Settlement rules may look similar across sports at first glance, but they differ in important ways depending on the structure, scoring system, and timing mechanics of each game. These differences are not arbitrary—they reflect the unique nature of each sport and the need for clear, consistent interpretation of results.

Understanding why settlement rules vary by game type helps clarify why some markets include overtime, why others don’t, and why certain scoring events count differently across sports.

1. Different Sports Use Different Time Structures

Time structure is a major reason settlement rules differ.

Football (Soccer)

• Standard settlement uses 90 minutes + injury time
• Extra time and penalties are separate markets
• Draws are valid outcomes in regular play

Basketball

• Settlement generally includes all regulation time
• Overtime is included unless the market explicitly excludes it

Baseball

• No clock → settlement follows completed innings
• Extra innings are part of the natural game structure

Because each sport defines “game time” differently, settlement rules must adapt to those definitions.

2. Scoring Systems Shape What Counts as an Official Result

Sports vary widely in scoring frequency and mechanics.

Low-scoring sports (football, hockey)

• A single goal can decide the match
• Totals and handicaps rely heavily on precise time-period definitions

High-scoring sports (basketball, American football)

• Overtime scoring is common
• Settlement often includes extended play by default

Inning-based sports (baseball, cricket)

• Scoring depends on innings, not time
• Settlement rules follow inning completion rather than minutes played

Settlement must reflect how each sport naturally produces outcomes.

3. Overtime Rules Differ Across Sports

Overtime formats vary dramatically, so settlement rules must match the sport’s structure. This is visible in how sportsbooks treat overtime differently in basketball and hockey, for example, with some markets including overtime in totals and others settling on regulation results unless the market name specifies overtime inclusion. ([data][1])

4. Rulebooks Define What Counts as an Official Event

Settlement rules follow the **official competition rulebooks**, which differ by sport. These rulebooks define key elements such as what counts as a “shot on target,” how assists are recorded, how stoppage time is calculated, and how tie-breakers work. Because these definitions vary by sport—and sometimes by league—settlement rules must align with the specific rulebook governing the match.

A deeper explanation of how scoring and rule differences influence settlement across sports is explored in why settlement rules differ by game type.

5. Some Sports Allow Draws, Others Do Not

Settlement rules depend on whether a draw is a valid outcome.

Sports where draws are common

• Football
• Hockey (in some leagues)
• Cricket (depending on format)

Sports where draws are rare or impossible

• Basketball
• Baseball
• American football (varies by league)

Because the concept of a “tie” differs across sports, settlement rules must reflect competitive structures.

6. Data Availability and Tracking Influence Settlement

Different sports track different data with varying precision. For example, football uses event-based tracking, basketball uses continuous tracking, and baseball uses pitch-by-pitch data. Settlement rules must align with the data structure of the sport to ensure accuracy and consistency.

7. Competition Format Affects Settlement Logic

Sports use different competition formats—league play, knockout tournaments, multi-stage group formats, best-of series, and aggregate scoring. Each format requires different settlement rules for advancement, qualification, aggregate totals, or series-based outcomes.

8. Fairness and Clarity Require Sport-Specific Rules

Uniform settlement rules across all sports would create confusion because:

• Some sports use clocks, others do not
• Some sports use innings, others use periods
• Some sports allow ties, others require winners
• Some sports include overtime by default, others treat it as separate

Sport-specific settlement rules ensure clear interpretation, reduced disputes, consistent application, and alignment with official results.

9. Why Understanding These Differences Matters

Recognizing why settlement rules differ by game type helps users:

• Interpret results more accurately
• Avoid misconceptions about overtime or extra periods
• Understand why totals and handicaps behave differently across sports
• Recognize how rulebooks shape settlement logic
• Build a foundation for accurate market interpretation

This understanding supports more consistent interpretation of settlement outcomes.

Conclusion

Settlement rules differ by game type because:

• Time structures vary across sports
• Scoring systems influence what counts as an official result
• Overtime formats are not uniform
• Rulebooks define events differently
• Some sports allow draws, others do not
• Data tracking varies by sport
• Competition formats require tailored settlement logic
• Fairness and clarity demand sport-specific rules

These factors combine to create settlement systems that reflect the unique nature of each sport rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Official settlement practices generally follow the governing competition’s primary result definitions, settling bets based on the official score at the end of the designated play period as specified in the market terms. For example, many sportsbook rules state that overtime is included or excluded depending on the market type, and totals or moneyline markets may count overtime differently based on sport and competition protocols. om “SPORTSBOOK TERMS AND CONDITIONS”