are also a perk.
Support – Whether it be questions surrounding cash out or other aspects of a bookie’s operation, support should be available to punters at all times. Telephone, email and live chat are the most popular methods of communication.
Mobile – Cash out, along with all markets and additional features, should be available to mobile betting customers too. Top bookies ensure that their site is fully functional on such devices, while some offer dedicated betting apps.

On Where to Find Cash Out

You may still have many more questions, which is fine – no one is a master in one fell swoop, or one guide read. As a start, familiarize yourself with what bookmakers are available in the UK and what they offer. Check out our list of best-rated betting sites. You’ll find many useful links and reviews that will be a good start at finding the best betting sites and their offering.

The Bottom Line of Cash Out

The cash out feature is hugely desirable for punters. It was designed to aid betting customers, while bookies themselves can also benefit from it. Those who fully understand cash out and how it works are in with a good chance of regularly taking advantage of it. Along with live streaming, cash out is one of the most in-demand features for the modern day betting customer.

Whether it be full, partial or auto cash out, any bookie hoping to cater for the needs of punters today must offer this feature, which is now available on an increasing number of markets. So, take a look for yourself, as you never know when you may be in a position to use cash out betting sites.

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FAQ’s

How does cash out work?

Cash out is a feature found at many betting sites. It offers punters the chance to settle bets before all events have finished. Bookies will offer a proportion of the potential winnings, with punters then having to choose to cash out or keep the bet alive. Full, partial and auto cash out is available with most leading betting sites.

Is cash out always available?

No. Depending on the bookie, cash out is only available on selected markets and bet types. It is usually obvious as to which markets qualify, with cash out betting sites using a symbol on those that do.

Can I cash out when markets are suspended?

No. Bookies will often suspend live betting markets. This could be because of a goal being scored, a red card being branded or an injury suffered by a player. At such occasions, the cash out feature will not be available. However, this lasts just a matter of seconds in most cases.

How is the cash out amount calculated?

The cash out amount available is determined by your stake, total odds and what is happening in the events you bet on.

Can free bets be cashed out?

In most cases, the answer is no. The cash out feature will generally not be available to those using free bets, while if it is, customers may well forfeit such funds. Be sure to check out the free bet terms and conditions beforehand.

James Fuller

Betting Expert

James Fuller is a sports journalist based in Bath, England. Specializing in sports and iGaming, he has worked for a variety of leading online publications in the past, having first created content for safebettingsites in 2020. James also has a degree in Sport & Leisure Management from Sheffield Hallam University. He also has a certificate in Football Communication & Digital Media from the Sports Business Institute in Barcelona, which James has used to help brands enhace their following and reputation on online platforms. With almost a decade of experience in sports writing to his name, James has received outstanding feedback from existing and former clients.

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