Polymarket Resolution Clauses: When Markets Resolve 50-50 (And Why)

Some Polymarket markets resolve 50-50 if neither outcome occurs by the deadline. Here is how to spot them before you trade.

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Polymarket Hidden-Looking Resolution Clauses, Explained

Some Polymarket markets resolve 50-50 if neither outcome occurs by the deadline. Here is how to spot them before you trade.

Editorial: neutral, primary-source only — we do not recommend or warn against any market.

What is a fallback resolution clause?

A fallback resolution clause is the part of a Polymarket market rules block that defines what happens when neither defined outcome occurs by the market deadline. The most common shape is a 50-50 split — the market pays out evenly to both sides — but other shapes exist (no-resolve, cancel-and-refund). The clause is set at market creation and shown in the Rules section before any trade is placed.

How to find the resolution clause BEFORE trading

Open the market page at polymarket.com/event/<slug>.
Scroll to the "Rules" section and read the full rules block — not just the title or the headline question.
Look for phrases like "if neither", "if no", "fallback", "resolve 50-50", or "cancel and refund". These are the markers of a fallback clause.