Futures Bet

It’s the start of the NBA season and you have a strong hunch that a particular team will come out on top. If you make a wager on this hunch, you just placed a futures bet.

Futures betting is an exciting and unique way of engaging with your favorite sports. While traditional betting typically involves predicting the outcome of individual games or matches, futures betting invites you to look beyond the immediate, by allowing you to speculate on the future performance of teams, players, or events.

This concept can be confusing, especially for beginners but understanding futures betting opens doors to a realm of possibilities.

This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the concept of futures betting, providing insights into its fundamentals, strategies, and potential pitfalls. From the basics of how futures bets work to the strategic considerations that can maximize your chances of success, this article provides you with everything you need to know to make your first futures wager.

What is a Futures Bet?

A futures bet is a type of wager placed on an outcome that will be determined at a future date. A traditional bet usually means focusing on the outcome of individual games or matches but futures bets revolve around predicting the outcome of entire seasons, tournaments, or events. You can do this before the start of the season or after the season has started.

What sets futures betting apart is its long-term nature, as the outcome of the bet is usually determined throughout a season, tournament, or event, which can span weeks, months, or even years. This extended time adds an element of anticipation and excitement as bettors can’t wait for the event to end to see if they are going to cash out.

A great thing about futures bets is that they come with very enticing odds, particularly when placed well in advance of the event. This means that every futures wager you make promises exciting payouts if you can guess correctly. However, like every form of sports betting, futures carry inherent risks. Think about it, how do you know what will happen to a team or a player in the long run? Factors such as injuries, team dynamics, and unforeseen circumstances can impact the outcome of an event or tournament over time.

Examples of Futures Bets

In futures bets, you can wager on teams and player outcomes. Here are examples of how future bets would work in different sports:

Super Bowl Futures Bet

The Super Bowl is arguably the most popular sporting event in the country. A futures bet on the Super Bowl typically involves predicting which team will win the championship before the NFL season begins. For instance, before the start of the NFL season, a bettor might place a futures bet on the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl. If the Chiefs go on to win the Super Bowl, the bet would pay out according to the odds at the time the bet was placed.

Sportsbooks decide which odds to give which team by considering several factors such as team performance in the previous season, offseason acquisitions, and overall expectations.

NBA MVP Futures Bet

This is another popular way bettors wager on futures, and it revolves around predicting the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the upcoming season. For example, before the start of the NBA season, a bettor might place a futures bet on LeBron James to win the MVP award. This might not be such a surprising wager, as he already has 4 NBA MVP awards under his belt. However, if LeBron James indeed wins the MVP award at the end of the season, the bet would yield a payout based on the odds set at the time of the bet.

Once again these odds are decided by sportsbooks and are influenced by several factors including individual player performance, team success, and media narratives.

UEFA Champions League Futures Bet

The UEFA Champions League is the most popular and most prestigious European club Soccer tournament. A futures betting in this tournament involves predicting which club will emerge victorious at the end of the tournament.

If a hypothetical bettor places a futures bet, before the start of the Champions League season, that FC Barcelona would win the tournament, and at the end of the season, FC Barcelona clinches the League title, the bettor would have won the wager. He would get a payout according to the odds assigned to Barcelona at the time the bet was made.

The odds for each team are determined by the sportsbooks based on factors such as past performance in the Champions League, squad strength, and overall form.

What these examples show is that futures bets not only add a layer of excitement but also offer diversity and the opportunity for bettors to engage with their favorite sports in a more immersive manner.

Types of Futures Bets

The most common form of futures bets is to wager that a team will come on top in a league or championship game. However, there are other types of futures bets.

Championship or Tournament Winners

This is one of the most popular types of futures bets, where bettors predict the overall winner of a championship, tournament, or league. Examples include betting on the winner of the Super Bowl in American football, the NBA Finals in basketball, or the FIFA World Cup in soccer.

