Quick summary
A futures bet is a wager on an outcome that will be determined at a later date—often weeks or months after the bet is placed. This guide explains how futures bets work, when they appear in markets, and how to read futures odds.
What is a Futures Bet?
Futures bets are long-term wagers that predict outcomes such as:
- A team to win a championship
- A player to win MVP
- A country to win the World Cup
- A club to finish top of a league
Unlike standard bets, which resolve after a single event, futures bets are settled over a season, tournament, or extended timeline.
How futures bets differ from other bet types
How futures bets differ from other bet types
- Time Horizon
- Futures Bet: Weeks or months
- Traditional Bet: One game or match
- Resolution Speed
- Futures Bet: Slow
- Traditional Bet: Fast
- Market Behavior
- Futures Bet: Odds shift over time
- Traditional Bet: Odds are often fixed pregame
- Stake Exposure
- Futures Bet: Long-term lock-up
- Traditional Bet: Resolved quickly
Why futures bets appear in markets
Futures allow sportsbooks to price season-long outcomes and attract early action. Markets are often softer than game-day lines due to the extended horizon and the difficulty of pricing long-term performance accurately.
Benefits of futures betting
- Higher odds due to greater uncertainty
- Broader selection of team and player markets
- Single stake covers full season
- Market structure remains consistent over time
Considerations when betting futures
- Bankroll lock-up: Funds are unavailable until the result is settled
- Line volatility: Odds can change based on news, performance, or betting volume
- Limited hedge opportunities: Most sportsbooks don’t allow cashout unless explicitly stated
- Closing limits or rule changes: Futures markets may be adjusted or closed without notice
Example: Odds movement
If the Buffalo Bills’ futures odds move from +1000 to +750, this reflects a market re-evaluation of their probability. Books may respond to injuries, trades, or betting volume.
Understanding odds drops
Futures odds drop when sportsbooks adjust expectations based on:
- Team or player news
- Betting activity
- Public sentiment
- Sharp market signals
Frequently asked questions
When are futures odds released?
Most books post futures markets before a season starts and update them regularly.
Do futures include playoffs?
Yes—unless otherwise stated. Always read the market description to verify.
Are futures limited to teams?
No. You can bet on players to win awards (e.g., MVP), or events like draft outcomes.
What if my pick doesn’t play?
Most sportsbooks void futures if the participant never competes. If they play and exit early, the bet usually stands.
Can I cash out early?
Some sportsbooks offer early cashout if the selection is still active, but it varies widely.
Can I parlay futures bets?
Rarely. Most sportsbooks do not allow parlays involving multiple futures due to pricing complexity.
How do I know if a futures bet offers value?
Compare odds across books and monitor sharp market movement. If the price drops at Pinnacle but remains higher elsewhere, the slower sportsbook may still offer value.
How often do futures odds change?
Not daily, but major news, injuries, or win streaks can cause significant movement.
Learn more
To monitor real-time line shifts in futures markets and uncover early value, visit The Advantage, your trusted source for odds movement tracking and betting terminology.