What Is Futures Betting? How Does Futures Betting Work?

Futures Betting Explained

Futures betting takes sports betting to🃏 a different level. Instead of wagering on the outcome of a single game, fu𓂃tures bets let you bet on an event, series, or award that concludes in the future.

Many players find this type of sports wagering at🌊tractive because it allows them to have money at risk for several games without delving into the specifics of each one.

Understanding Futures Betting

Futures betting lets you place a wager on an event, series, or award that will finish in the future.

Unlike single-game wagers, this form of sports betting revolꩵv🎶es around predicting outcomes over the longer term.

Futures bets are not decided by the day’s actions but by how seasons or events play out over time.

It’s essential to understand that future odds can frequently change throughout the season and even during off-season changes like free-agent acquisitions.

Factors such as team wins, losses,ཧ injuries, and trades can si🅘gnificantly impact these odds.

Sportsbooks also have a hand in ad𓃲justing futures odds based on how much money is being wagered on a 🐬particular team.

How Does Futures Betting Work?

Futures Betting how does it work

  • First, you identify the competition you want to bet on. This could be anything from sports leagues like NFL, NBA, and MLB or even MVP.
  • Next, you look at the futures odds provided by various sportsbooks. These odds estimate the likelihood of each team or player winning and can fluctify throughout the season due to factors such as wins, injuries, and trades.
  • Once you’ve made your decision, you place your bet. This wager stays active for multiple games without requiring research for each individual game.
  • The result of your bet is determined once the event or season concludes in the future. This differs from single-game wagers where outcomes are known shortly after each game ends.
  • Lastly, if your chosen team or player achieves what was bet on, payouts are given according to the terms set by the sportsbook used for betting.

Payouts for futures bets

Futures bets are typically paid out following the event or season that th꧑e bet is placed on.

When do you get paid for futures bets?

The payout is based on t🦩he odds at the time the bet was placed, regardless of any subsequent changes in odds.

Note: some sportsbooks may offer an early cash-out option, allowing bettorꦺs to close their bet before it is graded.

If a mistake ♊was made or there is a need to void a beಌt, bettors can reach out to the sportsbook and request assistance in returning their wager.

Various Types of Futures Bets

In futures b🔥etting, you can place bets on a wide range of sports, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college football and basketball. Discover the different types of futures bets available and how they can add excitement to your sports betting experience.

Read more to find out!

🏈 NFL Futures

NFL Futures betting allows you to make predictions on the outcomes of the NFL season, including the Super Bowl winner, division champions, win totals, ☂and individual awards.

These bets are placed b♛efore the season starts and can offer enti𒆙cing odds that may change throughout the year based on team performance and other factors.

With futures betting in the NFL, timing is crucial as you’ll want to secure the best price for your bet before the season kicks off.

Hedging strategies can also be employed to minimize potential losses or guarantee a retu꧂rn on your investment.

So if you have strong predictions for who will come out on top in the NFL this season or want to wager on a specific player’s performance, don’t forget to avail of our exclusive sportsbook promo codes.

🏀 NBA Futures

NBA futures betting allows you to place bets on future outcomes and events in the NBA. You can bet on things like which team will win the championship, who will be named MVP, or even how mಌany wins a team will have in the regular season.

Similar to the NFL, the odds for NBA futures bets can change throughout the season based on factors like team performance, injuries, and t🧜rades. The payout for a winning NBA futures bet is also determined by👍 the odds at the time of placing your bet, regardless of any subsequent changes.

⚾️ MLB Futures

MLB Futures bets give you the chance to predict the World Series winner, t𓂃eam win totals, and even individual awards like the MVP. These types of bets are great for fans who want to have a stake in the entire season rather than just one game.

Keep in miꦕnd that odds for MLB Futures can change ba💮sed on how teams perform throughout the season, as well as factors like injuries and trades.

I will reiterate, timing is key when it comes to placing your futures bet, so make sure you’re getting the best price before the season begins.

And if you want to hedge your bet, co▨nsider placing additional wagers on other ou🐠tcomes or teams to guarantee a win or minimize potential losses.

