Betfair voids in-running bets

A technical glitch during racing at Leopardstown this week forced online betting exchange Betfair to suspend the market pending an investigation that resulted in the firm voiding all bets on the event.

The firm now faces a backlash from disgruntled punters after an incredible run on the outcome of the woodiesdiy.com Christmas Hurdle race.

The technical failure saw a total of GBP 1 642 094 matched at 28-1 on Voler La Vedette, a clear contender to win early on in the race, that would have seen Betfair exposed to hundreds of millions if the money had been matched.

A Betfair customer services statement read:

“Customers betting in-play on this race will have seen that Voler La Vedette was available to back at 29 when the in-running market was suspended, and that a considerable sum was matched on the clear winner at that price.

“An investigation has revealed that this was due to an obvious technical failure which allowed a customer to exceed their exposure limit.

“In accordance with our terms and conditions, all in running bets on this race, both win and place, will be made void.

“We fully appreciate the dissatisfaction this will cause many customers, and apologise for a very poor customer and betting experience.”