Event Contract Settlement and Payouts

What is the difference between an event ending, a contract resolving, and a payout being credited?

These are three separate steps that can happen at different times. An event ending means the real-world event is over, such as a game finishing or a data release being published, or the contract has reached its listed close time. Trading usually stops around then, although it can stop before or after the event for operational reasons.

• A contract resolves when the exchange officially determines the outcome, "Yes" or "No," using the source named in the contract's rules. This can happen after the event appears to be over.

• A payout is credited when settlement funds for winning positions are posted to your account, which happens only after the contract resolves. An event can end well before its contract resolves, and seeing a result in the news does not mean the contract has settled.

Who determines the settlement value or outcome of an event?

The exchange that lists the Event Contract determines its official outcome and settlement value using the contract’s published rules and designated information source, such as official sports results, government reports, or market data. Webull reflects the exchange’s determination in your account.

Review the Rules on the event’s page to see the criteria, information source, and timing used to determine settlement.

How does the exchange confirm results and process settlement?

Each contract's rules name the information that decides the outcome and the source agency that provides it, such as an official league statistics provider or a government agency. Once trading stops, the exchange waits for that source to publish a final result. The exchange then reviews the result against the contract's rules and finalizes the outcome. After the outcome is determined, all open positions settle automatically at $1.00 or $0.00. You do not need to take any action.

What are the standard payouts for winning and losing contracts?

A contract typically either pays $1.00 or $0.00. If you hold "Yes" and the event occurs, each contract settles at $1.00. If it does not occur, each contract settles at $0.00. "No" contracts work the opposite way.

Your profit or loss is the settlement value minus the price you paid and any trading fees. For example, a "Yes" contract bought at $0.35 that pays out $1.00 experiences a gain of $0.65 before fees. With a payout of $0.00, you only lose the $0.35 you paid.

What happens to positions held through settlement?

Positions you still hold when trading stops settle automatically once the outcome is determined. Correct positions are paid $1.00 per contract, and incorrect positions expire worthless and are removed. After trading stops, you cannot place new orders on that contract. If you want to realize a gain or limit a loss before the outcome is known, you must sell to close before trading stops. There is no fee charged for holding a contract to settlement.

Where can I find expected resolution and payout dates?

Each contract's rules state when it closes, which outcome decides it, which source provides that outcome, and any determination date. Some contracts close as soon as the outcome occurs, and others close at a set date and time. Some contracts also set a determination date later than when the event appears to end, so it is worth reading the rules before you trade. Contracts on Webull include a link to the rules on the contract detail page.

Why might routine settlement take time?

Settlement depends on when the source agency publishes its final result, so it is not always immediate. In general, determination can take anywhere from minutes to more than twelve hours after a market closes. Common reasons for a delay include:

• The source agency is slow to publish or finalize its data.

• The contract's rules set a later determination date.

• The outcome needs to be reviewed manually.

How do settlement credits appear in my Event Contract account?

Once a contract settles, the proceeds from winning contracts are credited to the balance of your linked brokerage account. Incorrect positions are removed and no funds are delivered or removed, as you already paid for the position when you opened it. The settled position no longer appears as an open position, and the result shows in your settlement history.