If you’ve ever placed a bet on a sporting event, whether in person at a betting shop or through an online account, you might wonder what happens if you forget about it. It can be easy to lose track of a betting slip or overlook a result, especially if you're new to betting.
This blog explains how long you have to claim a winning bet, what the rules are for both online and in-shop bets, and what could happen if you leave your account inactive for too long.
Whether you're trying betting for the first time or just want to understand the process better, this guide breaks it down clearly and simply.
Is There a Time Limit on Claiming Winning Bets?
Yes, there is a time limit for claiming any potential winnings, and it can vary. 
If you placed your bet in a high street betting shop, most will give you up to 180 days from the event date to collect any potential winnings. This is roughly six months. After this period, the betting shop might no longer honour the ticket. However, some operators might review requests on a case-by-case basis, though this is rare and entirely at their discretion.
When it comes to bets placed online, you don't need to do anything to claim your winnings. If your bet is successful, your payout is usually processed automatically and added to your account once the event has settled. However, it may still be useful to check your account regularly and keep track of your bets.
Different types of betting products have different rules. For example, many lottery tickets have a strict deadline of 180 days from the date of the draw to claim any possible prizes. If you miss that, the money typically goes to designated charities.
It’s important to remember that sports betting involves chance, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Each bookmaker has its own set of rules and terms, so it may be a good idea to review those before placing a bet. You can usually find these on their website or ask in-shop.
How Long Is a Bet Slip Valid?
A bet slip is a printed receipt given when you place a bet in a physical betting shop. It acts as proof of your wager. The validity of this slip depends on the terms of the bookmaker. In most cases, if your bet wins, the slip may be valid for up to 180 days from the date of the event. If you try to claim any winnings after that, the bookmaker may decline to pay out.
A bet slip remains valid as long as the event it refers to hasn't yet taken place, or has recently been settled. For example, if you placed a bet on a football match, the outcome must be confirmed before you can collect any potential winnings. Similarly, for a horse race, your bet can only be resolved once the race has finished and results are official.
Different types of bets can also affect when a slip is valid. A single bet involves trying to predict the outcome of one event. Once that event ends and the result is known, the slip can be cashed in if it's a winner. A multiple bet or accumulator involves predicting several events. In this case, your slip won’t be valid for payout until all of the included events have taken place.
Using Online Accounts
Betting online means placing bets through a website or mobile app. To do this, you'll need to create an account with a licensed betting operator.
You'll be asked to
provide your name, address, and date of birth. You'll also be asked to verify your identity, which is a legal requirement in the UK to help protect against underage gambling and fraud.
Once your account is active, you can deposit money and place bets on various events. Your balance is updated in real time. If a bet wins, the amount you win is usually added straight into your account. You can then choose to withdraw it or use it for another bet.
One benefit of betting online is that you don’t need to worry about losing a physical slip. Everything should be recorded in your account history. You can usually see all your current bets, past results, and transactions. Just remember that betting outcomes are based on chance, and there's no way to predict a win with certainty.
Dormant Account Fee
If you don’t use your online betting account for a long time, it may become dormant. This means it hasn’t been accessed for a set period. Most operators consider an account dormant after 12 months of no activity.
When an account becomes dormant, the betting company might start charging a small monthly fee. This is allowed under UK rules, as long as the company clearly explains it in their terms and conditions. You should also receive a warning before any fee is applied. Logging in or placing a bet is usually enough to reset the inactivity period.
These fees are meant to cover the cost of maintaining inactive accounts. The amount varies between operators. Some may deduct a fixed fee, while others might charge a small percentage of your account balance.
If your account does become dormant and fees are charged, you can contact customer support to discuss the possibility of getting the fees refunded, especially if you're reactivating the account.
What If You've Found a Winning Bet Slip?
If you come across an old bet slip that you didn’t realise was a winner, you might be able to claim it—depending on when it was placed and the bookmaker's rules.
To give an example, in 2017 a man named Bob Holmes discovered a winning bet slip while sorting through the paperwork of a family member who had passed away. The bet had been placed on a horse named Red Rum in the Grand National over 40 years earlier. When the slip was taken to the bookmaker, they decided to honour the payout and adjusted the winnings for inflation. The original amount was £12, and the final payout came to £130.
While this is an interesting story, it's not common. Most betting shops will only accept slips within their stated claim period. If the original owner of the bet cannot claim the winnings, some bookmakers might consider paying out to a close relative, especially if there is clear proof of relationship and intent. This is not something that can be expected and is entirely up to the individual company.
In general, it may be a good idea to check any old slips sooner rather than later. If you find one, you can visit the shop where it was issued and ask about the claim process. You’ll usually need to show the original slip, and the staff will verify if it’s still eligible for a payout.
If you're new to betting, remember that it's not a way to make money and should only be seen as a form of entertainment. Gambling carries risks, and there's no strategy that can guarantee a win. If you're placing bets, try setting a budget, keeping track of your activity, and making use of safer gambling tools offered by UK-licensed operators.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.