The good thing about this is regardless of the team you wager on, there is still a chance that they could win the tournament. This is one of the reasons futures bets are popular with casual bettors and sports fans alike.

Conference or Division Winners

Bettors can wager on which team will win a specific conference or division within a league. For example, in the NFL, bettors can place futures bets on the winners of the NFC and AFC conferences, or within specific divisions like the NFC East or AFC West.

This type of futures bet is for bettors who are worried about the team they chose not making it to the end of the tournament. This way, you still get a chance at a payout even if your team does not win it all.

Player Awards

You might not want to place a bet on the entire team, but you have a favorite player who you feel will make a statement.

You can place futures bets on individual player achievements, such as winning the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, Rookie of the Year, or top scorer in a league. For example, in the NBA, futures bets can be placed on the MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, or Sixth Man of the Year awards.

You can also predict individual player statistics over the course of a season. Some sportsbooks will have this in a section called Season-Long Player Stats where you can wager on outcomes such as total points, rebounds, assists, or goals scored by a specific player during the season.

Regular Season Win Totals

This type of futures bet involves predicting the total number of wins a team will accumulate during the regular season of a league. Sportsbooks set a line, and bettors can wager on whether a team will exceed or fall short of that win total.

How to Bet on Futures

To start betting on futures, you must have an account with a sportsbook or online betting platform that offers futures betting options. Ensure that the sportsbook you are using is licensed and regulated to guarantee a safe and secure betting experience. Here is a step-by-step guide on how you can start betting on futures:

1. Select Your Futures Bet

If you want to place a futures bet during an event or a tournament, the first step is to conduct thorough research and analysis to inform your decision. Consider factors such as team or player performance in previous seasons, offseason acquisitions, coaching changes, injury reports, and overall expectations for the upcoming season or event.

Once you are done with your research, identify the futures bet that aligns with your predictions and preferences. Whether it’s predicting the winner of a championship, the MVP of a league, or the top scorer in a tournament, choose the bet that you believe offers the best value and aligns with your insights.

2. Review the Odds and Place your Bet

Once you are done with research and selecting your futures bet, proceed to the futures bets section of your sportsbook and find the futures market you want to wager on. Take note of the odds for your chosen futures bet. Odds can vary between sportsbooks and may fluctuate over time based on factors such as team performance, injuries, and public sentiment. Consider placing your bet when you believe the odds are favorable and offer sufficient value.

Once you are ready, proceed to place your wager. Follow the instructions provided by the sportsbook to input the desired stake amount and confirm the bet. Double-check the details of your bet before finalizing the transaction.

Now the expectation and the excitement begin. Monitor the progress of the season, tournament, or event closely. Stay informed about relevant developments and factors that could impact the outcome of your bets. Futures betting requires patience and a long-term perspective, do manage your expectations accordingly and avoid becoming overly emotionally invested in the outcome of the bet.

If your futures bet proves successful, congratulations! Collect your winnings according to the payout structure determined by the odds. If your bet doesn’t pan out, use the experience as an opportunity to learn and refine your future betting strategies.

How to Read Futures Odds

Your futures odds are most likely to be presented in the American format, but they could also be presented in fractional or decimal. Reading and understanding these odds is crucial for making informed betting decisions in futures markets.

The odds for futures are usually listed with the highest odds listed first. If you understand the concept of odds, then you know there are negative and positive odds. Positive odds indicate an underdog, with higher potential returns but a lower probability of winning, while negative odds represent a favorite, with lower potential returns but a higher probability of winning. However, futures odds are a bit different because they rarely are negative.

Let’s look at some hypothetical examples. Suppose, you’re interested in placing a futures bet on the winner of the next NBA Championship. Here are a few options you might find.

• The Golden State Warriors (+300): The Golden State Warriors have odds set at +300 and they are the highest on the list, so the chances of them winning the tournament are the highest. Using what we know about odds if you are to bet $100 on the Golden State Warriors, you will cash out $300 if they were to win the NBA Championship.
• The Brooklyn Nets (+500): If you go lower on the list, you might see the Brooklyn Nets listed at +500 odds. The implication is that they are considered even less likely to win the match-up. If you made a $100 wager on the Brooklyn Nets, you would make a profit of $500. 

