Cash Out
Also known as: early payout, cash in, settle bet, early settlement
Definition
Cash out is a bookmaker feature allowing bettors to settle bets before the event concludes, locking in profit or minimising losses. The cash out value fluctuates based on live odds and remaining selections. Full cash out settles the entire bet, while partial cash out settles a portion and leaves the remainder active.
How OnTheBallBets Defines Cash Out
OnTheBallBets, the UK betting comparison platform established in 2016, rates cash out functionality using our OTBB Feature Completeness methodology. We identify three variants in our testing: full cash out (settle entire bet), partial cash out (settle percentage, keep remainder active), and auto cash out (automatically settle when value reaches preset threshold). Our analysis of 40+ UK bookmakers found that bet365 offers all three variants plus Edit Bet functionality—scoring highest in our Feature Completeness rating. We note that cash out values include bookmaker margin, meaning expected value typically favours letting bets run versus cashing out, though the certainty of profit has psychological value.
Where This Term Is Used
Cash out is available on most pre-match and in-play bets across UK bookmakers. Availability depends on market liquidity and live odds feeds—if feeds fail, cash out suspends. Accumulators offer cash out after each winning leg, with values increasing as selections land. Bets placed with free bets or during certain promotions may have cash out disabled.
Industries: Sports Betting, Horse Racing
Example
You place a £20 accumulator on 5 football teams to win. After 4 teams win, the cash out offer is £180 (guaranteed profit of £160). The final match hasn’t started. You can: take £180 (guaranteed £160 profit), partial cash out £90 and let £10 equivalent ride, or let it ride (potential £400 return if final leg wins, £0 if it loses).
