> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://polymarketguide.gitbook.io/polymarketguide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://polymarketguide.gitbook.io/polymarketguide/resolution/refunds.md). # Refunds Polymarket may refund users at its discretion. Refunds are typically issued when a market cannot resolve as intended or has been affected by a technical error. ### Announcement Refunds are announced through Polymarket notifications and the official Discord. Major cases may also be posted on X. Announcements typically include details such as eligibility, timing, and the refund method.

### Refund Types There are three main types of refunds: initial cost, total net losing positions, and being made whole. #### Initial Cost Polymarket can issue an **initial cost refund** when a market has faulty rules, is posted too late, is removed before resolution, or its rules change after launch. *Example*: Polymarket released *SCOTUS agrees to hear a conversion therapy ban case in 2025?* hours after the Supreme Court had already agreed to hear the case, making the market dead-on-arrival.

#### Total Net Losing Positions In some cases, Polymarket may refund **total net losing positions** in the affected market. *Example*: In *Will Estral Esports Win Circuito Desafiante 2026 Split 2?*, the rules specified a time frame that did not cover the playoffs. Polymarket later issued a clarification, immediately resolved the market to Yes, and refunded total net losing positions held at the time of the clarification.

#### Being Made Whole In rare cases, Polymarket may decide to **make users whole** when a market resolves incorrectly. *Example*: In *Astros vs. Dodgers*, the market incorrectly resolved to Dodgers when the Astros had won. Polymarket made Astros holders whole by refunding them $1 for each share they held.

### Refund Issuance Refund eligibility typically applies to positions held at the time of the announcement. If Polymarket pre-announces a clarification, eligibility may instead be based on positions held at that time.

### When Refunds Are Not Issued Refunds are not typically issued simply because a market is controversial or disputed. This can include disagreements over interpretation, qualification, or unclear wording. *Example*: In *Will Zelenskyy wear a suit before July?*, traders disagreed over whether his outfit qualified as a "suit." The market resolved to No, and Polymarket did not issue refunds.

### Market Resolution When refunds are issued, the market outcome remains the same. Refunds typically apply to shareholders on the losing side, while the winning side can redeem their shares as usual. *Example*: In *Supreme Court unblocks Alien Enemies Act?*, the market resolved to No, but refunds were issued to Yes holders because the market was posted too late to resolve as intended.