When checking out futures odds, always compare the odds offered by different sportsbooks to get the best value. Convert odds into implied probability to gauge the likelihood of a particular outcome. Divide 100 by the odds (as a percentage) to determine the implied probability.

Also check out the vigorish before making your wagers, as sportsbooks incorporate them into their odds to ensure profitability.

Pros and Cons of Futures Betting

Pros

Futures betting offers many benefits to people who are willing to sit back and watch the season unfold. Here are the benefits of betting on futures:

Potential for Higher Returns

Futures bets often offer higher payouts compared to traditional bets, especially when placed well in advance of the event. This is because odds can be more favorable before the season or tournament begins, allowing bettors to capitalize on their foresight.

Let’s demonstrate this with an example. If you are wagering on 3 different teams to win the NBA, MLB, and NFL tournaments respectively and these three teams have odds of +500 each. If just one of the teams manages to come out on top in their tournament, you have made a profit.

Early Value Identification

Savvy bettors can identify and capitalize on early value in futures markets. By analyzing factors such as offseason acquisitions, team dynamics, and schedule, bettors can spot opportunities where odds may not accurately reflect a team or player’s true potential, leading to potentially lucrative bets.

Extended Entertainment Value

Futures bets provide prolonged entertainment value throughout the duration of a season, tournament, or event. Unlike traditional bets that are settled within a single game or match, futures bets keep bettors engaged and invested over an extended period, enhancing the overall sports viewing experience.

Diversification of Betting Portfolio

Futures bets allow bettors to diversify their betting portfolio beyond individual games or matches. By wagering on long-term outcomes such as championship winners, MVPs, or top scorers, bettors can spread their risk across multiple events and increase their chances of overall profitability.

Cons

Futures bets also come with inherent risks. Here are a few of the most common risks associated with betting futures:

Tie-Up of Funds

Future bets tie up funds for an extended period, as the outcome of the bet may not be determined for weeks, months, or even years. This can limit cash flow and prevent bettors from reallocating their funds to other betting opportunities.

The long duration of the bets also means you have to continue checking your wagers especially if there is a chance of cashing out early.

Susceptibility to Unexpected Factors

Futures bets are susceptible to unforeseen factors that can impact the outcome of the event, such as injuries, roster changes, and external influences. This is true even for teams that are heavily favored. These events can happen at any time during the event but will still have a negative impact on your wagers.

Unlike traditional bets that are settled relatively quickly, futures bets are subject to a higher degree of uncertainty over time.

Lack of Flexibility

Once a futures bet is placed, bettors have limited flexibility to adjust their position or hedge their bets as the season or tournament progresses. This lack of flexibility can be particularly challenging if circumstances change significantly, leading to potential losses.

Delayed Gratification or Losses

Futures bets require patience and tolerance for delayed gratification, as the outcome of the bet may not be determined for an extended period. Additionally, if the bet does not pan out as expected, bettors may experience prolonged periods of disappointment or frustration before the outcome is settled.

In the end, while futures bets offer the potential for higher payouts and extended entertainment value, they also come with drawbacks. Understanding these will help you make informed decisions and manage your expectations effectively when betting on futures.

How to Pick the Right Futures Bet

Futures bets offer bettors several lucrative opportunities, but to make good use of this, you have to know how to identify the right futures bet. This requires careful analysis, strategic thinking, and a thorough understanding of the sports and events involved. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a futures bet to wager on:

Team or Player Performance

The most common form of futures bets are those placed on player awards or team performance. So, the first thing to do when picking a future bet is to consider the player or team carefully.

Evaluate the past performance of the teams or players involved in the futures bet. Consider factors such as recent form, consistency, historical achievements, and track record in similar situations.

