diff --git a/apps/promotions/models.py b/apps/promotions/models.py
index 54ef57d..eb174cc 100644
--- a/apps/promotions/models.py
+++ b/apps/promotions/models.py
@@ -215,12 +215,16 @@ class Recipient(BaseModel):
             base_amount=promotion_amount,
         )
         if recipient and promotion_amount and created:
-            with transaction.atomic():
-                reserved = self.plan.reserve_promotion_amount(promotion_amount)
-                if reserved:
-                    promotion.promote()
-                else:
-                    raise Exception('promotion reward not reserved')
+            try:
+                with transaction.atomic():
+                    reserved = self.plan.reserve_promotion_amount(promotion_amount)
+                    if reserved:
+                        promotion.promote()
+                    else:
+                        raise Exception('promotion reward not reserved')
+            except Exception as e:
+                promotion.change_state(from_states=[promotion.state], to_state=PaymentStateChoices.EXPECTED_FAILURE, same_ok=True)
+                promotion.refresh_from_db()
 
             return promotion
         return None