Futures Betting Explained: How to Bet on Futures in Sports ?

Futures betting is one of the most exciting ways to place wagers on long-term events, from Super Bowl champions to NBA MVP contenders. Understanding how to bet on futures, reading futures odds, and knowing the best strategies for success can help you maximize your winnings. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned bettor, here's everything you need to know about futures betting in sports betting.

What is Futures Betting?

Futures betting refers to wagers placed on long-term outcomes, such as the team to win the championship, player to win the MVP, or season totals. Unlike traditional bets, futures are determined by season-long or tournament-wide results, typically settled at the end of the season.

Examples of Futures Bets:

• Who will win the Super Bowl?
• Who will be the MVP of the NBA season?
• Which team will finish with the most wins in MLB?

Futures odds open before the season starts and can adjust throughout the year based on team performance, player injuries, trades, and other factors.

How Does Futures Betting Work?

Futures betting odds open ahead of the season and fluctuate based on performance. If a team is performing well, their odds to win the championship might get shorter, while teams struggling might have longer odds.

• Once you place a futures bet, the odds are locked in for you, even if they change throughout the season.
• Sportsbooks adjust the odds based on factors like team performance, injuries, and public betting trends.

For example, let’s look at Super Bowl Futures Odds:

• Kansas City Chiefs: +500 (Bet $100 to win $500)
• New England Patriots: +25,000 (Bet $100 to win $25,000)

How to Read Futures Odds

Reading futures odds is simple but important for understanding potential payouts. Futures odds are listed as American odds and indicate how much you can win based on a $100 wager.

Example of Futures Odds:

• Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl: +500 (win $500 on a $100 bet)
• New England Patriots to win the Super Bowl: +25,000 (win $25,000 on a $100 bet)

You can calculate the implied probability of each outcome and potential futures payouts using an odds calculator to ensure you're getting the best value for your bet.

Potential Payouts for Futures Bets

The higher the odds, the greater the potential payout, but also the higher the risk. The implied probability decreases as the odds get longer, meaning a bet on a longshot is riskier but offers a bigger reward.

Here’s how payout looks based on different futures odds:

Stake	Odds (American)	Implied Probability	Potential Payout (Profit)
$10	+120	45.45%	$12
$10	+500	16.67%	$50
$10	+1,000	9.09%	$100
$10	+5,000	1.96%	$500
$10	+10,000	0.99%	$1,000
$10	+50,000	0.20%	$5,000

When Do You Get Paid for Futures Bets?

Futures bets are paid out after the event or season has concluded and the results are finalized by the sportsbook. For example, Super Bowl futures are paid after the game, while bets on Over/Under season win totals may not pay out until the season is officially finished.

Types of Futures Bets

Futures betting includes various types of markets, including:

1. Championship Betting: Bets on teams to win the Super Bowl, NBA Finals, MLB World Series, or NCAA March Madness.
2. Individual Awards: Bets on who will win the MVP, Cy Young, Heisman Trophy, etc.
3. Season Totals: Wagers on the Over/Under on a team’s season wins or player statistics.
4. Special Markets: Bets on teams or players in niche categories, such as most goals, total points, or even historical records.

Where Can I Make Futures Bets?

You can make futures bets at all top online sportsbooks and casinos. Each sportsbook may offer slightly different odds, so it’s always a good idea to shop around for the best value. Find the best sportsbooks for futures betting here to compare odds and options.

Advantages of Futures Betting

Futures betting offers unique benefits for sports bettors:

1. Plus-Money Returns: Many futures bets offer higher payouts compared to traditional wagers.
2. Year-Round Action: You can place futures bets anytime throughout the season, not just at the start.
3. Excitement and Engagement: Betting on long-term outcomes makes every game matter, keeping you engaged all season.
4. Strategic Planning: Futures bets allow for advanced planning and the chance to take advantage of odds fluctuations.

Disadvantages of Futures Betting

Despite its popularity, futures betting comes with its own set of challenges:

1. High House Edge: Futures markets are generally more favorable to sportsbooks, as only one result is graded as the winner.
2. Long-Term Commitment: Your money is tied up for a long period, so you may have to wait months before knowing the result.
3. Uncertainty: Predicting long-term outcomes is difficult, as player injuries, trades, and other changes can affect the outcome.
4. Saturation of Popular Markets: High demand for popular bets can lead to worse odds as sportsbooks adjust to balance action.

Futures Betting Strategy

Successful futures betting strategies can help maximize your returns. Here are a few tips:

1. Buy Low on Struggling Teams: When a team is underperforming but has the talent to succeed, take advantage of longer odds. These teams often become undervalued, and their odds may improve as they recover.
2. Shop for the Best Odds: Odds for the same futures market can vary across sportsbooks. Compare odds to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
3. Hedge Your Bets: If your team is doing well and moves into a stronger position, consider hedging by betting on opposing outcomes to lock in profits.

Hedging Example:

Let’s say you placed a $100 futures bet on the Kansas City Chiefs to win the 2020 Super Bowl at +1,200. As the Chiefs advance to the Super Bowl, you could hedge your bet by placing a $100 wager on the 49ers to win the Super Bowl at +110. This strategy guarantees a profit, no matter the outcome.

Conclusion: Is Futures Betting Right for You?

Futures betting is a thrilling way to get involved in sports betting. By wagering on long-term outcomes, you can enjoy the excitement of the season and increase your chances of scoring big payouts. Whether you’re betting on NFL futures, NBA MVPs, or MLB champions, understanding futures odds, using smart strategies, and hedging your bets can help you succeed.

Ready to get started? Check out the best sportsbooks for futures betting and place your first bet today! Share your betting experience on Chips2.Win Free Bettors' Forum!