LeBron James is a good pick for MVP because he has historical achievements and an impressive track record backing him. He is also a very good player.

Team Changes

Were there any recent roster changes, new player acquisitions, or trades that may impact team dynamics and performance? What about coaching staff and management? Personnel changes can alter the team’s strengths, weaknesses, and overall outlook for the future.

Coaching decisions, strategies, and leadership can also influence team performance and affect the outcome of the futures bets.

Schedule and Fixture List

Take into account the upcoming schedule and fixture list for the teams or players involved. We all want everything to be fair in sports, but just like love and war, sports can never be entirely fair to everyone.

Consider factors such as travel, rest days, back-to-back games, and strength of schedule, as these can impact performance and fatigue levels.

Some teams have it rougher than the rest, and it would be difficult for them to do better than teams with easier schedules. So take a look at team schedules and you might just find a value wager hiding somewhere.

Market Factors and Betting Trends

Monitor market factors and betting trends related to the futures bet. Pay attention to changes in odds, betting volume, public sentiment, and line movement, as these can provide valuable insights into market sentiment and potential betting opportunities.

Let’s say you bet on an underdog with hidden value. You would probably wager a small amount of money. However, as the underdog begins to do better than expected, the odds begin to change, so that people who wager at this time do not get as much profit if the team or player wins.

The trick is to find the right time to make the wager. It should be early enough to guarantee maximum profit but should only be after you have known proper market analysis.

Injuries and Health Status

Futures bets can be affected by so many unforeseen factors, including the health status of key players. A team is only as good as its key players so if any of these key players are not in the pink of health, it will significantly affect team performance and your futures bets.

This is even more true when you are betting on player futures. A basketball player with a knee injury will find it difficult to win MVP of the season.

Assess the injury status and overall health of all key players or personnel. Pay attention to injury reports and updates leading up to the event.

Futures Betting Strategies

Futures are unpredictable, but they can be fun and lucrative. And while it is a bit riskier than some other forms of betting, there are a few ways to ensure you stand the best chance of making a profit in the long run.

Here are some tips and strategies that will help guarantee a net profit as you wager on futures:

Conduct Thorough Research

Before placing any futures bet, conduct comprehensive research on the teams, players, and events involved. Analyze factors such as past performance, roster changes, coaching staff, injuries, and schedule. The more informed your decisions, the better your chances of success.

Identify Value Bets

Every sports bettor who knows their onions knows how to identify value bets. These are bets where the odds the sportsbook is offering are misaligned with your assessment of the true probability of an outcome.

An example would be when the odds for LeBron getting the MVP is +1200; however, you have done your analysis and realized that these odds do not do justice to the abilities of Lebron.

Identify value bets where the potential return outweighs the perceived risk, based on your analysis.

Manage Bankroll Wisely

A key betting strategy, regardless of the type, is bankroll management. Implement sound bankroll management techniques to protect your funds and sustain long-term profitability. Allocate a portion of your bankroll specifically for futures betting and avoid risking more than a small percentage of your total bankroll on any single bet. We talk about this in much more detail later in this article.

Diversify Your Bets

One thing we have learned is that a diverse betting portfolio increases your chances of making money from sports betting. It is a bit like the stock market.

Spread your futures bets across multiple outcomes, events, or sports to diversify your risk and minimize potential losses. Avoid putting all your bankroll into a single bet or outcome, as this can expose you to significant risk if the outcome doesn’t go as expected.

Stay Informed

If you want to make the most out of futures betting, ensure you have your fingers on the pulse of information. Stay updated on relevant news, developments, and trends that may impact the outcomes of your futures bets. Be flexible and willing to adapt your betting strategy based on new information or changes in circumstances.

Always Bet Early

Futures bet can be placed at any time as long as the season is not over. However, it is always best to make your wagers early on as odds for futures tend to change after each match. During this time, the gap between the favorites and the underdogs starts to reduce or widen as the case may be. Suddenly it becomes clear which teams or individuals have the highest chance at clinching the prize.

