Football’s Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system was supposed to be a game-changer. It promised to fix glaring mistakes, bringing more fairness to the game. But, as you may already know, it hasn’t always gone to plan.

VAR mistakes are not only controversial, but they also have real-world consequences, especially if you’re someone who’s put a bet on the outcome. Let’s face it, there’s nothing worse than having your money on a game, only to watch as a VAR decision upends everything.

If you’ve used the Betway app or any other sports betting platform, you’ve likely been on the edge of your seat waiting for a final call on a crucial decision. What happens when that call turns out to be wrong? For fans and bettors alike, the fallout can be massive.

VAR: A Blessing or a Curse?

In theory, VAR is meant to help referees make accurate calls. This is especially true for things that are tough to spot in real time, like goals, offsides, and penalties. The system is supposed to offer a second opinion and, in doing so, help referees avoid costly mistakes.

But in reality? It’s been a mixed bag. Some calls have been spot-on, while others have sparked outrage. One of the biggest criticisms of VAR is how subjective the decisions can still be, even with video assistance. Take offside calls, for example.

In 2019, during an EPL match between Leicester and Crystal Palace, a VAR decision ruled out a potential Palace goal for offside. It happened even though the player was clearly level with the defender. It was a textbook example of how VAR can create confusion instead of clarity. But this wasn’t a one-off incident. Many football fans can recall similar examples where the technology seemingly got it wrong.

And it’s not just about offsides or goals. Penalty decisions are another area where VAR’s accuracy has been called into question. Remember the 2021 FA Cup clash between Everton and Tottenham? A controversial penalty decision, confirmed by VAR, resulted in a last-minute goal for Everton. Spurs fans were furious, claiming that the decision was based on the smallest of contacts and that the ref had failed to properly assess the situation.

The New Offside Tech: A Ray of Hope?

The introduction of semi-automated offside technology in the Premier League in 2025 is supposed to be a breakthrough. This new tech uses multiple cameras to track players’ movements with high precision. It offers quicker and more reliable offside calls – at least in theory. Instead of waiting for the usual agonizing minute or more for VAR to reach a decision, this system could deliver answers faster. This way, it reduces the chances of human error and minimizes delays in the game.

Will this make a difference? Time will tell. But with more sophisticated tech, the hope is that decisions will be clearer and more consistent. It’s supposed to take away some of the uncertainty that has plagued VAR’s use. After all, when a game’s outcome hinges on a split-second decision, bettors are holding their breath. Especially those who placed bets on specific player performances, goal totals, or match results.

What Happens When a VAR Decision Screws Up Your Bet?

Whether you’re an occasional bettor or someone who regularly uses the Betway app to place wagers on football, you know the stakes are high. When VAR gets it wrong, the consequences aren’t just limited to the players and coaches on the pitch. Bettors can feel the brunt of a wrong decision, too.

Take the 2020 Manchester City vs. Tottenham Hotspur match. A questionable VAR decision resulted in an overturned penalty for Spurs, leading to a City win. Many fans and bettors were left frustrated because they felt the decision had a significant impact on their wagers. When VAR wrongly disallows a goal or calls a penalty, it’s more than just a missed opportunity for the team. It can mean a ruined bet for someone who’s been following the game closely.

So, what can bettors do when VAR gets it wrong? Well, unfortunately, there’s not much that can be done once the decision has been made. That’s the nature of the game. However, sports betting platforms are working hard to create fair systems for settling disputes. Some sites will offer bettors a way to review certain outcomes, but these exceptions tend to be rare.

Learning From the Past: Can the Tech Be Fixed?

As the Premier League gears up for its new semi-automated offside tech, there’s hope that these errors will be a thing of the past. But is the tech really the problem, or is it the people operating it? Referees and VAR officials are still human, and they have to make quick decisions, even when the technology offers them conflicting information.

The hope is that as the new system improves, so will the accuracy of calls. With better tracking and more precise technology, offside decisions should be clearer. At the same time, the potential for mistakes will be minimized. Whether this will lead to fewer bet-related heartbreaks remains to be seen.

The Takeaway: Betting and VAR Don’t Mix Well – For Now

For now, all we can do is wait and see how the new tech pans out. In the meantime, when you’re placing a bet, remember that the world of football is unpredictable. Technology, for all its advancements, can also make mistakes. If you’re using the Betway app or another platform to place your wagers, make sure to take this into account. Keep an eye on developments in VAR tech, and try not to let the uncertainty of incorrect decisions sour your betting experience.

At the end of the day, the VAR system is meant to improve fairness in football, but it’s still a work in progress. Hopefully, the future of football tech will see less controversy and fewer heartbreaks for fans and bettors alike.