🏒 NHL Futures

NHL futures bets allow you to wager on the outcome of a ful🐬l season, tournament, or regular season award in the National Hockey League. One of the most popular types of NHL futures bets is betting on the winner of the Stanley Cup.

You can also place futures bets on win totals for teams and individual awards like the Hart Trophy for Most Valuable Player and Vezina Trophy for Best Goaltender. These bets can be placed before the seas🍨on starts or duri🍷ng the season as well.

💯The odds for NHL futures bets are usually given in plus odds and take into account factors such as team performance, injuries, and trades. If you have doubts about your original bet, you have an option to hedge it by placing additional wagꦦers on other teams.

🏈College Football Futures

College football futures betting allows fans and bettors to wager on upcoming events, outcomes, or awardꦓs related to college football.

Have a prediction about the national champion, conference champions, or even indiv🔴idual awards like the Heisman Trophy, then thi๊s bet type is for you.

🏀 College Basketball Futures

In college basketball futures popular types of bets includℱe picking the team that will win the championship, conference champions, and even individual awards like Play꧙er of the Year.

Placing a futures bet in college basketball is as simple as providing the team’s rotation number and specifying your desired risk amount to the ticket writer at your chosen sportsbook.

Where Can You Place Futures Bets?

  • You can place futures bets on various sports at online sportsbooks.
  • FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, BetRivers, Tipico, Bet365, WynnBet, and Pointsbet are popular online sportsbooks where you can place your futures bets.
  • These sportsbooks offer a wide range of sports and events to bet on, including NFL, NCAAF, NBA, NCAAB, MLB, NHL, Soccer, UFC, WNBA, CFL, and Golf.
  • Each sportsbook has its own user – friendly mobile app that allows you to easily place your bets.
  • Online sportsbooks also offer bonuses and promotions for new and existing customers.
  • You can compare odds and promotions offered by different sportsbooks to find the best value for your futures bets.
  • It’s important to choose a reputable and licensed sportsbook to ensure the safety of your funds and personal information.

Pros and Cons of Futures Betting

Futures betting offers advantages such as higher payouts and the excitement of predicting long-term outcomes, but it also comes with drawbacks like tying up your money for an extended peri✅od and the unpredictability of future events.

✅Advantages of futures bets

Futures bets offer several advantages for sports bettors☂﷽, making them an appealing option to consider:

  1. Opportunity for higher payouts: Futures bets typically have longer odds compared to single-game wagers, which means there is potential for greater returns if your prediction is correct.
  2. Less research and analysis: With futures bets, you can wager on the outcome of a whole season or championship without needing to study each individual game. This saves time and effort for bettors who prefer a more holistic approach.
  3. Early value potential: By placing futures bets before the season starts, you may be able to take advantage of favorable odds that could change once the games begin. Timing is crucial in securing the best price.
  4. Long-term excitement: Futures betting adds excitement throughout an entire sports season or tournament as you follow the progress of your chosen team or player towards their ultimate goal.
  5. Cash-out options: Some sportsbooks offer early cash-out options for futures bets, allowing you to secure a portion of your potential winnings before the outcome is determined. This flexibility can be valuable if you want to lock in profits or minimize losses.
  6. Multiple opportunities: With various types of futures bets available across different sports, there are numerous opportunities to explore and diversify your betting strategy.

❌Disadvantages of futures bets

Fut🐠ures bets come with their fair share of disad♉vantages that you should consider before placing your wagers. These drawbacks include:

  1. Uncertainty: Futures bets are long-term wagers, which means there is a higher chance of unexpected events occurring that could impact the outcome. This uncertainty can make it challenging to accurately predict the future results.
  2. Tied-up Funds: When you place a futures bet, your money is tied up until the event or season concludes. This means that you cannot use those funds for other betting opportunities or personal expenses during that time.
  3. Limited Betting Options: With futures bets, your options are limited to specific outcomes, such as a team winning a championship or an individual player achieving a certain award. This reduces the variety of betting choices compared to other types of bets.
  4. Changing Odds: Futures odds can fluctuate throughout the season based on various factors like injuries, performance changes, and public sentiment. These fluctuations can affect the value of your bet and potentially lead to less favorable odds than when you initially placed your wager.
  5. No Immediate Payouts: Unlike single-game wagers where you receive immediate payouts after a win, futures bets require patience and can take months before you find out if they are successful or not.
  6. Difficulty in Hedging: Due to the long-term nature of futures bets, it can be challenging to hedge your positions effectively if circumstances change or if new information arises during the season. This limits your ability to mitigate potential losses or lock in profits.
  7. Higher House Edge: Sportsbooks typically have a higher house edge on futures bets compared to other types of wagers because they involve predicting outcomes that are further in the future. This means that sportsbooks have more time for their built-in advantage to come into play.

