Why is my balance locked when I have an open offer or trade?

Creating an offer or engaging a trade locks your staked USDb in escrow so it can’t be spent while the bet is live — this guarantees both sides can actually pay out. It shows as in escrow and reduces your available balance. It’s released back to you when the offer settles, is cancelled (trade), or expires with no engagement (offer). You can see exactly what’s locked in your escrow breakdown.