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.
Why consider a futures bet?
Futures bets offer several advantages that can make them a thrilling and potentially profitable way to wager on sports:
- Big potential payouts: Long odds on futures bets can lead to significant returns if your prediction proves correct.
- Season-long excitement: Futures bet keeps you engaged throughout the season, with every game adding anticipation to your wager.
- Early value: By spotting an underrated team or player early, you can lock in strong odds before the market adjusts.
- Hedging opportunities: As the season progresses, you can place opposite bets to secure a profit and minimize losses.
When do bettors place a futures bet?
- Bettors place futures bets early to lock in higher odds by spotting undervalued teams or players before the market adjusts.
- They identify discrepancies in the market where odds don’t reflect a team’s or player’s true potential, especially after injuries or form changes.
- Futures bets are used as part of a broader strategy to spread risk and maintain consistent action across multiple events or seasons.
- Bettors use futures bets to secure profits or limit losses on other wagers, particularly when a team’s chances fluctuate throughout the season.
- Futures bets are placed when bettors predict that odds will shift due to factors like key player returns or improved team performance.
Futures bet vs match bet (quick comparison)
Feature | Match Bet | Futures Bet |
Duration | Decided within a single game (e.g., 90 minutes in football, 48 minutes in basketball). | Decided over weeks or months (e.g., entire seasons, tournaments, or player awards). |
Risk | Lower risk, since the outcome depends on one game with fewer variables. | Higher risk, as many factors (injuries, transfers, form, scheduling) affect long-term results. |
Odds | Usually shorter, more predictable because they reflect immediate form. | Often longer, more volatile, especially pre-season, before the picture becomes clearer. |
Payout timing | Immediate (settled once the match ends). | Delayed (stake is tied up until the end of the event or season). |
Best for | Bettors seeking quick results and short-term profits. | Bettors who enjoy long-term strategy and following a competition over time. |
Conclusion
Futures bets (outright bets) let you wager on season-long outcomes like championships, tournaments, and player awards. While they carry more risk and tie up your money for longer, they also offer bigger payouts and keep you invested in the action.
For bettors who enjoy long-term strategy and spotting undervalued teams or players, futures can be an exciting part of a betting portfolio.
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.