What Are Strategies For Betting Futures?

One strategy for b🙈et𒆙ting futures is timing your bets to maximize value and take advantage of favorable odds.

Another strategy is hedging your futures bets by placing additional wagers on opposing outcomes to minimize po🐓tential losses and guarantee a profit.

Timing Your Futures Bets

Timing is crucial when it comes to placing futures bets. While it may seem like the best time to bet on a team or player is before the season begins, that’s not always the case. The odds can change throughout the season based on performance, injuries, and other factors.

It’s important to monitor how teams and players perform and adjust your bets accordingly. Waiting for opportune moments can lead to better prices and increase your chances of winning.

So make sure you’re keeping track of the latest news and developments in order to make informed decisions about when to place your futures bets.

Hedging Futures Bets

Hedging futures bets is a strategy used by bettors to min𒆙imize risk and potentially secure winnings. This involves placing additional wagers to offset potential losses on the original bet.

One way to hedge a f𓂃utures bet is by betting on the opposing team or outcome with favorable odds. By doing so, the bettor can ensure that they will at least break even or secure some profit, regardless of the final result.

Most Popular Futures Bets

Futures bettin⛎g offers a wide range of options for sports enthusiasts to wager on. He♎re are some of the most popular futures bets:

  1. Super Bowl winner
  2. NBA Finals champion
  3. World Series winner
  4. Stanley Cup champion
  5. NCAA Football National Champion
  6. NCAA Basketball National Champion
  7. English Premier League winner
  8. PGA Tour major tournament winners (The Masters, US Open, British Open, PGA Championship)
  9. NFL MVP (Most Valuable Player)
  10. Cy Young Award winners (Baseball)

Difference between Future Bets and Prop Bets

Futures bets and prop bets are two♐ different types of wagers in sports betting. The main difference lies in the scope of tꦺhe bet.

Futures bets are based on the outcome of a full season or tournament, while prop bets focus on specific moments or performances within a game.

With futures bets, you can have money at risk for multiple games withꦇout researching each game extensively. These types of bets are often popular among new bettors as an introduction to sports betting.

On the other hand, prop bets require more specific knowledge 𒆙or prediction about certain events that will occur during a game or event.

Another distinction between futures and props is h🌸ow the odds may change. Futures odds may fluctuate throughout the season due to various factors such as injuries, team performanc🅺e, and public perception.

Prop bet odds, however, may vary depending on sp🗹ecific circumstances prior to or during a par🌺ticular game.

Future Bets vs. Live or In-Play Bets

When it comes to sports betting, futures bets an✱d live in-play bets are two of the most popular options.

However, they differ significantly in terms of when they’re placed, how they’re determined and how often the odds fluctuate.

ComparisonFuture BetsLive or In-Play Bets
When they’re placedFutures bets are placed on an event, series, or award that will finish in the future, not the day the wager is placed.Live or in-play bets are placed during the course of an event and are based on the unfolding action.
How they’re determinedFutures bets are determined by events or seasons completed in the future.Live or in-play bets are determined in real-time during the event.
Popularity among bettorsFutures bets are popular among new bettors as an introduction to sports betting.Live or in-play bets are preferred by more experienced bettors who can adapt to the changing circumstances of the game.
How often odds fluctuateFutures odds can change often during the season due to various factors including off-season changes like free agent acquisitions.Live or in-play odds can fluctuate based on the game’s current state, with odds constantly adjusted based on unfolding events.
Ability to be canceledFutures bets cannot be canceled, but bettors can request the sportsbook to void the bet and return the wager, depending on the house rules.Live or in-play bets are fast-paced and can’t be canceled once the game progresses.

