How to Hedge a Bet

Ever wanted to hedge a bet? The idea of hedging a bet may seem confusing, but we can assure you that it’s relatively easy once you get the hang of it.

Sports Betting Sites

Keep reading to learn about the ins and outs of hedging a bet, including how to utilize the strategy in sports betting and which markets to target.

What is Hedging a Bet?

Essentially, hedging in sports betting involves minimizing potential financial losses. This advanced strategy is utilized by bettors to either lower risks or ensure a certain level of profit.

Much like middling a bet, hedging involves placing bets on the opposite outcome of your initial wager. Bettors often hedge a bet when they’re uncertain of the final outcome or result. Even if there’s a chance of winning the initial bet, hedging ensures a guaranteed win, although the profit will be smaller.

This extra bet serves as insurance in case the original wager doesn’t succeed, providing a safety net.

How to Calculate Overrounds

How to Hedge a Bet in Sports Betting

Thankfully, it is not difficult to hedge a bet. As we already mentioned, hedging is achieved by placing a second wager against your original wager, guaranteeing some kind of profit at the end of the event.

Here is an example of how to hedge a bet:

• A bettor puts $100 on Liverpool to win the Premier League title at +6000.
• Potential Win: $6,000 plus original $100 wager returned.
• Hedge Bet: $1,000 wager on Manchester City at +200.
• Best Outcome: Liverpool wins the title and the bettor wins $6,000. Although the bettor loses the $1,000 hedge on Manchester City, they make a profit of $5,000.
• Hedge Result: Manchester City wins the title and the bettor wins $2,000. The initial $100 bet loses, leaving the bettor with a $1,900 profit.

This is an example of how to hedge a bet. Many punters like hedging a bet on futures markets, but you can also use the strategy on other markets if you play your cards right.

What Is Dutching?

Other Times You Can Hedge a Bet

Not only can you hedge a futures bet, but you can also hedge an in-play bet. Live wagering has become hugely popular in recent years and more bettors are turning to hedging as a result.

In the past, bettors had to wait until half time to place their next wager. Now, they can hedge against an existing pregame bet by utilizing the many in-play markets on offer.

Hedging can also be used for parlays. This tactic involves placing a hedge on the last game of a multi-leg parlay, guaranteeing some form of favorable outcome from the bet. Depending on their initial wager, bettors may opt for a partial hedge to guarantee a profit.

Read our sports handicappers reviews next.