When you bet on futures early, you can wager on underestimated teams or players that have hidden value. While the odds for them might not be promising, they will adjust once the team starts doing well and your bet will be more profitable.

How to Manage Your Futures Betting Bankroll

Bankroll management is the foundation of all betting strategies. The same goes for futures betting. If you do not manage your bankroll, the chances of netting a profit while betting on futures are slim.

Let’s learn how to manage your futures betting bankroll:

Establish a Bankroll Allocation

The first step to managing your futures betting bankroll is to create one. You probably already have a bankroll for your sports betting. Determine what portion of that total betting bankroll that you are willing to allocate specifically for futures betting. This should be an amount that you can afford to lose without impacting your financial stability or lifestyle.

We would also not advise you to set aside a large portion for betting futures, as the odds for futures bets tend to be high.

Divide Bankroll Into Units

Divide your allocated bankroll into units, with each unit representing a percentage of your total bankroll. This helps standardize your betting stakes and ensures consistency in your wagering strategy. It also helps control the amount of money you wager on each bet.

An easy way to divide your bankroll into units is to make each unit equivalent to one percent of your bankroll.

So let’s say, hypothetically, you have $20,000 as your total sports betting bankroll and out of this, you allocate $2,000 to betting features. You can make your unit size to be $20. This way every bet you make will be done with multiples of 1 unit.

Also, adjust the size of your betting units based on your confidence level and the perceived value of each futures bet. Consider allocating more units to bets with higher expected value and reducing units on riskier or less certain bets.

Bet Responsibly

Only wager a small percentage of your bankroll on each individual futures bet. As futures bets typically have a longer timeframe and higher uncertainty, it’s important to exercise caution and avoid risking a significant portion of your bankroll on any single bet.

As your bankroll grows over time, consider withdrawing profits periodically to lock in gains and maintain a balance between reinvesting in future bets and securing your winnings. Set clear withdrawal goals and stick to them to safeguard your profits.

Track Your Bets

Keep detailed records of your futures bets, including the amount wagered, the odds, the outcome, and the resulting profit or loss. Tracking your betting activity allows you to identify trends and analyze your performance.

This regular assessment will also help you make adjustments to your strategy and bankroll management techniques. Be willing to adapt and make changes to your approach as you gain more experience and insights into futures betting.

Can You Parlay Futures Bets?

The truth is everyone loves parlays even if they are a bit harder to win than other types of bets. So the big question is, can you parlay futures bets? 

It is possible to parlay futures bets, although this isn’t as common as traditional parlay bets. Bettors can create multi-event parlays by combining multiple futures bets into a single wager. For example, a bettor might parlay bets on the winners of different sports championships or combine bets on individual player awards. 

Here’s how you can parlay future bets.

• Begin by choosing two or more futures bets that you wish to combine into a parlay. These can be bets on different sports, events, or outcomes, such as championship winners, conference champions, or player awards.
• Check out the potential payout of the parlay by multiplying the odds of each selection you make.
• Once you’ve decided on your selections and calculated the potential payout, proceed to place the parlay bet through your chosen sportsbook. Follow the instructions provided to input the desired stake amount and confirm the bet.

If all your selections within the parlay are correct, you will get a payout determined by the combined odds. However, just like typical parlays. If any selection within the parlay is incorrect, the entire bet is lost. 

Futures Bets and Prop Bets: Any Difference

Futures and Prop bets have so many similarities. So much so that it is easy for even seasoned bettors to mistake a futures bet for a prop bet. However, Futures bets and prop bets are two distinct types of wagers in sports betting, each with its characteristics and purposes. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between futures bets and prop bets:

Timeframe

Futures bets are wagers placed on outcomes that will be determined at a future date, typically at the end of a season, tournament, or event. Prop bets, however, are wagers placed on specific events or occurrences within a game or a match. These bets can be based on individual player performances, team statistics, or specific game situations and are typically settled by the end of the game or shortly thereafter

So, technically, the timeframe for futures bets is longer than that of props. Even when you parlay prop bets, it is still more likely that you will see the outcome of your wagers before that of a futures bet.

