In the world of sports betting, there are countless ways to wager on outcomes — from single-game moneylines to exotic parlays. Among these is the futures bet, a popular type of wager that allows bettors to take a long-term view and predict the outcome of an event well before it concludes — or even starts.
In this article, we’ll break down what a futures bet is, how it works, when to place one, examples from different sports, and the pros and cons of this betting style.
Futures Bet Meaning
A futures bet is a wager placed on an event that will be decided in the future — typically at the end of a season or tournament. These bets usually involve selecting the winner of a league, championship, or individual award.
Unlike daily bets that are settled within hours, futures bets can take weeks or months to resolve, making them a long-term investment in the betting world.
Common Examples of Futures Bets
Here are some common futures bets across various sports:
NFL: Betting on the Super Bowl winner before or during the regular season.
NBA: Wagering on who will win the NBA Championship.
MLB: Picking the World Series champion or MVP winner.
Soccer: Betting on the FIFA World Cup winner or top goal scorer.
Tennis: Predicting the winner of a Grand Slam tournament months before it begins.
Cricket: Backing a team to win the ICC World Cup or a player to be the tournament’s top run-scorer.
When to Place a Futures Bet?
Futures bets can be placed at any time, but the earliest bets often carry the best odds. As the season progresses and teams/players show form, the odds adjust accordingly.
For example:
Betting on an underdog team before the season starts might yield huge returns if they eventually win.
Waiting until mid-season when they are already favorites will give you lower odds.
How Futures Odds Work
Futures odds are typically displayed in moneyline format (American odds). Here's how they work:
Example:
Team A to win NBA Championship: +800
A $100 bet would return $800 profit (plus your $100 stake).
Team B (favorite): +250
A $100 bet would return $250 profit.
The higher the number, the more unlikely the oddsmakers believe that outcome is — and the greater your potential profit.
Advantages of Futures Bets
High Payout Potential: Especially if you back a dark horse early.
Season-Long Excitement: Keeps you invested throughout the season.
Strategic Hedging Options: You can hedge later with opposing bets to lock in profit.
Disadvantages of Futures Bets
Tied-Up Money: Your stake is locked until the event concludes.
High Risk: Injuries, trades, or loss of form can ruin your bet.
Less Liquidity: Not as many cash-out options as daily bets.
Tips for Placing Successful Futures Bets
Do Your Research: Study team rosters, schedules, and form trends.
Look for Value: Don’t always bet on favorites — find underrated teams with strong potential.
Shop for Odds: Compare sportsbooks to get the best return.
Hedge Strategically: If your futures bet is looking good late in the season, consider placing opposite bets to guarantee profit.
Futures betting is an exciting and strategic way to engage with sports. While the wait can be long and the outcome uncertain, the thrill of predicting a season-long winner or MVP makes it a favorite among seasoned bettors. Just make sure to manage your bankroll wisely and do your homework before locking in a long-term wager.
