When Jimmy Butler's injury forced him to exit Golden State's NBA playoff game early in the first quarter, a lot of bettors were disappointed. Typically, this means any prop bets they placed would go to the locker room with him.
But Fanatics Sportsbook remained true to its Fair Play Refund policy. Through a post on its X account, Fanatics announced it would honor bets affected by Butler’s early departure.
The post's description read: "Jimmy Butler exited the game in the first half. Player prop bets will either get refunded in cash or settled as a win. If it’s part of a parlay, the rest of your bet will still play out. Any bet settled before the injury will stand."
This move guaranteed fair treatment for bettors who had placed their trust in the Warriors star.
What Is Fanatics Fair Play?
Fanatics’ Fair Play policy is designed to protect bettors against unforeseen circumstances like player injuries.
It offers a safety net: if a player you bet on leaves due to injury in the first quarter, your wager gets refunded. Whether it’s a straight prop bet or part of a parlay, Fanatics stands by its promise to deliver fairness.
How Does the Fair Play Policy Work?
The Fair Play policy applies to various sports with specific rules. For sports like basketball, football, or hockey, the policy kicks in if the player exits in the first quarter (or first period for hockey). In baseball, the refund applies if a player departs before their second plate appearance.
This commitment to fairness made headlines not only during Butler’s game but also in previous instances.
On Christmas Day and another occasion in January, Fanatics refunded bets when Anthony Davis (who was still with the Los Angeles Lakers at the time) left games due to injuries.
Their responsiveness comes as a relief for many bettors, ensuring that unexpected game disruptions don't lead to financial losses.
Who is Jimmy Butler?
Despite the injury, Jimmy Butler remains one of the best players in the NBA.
He was selected with the 30th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls. Over his career, Butler has also played for other teams, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat.
With the Heat, he became known for his performances in the NBA Playoffs, leading the team to the NBA Finals in 2020.
He's also known for his defensive skills, scoring ability, and clutch performances in critical moments.
His nickname "Jimmy Buckets" reflects his scoring prowess. Off the court, Butler is recognized for his leadership qualities and his commitment to community service and social justice initiatives.
Butler was traded from the Miami Heat to the Golden State Warriors in a multi-team trade finalized on February 6, 2025.
A History of Fair Play Success
During football season, Fanatics’ policy proved beneficial for many bettors. One notable payout was $66,000 on a wager involving Vikings running back Aaron Jones. Another big one involved Washington Commanders Quarterback Jayden Daniels and former San Francisco 49ers Wide Receiver Deebo Samuel.
So far this year, Fanatics has saved hundreds of thousands of dollars for bettors across all sports, transforming what would have been losing bets into protected investments.
Fanatics Sportsbook's proactive approach in honoring its Fair Play Refund policy underscores its commitment to fair betting practices. By ensuring bettors are protected from the unpredictability of player injuries, Fanatics has built trust and loyalty among sports enthusiasts.