Scope of Outcome

Futures bets typically involve predicting broad outcomes such as championship winners, conference champions, or regular season win totals. These bets focus on the overall performance of teams or players over an extended period.

Prop bets are a bit more specific because they focus on discrete outcomes within a game or a match. These can include bets on individual player statistics (e.g., total points scored, assists, rebounds), team statistics (e.g., total yards gained, turnovers), or specific game scenarios (e.g., the first team to score, method of the first score).

Longevity and Timing

Futures bets require a longer timeframe, as the outcome of the bet may not be determined for weeks, months, or even years, depending on the sport and the specific event being wagered on. These bets are typically placed well in advance of the event.

On the other hand, prop bets are settled relatively quickly, usually by the end of the game or shortly after. These bets can be placed before the game starts or even during the game, offering more immediate gratification compared to futures bets.

Risk and Reward

Futures bets often offer higher potential payouts compared to individual game bets, especially when placed well in advance of the event. However, they also come with greater uncertainty and risk due to the longer timeframe and potential for unforeseen factors to affect the outcome.

The same can’t be said about prop bets. Prop bets typically offer more modest payouts compared to futures bets. Most times, they also involve lower risks, as they are settled within a single match and are not hugely affected by unforeseen circumstances.

How do You Hedge a Futures Bet?

Let’s get hypothetical again. So you placed a futures bet at the beginning of the season, after careful analysis and research. Everything seems to be going your way. In fact, it is almost the end of the season and only a few teams stand between you and a huge payout. Suddenly, you are a bit nervous. You wouldn’t want to make it this far only to lose it all at the end.

This might be the best time to hedge your bets. Hedging a futures bet involves placing additional wagers to reduce or mitigate potential losses or lock in profits based on changes in circumstances or market conditions.

An Example:

Let’s say you placed a futures bet on the Los Angeles Lakers to win the NBA Championship at the beginning of the season when their odds were +500. You wagered $100 on the Lakers to win, with the potential to profit $500 if they do.

As the NBA playoffs progress, the Lakers perform exceptionally well and advance to the NBA Finals. They are now facing the Chicago Bulls. At this point, you realize that the Lakers have a strong chance of winning the championship, but you also recognize that The Chicago Bulls is a formidable opponent, and the outcome is uncertain.

To hedge your original futures bet and minimize potential losses while still maintaining the opportunity for profit, you decide to place a hedge bet on the Chicago Bulls to win the championship.

Here’s how you could hedge your futures bet:

• Evaluate the current status of your futures bet and consider factors such as changes in team performance, injuries, or other developments that may impact the likelihood of your original bet being successful.
• Identify potential hedging opportunities where placing additional bets can help reduce potential losses or secure profits.
• Determine the amount you want to hedge and calculate the size of the hedge bet needed to offset the potential losses or secure profits. Consider factors such as the odds of the original bet, the current odds available for hedging, and the desired level of risk management.
• Place the hedge bets and monitor the progress of your original futures bet and the hedge bet closely as the event unfolds.
• Evaluate the outcome based on the result of your original bet and the hedge bet. Using the example above, regardless of which team wins, you effectively managed your risk and minimized potential losses through hedging while still maintaining the opportunity for profit.

Popular Sports for Futures Betting

Futures betting is popular across a wide range of sports, offering bettors the opportunity to wager on long-term outcomes and events. While there are many sports suitable for futures betting, some are more popular than others, probably due to their widespread appeal, global reach, and diverse range of betting options. Here are some of the most popular sports for futures betting:

American Football (NFL)

The National Football League (NFL) is one of the most popular sports for futures betting, especially in the United States. Bettors can place futures bets on outcomes such as the Super Bowl winner, conference champions, division winners, regular season win totals, MVP awards, and more.