It’s worth noting that futures odds are not intended as a prediction of what will happen, but rather a reflection of how the betting market sees the event. In contrast, live or in-play odds are adjusted constantly based on what’s happening during the game.

Future Bets vs. Over/Under Bets (Totals)

Futures bets and over/under bets are two different types of wagering strategies,༺ each with its own unique characteristics and poꩲtential rewards.

Future BetsOver/Under Bets (Totals)
Futures bets involve predicting outcomes of events or sports leagues that will occur in the future.Over/Under bets, also known as totals, refer to a type of bet where you predict whether the combined scores of two teams will be over or under a certain number set by the bookmaker.
In futures betting, you’re wagering on the long-term outcome of a team or player, which can be several months in advance.Over/Under bets typically focus on a single game or event, making them a more immediate form of betting.
The potential payout for a futures bet depends on the odds of the team or player wagered upon, usually given in plus odds.In over/under betting, the payout is generally even money, minus the vig, regardless of the number set by the bookmaker.
Futures bets can be hedged by placing additional wagers on other teams or players to minimize potential losses or guarantee a winning outcome.Over/Under bets do not allow for hedging like futures bets, since they are based on total score and not on specific teams or players.
Futures betting requires a strategic analysis of the whole season or event, which can be complex and time-consuming.Over/Under betting usually requires less comprehensive research, focusing instead on the specific game or event at hand.

Both futures bets and over/under bets offer unique opportunities for bettors, each with its own advantages and pit﷽falls. Understanding the difference between these two types of wa🅷gers can help you decide which suits your betting strategy and goals best.

Risk Factors in Futures Betting

Futures betting comes with its fair share of risks that can impact your chances of winning. One major risk factor is the unpredictability of future events or seasons. Since future bets are placed on outcomes that will happen, it’s impossible to predict with certainty what will actually occur.

Things like injuries to key players, changes in team dynamics, and unexpected performance slumps can all affect the outcome and potentially result in a loss f💯or your bet.

As we have discussed, another risk factor is th🔯at future odds can fluctuate throughout the season.

The odds💯 are initially set based on various factors, such as current team performance and past statistics.

However, as the season progresses, these odds may change due to wins, losses, trades, or injuries. This means that if you place a futures bet early on when the odds are favorable and things turn for the worse for your chosen team or player, you might end u🍬p with unfavorable odds that decrease your potential payout.

Furthermore, off-season changes like free agent acquisitions or coaching staff shake-ups can also impact🎐 futures odds and introduce additional uncertainties into your betting strategy.

It’s important to stay informed about any significant developments within teams or leagues to minimize risks associated with these unknown variables.

💡Final Thought on Making a Futures Bet

Overall, while futures betting offers exciting opportunities for ♏big payouts by predicting long-term outcomes accurately, it is crucial to be aware of these risk factors before placing your bets.

Understanding them can help you make more informedꦏ decisions and manage expectations accordingly without relying solely o𒁏n luck.

❓FAQs

What is futures betting?

Futures betting refers to placing a wager on the 🌺outcome of an event or championship that will occur in the future, such as the winner of a sports league or tournament. It allows bettors to make predictions and potentially win monಞey based on their foresight.

How does futures betting work?

In futures betting, you select a team, player, or outcom♊e that you believe will occur in the future and place a bet on it. The odds for each selection are determined by sportsbooks based on various factors like team performance, historical data, and public opinion. If your selected outcome comes true, you win your bet and receive a payout based on the odds when placing your wager.

Can I place multiple futures bets?

Yes, you can place mul🤪tiple futures bets on dif𒁏ferent outcomes or events if you wish to increase your chances of winning or diversify your wagers. Each bet is separate and will have its own set of odds and potential payouts.

When can I collect my winnings in futures betting?

The timing for collecting winnings in futures betting depends on the specific event or champ🐠ioജnship being wagered upon. Once the outcome is determined according to the rules established by the sportsbook, winners can usually collect their winnings shortly after the conclusion of the event or season.

