Prematch betting means placing a sports bet before an event starts. This guide explains Mela Bet prematch betting rules for users in Ethiopia, including bet acceptance, odds changes, postponed events, void selections and settlement. Read the applicable event and market rules before confirming a bet.
18+ only. Betting involves the risk of losing money. Participation is subject to age, location and account eligibility requirements.
What Is Prematch Betting at Mela Bet?
A prematch bet is submitted before the official start of a sporting event. Available markets, odds and closing times can differ by sport, competition and fixture. Explore Mela Bet sport betting to check the markets offered for an event.
Prematch betting differs from Mela Bet live betting, where selections are offered after play begins and odds respond to developments during the event. A prematch selection does not automatically become a live bet when the match starts.
When a Prematch Bet Is Accepted
To submit a bet, you must be logged in, have sufficient available funds and confirm the bet slip. The selection must still be available and the system must accept it before the event starts, subject to the applicable rules.
Adding a selection to your slip or seeing a balance deduction alone should not be treated as proof of acceptance. Check your betting history for a confirmed bet record, reference and status. Displayed odds are an offer at that moment, not confirmation that a bet has been accepted.
If confirmation is unclear, check the existing transaction before trying again to avoid unintentionally submitting a second bet.
Odds Changes Before Confirmation
Odds can change between selecting a market and confirming the slip. Depending on the available settings and applicable rules, the system may request confirmation of the revised price or reject the submission.
For example, a selection displayed at 2.00 may move to 1.90 before acceptance. Review the final price and potential return before proceeding. Odds are not guaranteed before acceptance; an accepted bet remains subject to rules covering errors and invalid markets.
Cut-Off Time and Event Start
Prematch markets close before the event begins or when it moves to live betting. The displayed start time may differ from the actual start because of schedule changes or delayed data.
If a bet is accepted after play has actually begun because of a technical fault or delayed feed, it may be resettled, cancelled or declared void under the applicable terms. Do not assume that an open prematch market means the event has not started.
Postponed, Cancelled or Abandoned Events
An interruption or schedule change does not always produce the same outcome. Settlement depends on the sport, market and official rules of Mela Bet.
| Situation | What may happen to the bet | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Match postponed | The bet may remain valid or be voided according to the official rules of Mela Bet. | The revised schedule and applicable postponement rule. |
| Event cancelled | Affected selections may be voided. | Official cancellation and the bet status. |
| Event abandoned | Some determined markets may stand; others may be voided. | The rules for abandonment and completed markets. |
| Venue changed | The bet may stand or be voided, depending on the change. | Venue and home/away designation rules. |
| Team or participant withdraws | Withdrawal or walkover rules may apply. | The named participants and market conditions. |
| Event format changed | Affected markets may require adjustment or voiding. | Changes to duration, rounds or competition format. |
No fixed refund deadline is stated here. Check the applicable rules and your account record for the outcome.
Void Bets and Refunds
A void bet is treated as neither winning nor losing. For a standard cash-funded single bet, the stake is returned to the account balance where applicable. Bonus-funded bets may have different treatment under their promotion terms.
Possible reasons include a cancelled event, an incorrectly listed participant, an invalid market, a technical error or acceptance after the actual start. A void selection in a multi-selection bet does not necessarily mean the entire slip is refunded.
Prematch Football Betting Rules
Markets on Mela Bet football may include match result, double chance, total goals, handicap, both teams to score, first-half result and correct score.
- Match result and double chance: check which results and playing period are covered.
- Total goals and both teams to score: settlement follows the specified period and goal conditions.
- Handicap: the stated adjustment and handicap type determine settlement.
- First-half markets: cover the first half, including its stoppage time, unless stated otherwise.
- Correct score: requires the exact score for the period named in the market.
Standard full-time football markets generally cover 90 minutes plus stoppage time, excluding extra time and penalty shoot-outs. Markets such as “to qualify” can use different conditions. Always check the market description and official settlement rules.
Accumulators and System Bets
An accumulator combines selections into one bet. If one selection is void, it may be treated at odds of 1.00, with the combined odds recalculated. For example, a three-selection accumulator may continue using only the two valid selections.
A losing selection normally causes a standard accumulator to lose. System bets contain multiple combinations, so a losing or void selection can affect combinations differently. The applicable rules determine the final return; not every void event results in a full-slip refund.
Cancellation and Cash Out
Do not assume that an accepted prematch bet can be cancelled or edited. Any cancellation option depends on the applicable rules and available functionality.
Cash out, where offered, is separate from cancellation. Its availability and value can change, and an offer is not a completed transaction until confirmed by the system. Check the resulting bet status; cash out is not guaranteed for every market or slip.
Technical Errors and Incorrect Odds
An obvious pricing error, faulty data feed, duplicated event or incorrectly configured market may require correction. Mela Bet may adjust settlement or void an affected bet in accordance with its terms; a displayed potential return is not an unconditional entitlement.
Review the event, market, price and stake before confirmation. If something appears incorrect, keep the bet reference and relevant screenshots for review.
User Responsibilities Before Placing a Bet
- Check the event, participants, start time and selected market.
- Confirm the odds, stake, currency and potential return.
- Review account limits and any bonus conditions.
- Check the accepted status in your betting history.
- Confirm that you meet age and regional eligibility requirements.
Read the Age Restriction Policy before participating. Set affordable spending limits, avoid chasing losses and use the guidance on Responsible Gaming. Betting should not be treated as a source of income.
Where to Check Full Rules
This page is a plain-language summary, not a replacement for the governing documents. The Terms and Conditions and applicable sport, market and promotion rules govern acceptance and settlement. Read License & Regulation and Legal Status in Ethiopia for relevant licensing and legal information.
If You Disagree with a Settlement
- Review your bet record and the relevant market rule.
- Note the bet reference, event, selection and disputed outcome.
- Use Contact Us to request a review, providing relevant records without sharing your password.
- Follow the complaint procedure in the governing terms if the issue remains unresolved.
FAQ About Prematch Betting Rules
What is a prematch bet?
It is a sports bet placed and accepted before the event starts, subject to the relevant market rules.
Can odds change before my bet is accepted?
Yes. Review any revised odds and check the final accepted price in your bet record.
What happens if a match is postponed?
The bet may remain valid or become void, depending on the sport and Mela Bet’s official postponement rules.
What does void bet mean?
The bet is neither a win nor a loss. Stake treatment depends on whether it is a single, accumulator, system or bonus-funded bet.
Are football prematch bets settled after 90 minutes?
Standard full-time markets generally use 90 minutes plus stoppage time. Extra time and penalties count only where the market rules include them.
Can I cancel a prematch bet after confirmation?
Not automatically. Cancellation or cash out depends on the rules and available options; neither should be assumed.
What happens if the event starts before my bet is accepted?
The prematch submission may be rejected. If accepted in error, it may be corrected or voided under the applicable terms.
Where can I read the full Mela Bet betting rules?
Consult the Terms and Conditions and the specific sport and market rules referenced above before placing a bet.
Author: Fikadu Assefa
Fikadu tests customer-support information and account-help resources. He verifies official channels, operating hours, language availability, and the context of response-time observations. His reports avoid guarantees based on a single enquiry and clearly identify unresolved questions that require further confirmation.