Basketball (NBA and NCAA)

Another favorite sport among fans for futures betting is basketball. Most bettors wager futures in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Bettors can place bets on outcomes such as the NBA Championship winner, conference champions, regular-season win totals, NCAA March Madness winners, and more.

The NBA particularly is a favorite among bettors because of its diverse player awards. Bettors can wager on the MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, scoring title, and other player awards.

Baseball (MLB)

Although not as popular as the first two, Major League Baseball (MLB) is another popular sport for futures betting. This tournament offers bettors various players and teams futures. You could bet that your favorite team will emerge the World Series Winner or they could 

Come out as league champions. You can also wager that a particular player will hit the most home runs in the league.

MLB futures are particularly interesting because they offer bettors so many unique futures options to choose from. This makes watching the game even more interesting.

Hockey (NHL)

Hockey might not be the most popular sport in the country, but it is one of the best sports for futures bets. The National Hockey League (NHL) offers a set of unique team and player futures. Just like the other sports we have mentioned here, the most popular type of futures bet in the NHL is deciding the team that gets to lift the Stanley Cup at the end of the league. There are also a ton of other player futures to choose from.

Soccer

Did you know that most sportsbooks have listed the features option for the 2026 Men’s Soccer World Cup? Soccer is a popular sport globally and offers numerous futures betting opportunities. Take the 2026 World Cup tournament, not only can you wager on the winner of the tournament, but you can also bet on which player is going to emerge the star of the tournament.

Soccer futures are also popular because of the list of major tournaments bettors can choose from. Tournaments like the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, English Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and Bundesliga.

Golf

The futures bets for golf always come a year ahead. What this means is that you can already wager on golf futures for next year. This is true for all the four major golf tournaments.

Golf offers a variety of futures betting options, with bettors able to wager on outcomes such as major tournament winners (e.g., The Masters, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, PGA Championship), FedEx Cup winner, Ryder Cup winner, and individual player achievements.

Tennis

Tennis is another popular sport for futures because of the long list of major tournaments such as Wimbledon, the French Open, the Australian Open, and the U.S. Open.

Just like gold, the futures for major tennis tournaments are released a year ahead. Bettors can wager on outcomes such as tournament winners, individual match winners, and player achievements.

UFC and Other Combat Sports

Combat sports like MMA and boxing attract significant interest from bettors, who can place futures bets on outcomes such as championship winners, title fights, and fighter performance.

FAQs on Futures Betting

What are the advantages of futures betting?

Futures betting allows bettors to lock in favorable odds early, potentially leading to higher payouts if successful. It also adds excitement throughout the season as bettors track their predictions, providing entertainment value over an extended period.

Can futures bets be cashed out early?

Some sportsbooks offer cash-out options for futures bets, allowing bettors to settle their bets before the event’s conclusion. However, the availability of cash-out options and the terms may vary depending on the sportsbook and the specific bet.

How does futures betting differ from traditional betting?

Futures betting involves predicting outcomes that will be determined in the future, such as championship winners or player awards, whereas traditional betting focuses on immediate game results. Futures betting requires a longer-term perspective and offers opportunities for strategic analysis and long-term investment.

Are futures bets risky?

Futures bets carry inherent risks due to the uncertainty of future outcomes and the extended timeframe until resolution. Factors such as injuries, team performance, and external influences can impact the outcome, making futures betting inherently riskier than traditional game betting.

Can I hedge my futures bets?

Yes, bettors can hedge their futures bets by placing additional wagers to offset potential losses or secure profits based on changes in circumstances or market conditions. Hedging involves strategically placing bets on alternative outcomes to manage risk effectively.

How do I track my futures bets?

Bettors can track their futures bets by keeping detailed records of their wagers, including the amount staked, the odds, the predicted outcome, and the eventual result. Many sportsbooks also provide online platforms or mobile apps where bettors can monitor their betting activity and track their bets in real time.