All Bleacher Nation betting content is curated in partnership with our expert friends at Better Collective. This means you'll get the best of both worlds: insightful analysis from the Bleacher Nation writers you love, combined with the betting expertise of Better Collective.

written by

The Bleacher Nation staff has a c🅘ombined 75+ years of professional and amateur sports coverage experience, including authors who've written for newspapers like the Chic𓂃ago Sun Times, provided analysis at Regional Sports Networks like NBC Sports Chicago and radio stations like 670 The Score and ESPN1000, and who've hosted their own podcasts and authored their own books on Chicago and Professional sports. BN Staff's speciality lies in Chicago sports, as well as overall coverage of everything happening in the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, NCAA, fantasy sports, sports betting, and more.

Latest News

Mets vs. Phillies Probable Starting Pitchers – Sept. 19

The New York Mets (84-68) have an oppor🏅tunity to add to their three-game winning streak as they host the Philadelphia Phillies (91-61) at Citi Field on Thursday at 7:15 p.m. ET.This contest's pitching matchup is set, as the Mets will...

Rays vs. Red Sox Probable Starting Pitchers – Sept. 19

The Tampa Bay Rays (74-7༺8) play at home against the Boston Red Sox (76-76) on Th🅘ursday. The matchup is set to begin at 6:50 p.m. ET.The probable starters are Zack Littell (7-9) for the Rays and Brayan Bello (14-7) for...

Diamondbacks vs. Brewers Probable Starting Pitchers – Sept. 19

The Milwaukee Brewers (88-64) kick off a four-game series on Thursday against the Arizona Diamondbacks (84-68). The contest begins at 7:15 p.m. ET at American Family Fi♉eld.This contest's pitching matchup is set, as the Diamondbacks will send Brandon P♈faadt (9-9)...

Cardinals vs. Pirates Probable Starting Pitchers – Sept. 19

The Pittsburgh Pirates (71-81), who lost their ꦺprevious three games, take on the St🦩. Louis Cardinals (77-75) at Busch Stadium on Thursday. First pitch is at 7:15 p.m. ET.The Cardinals will give the ball to Erick Fedde (8-9, 3.45 ERA),...

Chengdu Open Schedule Saturday, September 21: Matchups & TV/Live Stream Info

There🌼 are three matches at the Chengdu Open on September 21, the best being No. 19-ranked Lorenzo Musetti against No. 75 Christopher O'Connell. Looking to keep up with the action? The Tennis Channel pr🎃ovides live coverage and highlights of all...

Tomova vs. Kudermetova Prediction at the Hana Bank Korea Open – Thursday, September 19

Viktoriya Tomova will meet Veronika Kudermetova in the Hana Bank Korea Open quarterfinals on T🥃hursday, September 19.🍨In this matchup against Tomova (+190), Kudermetova is favored with -250 odds.Hana Bank Korea Open InfoTournament: The Hana Bank Korea OpenRound: QuarterfinalsDate: Thursday, September...

Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em: Week 3 Players to Upgrade & Tough Matchups

Fantasy football start 'em sit 'em strategy is a pivotal part of the game. It revolves around the weekly c📖hallenge of deciding which players from your fantasy team should be in 💛action and who should take a backseat. These decisions are...

Week 3 Fantasy Football Sleepers & Starts: Baker Mayfield, 🔯Tony Pollard

Fantasy football sleepers are players who are expected to outperform their preseason expectations and provide excellent value for fantasy team owners. Week 3 of the NFL season is always full of surprises, and it's impo🎉rtant to move with the tide of...

Best MLB Prop Bets Today, September 19, 2024

In a Thursday MLB schedule that includes 12 compelling matchups, the Arizona Diamondbacks versus the Milwaukee Brewersꦜ is a game to see.MLB prop bets for today's games are available, so if you're interested in placing a bet or building a...

Dodgers vs. Marlins Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, September 19, 2024

The Los Angeles Dodgers (90-62) and the 🌞Miami Marlins (56-96) meet in the rubber match of a three-game series on Thursday ꦉat 4:40 p.m. ET. The Dodgers are -222 favorites on the moneyline to win the series over the Marlins...