Futures Bet

A futures bet is a wager placed on the outcome of an event that will be determined at a later date, often weeks or months in the future. The most common futures bets involve picking a team to win a championship, a player to earn a seasonal award (such as MVP), or a team to reach a specific win total over the course of a season. Futures markets are available in virtually every major sport, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, soccer leagues, and major golf and tennis tournaments.

Because futures bets are placed well in advance of the outcome, the odds offered tend to be higher than what a bettor would find closer to the deciding event. This means futures bets can deliver substantial payouts relative to the amount staked. However, the trade-off is that the bettor’s money is tied up for an extended period, and the uncertainty involved is considerably greater than with a single-game wager.

Example

Before the NFL season begins, you place a $25 futures bet on the Cincinnati Bengals to win the Super Bowl at odds of +3000. This means that for every $1 wagered, you would receive $30 in profit if the Bengals go on to win the championship.

• Stake: $25
• Odds: +3000
• Potential profit: $750
• Total payout: $775 (profit plus original stake)

If the Bengals win the Super Bowl, you collect $775. If they are eliminated at any point during the season or playoffs, you lose your $25 stake. The bet remains open until the Super Bowl is played, meaning your funds are committed for the entire duration of the season.

Key Points

• Long time horizon: Futures bets are settled only after the relevant event concludes, which can be months after the wager is placed. Your stake is locked in for that entire period.
• Higher odds and larger potential payouts: Because of the added uncertainty, futures bets often carry significantly higher odds than game-day wagers, making them attractive for bettors seeking large returns on small stakes.
• Odds fluctuate over time: Futures odds are adjusted throughout the season based on team performance, injuries, trades, and other developments. Bettors who place their wagers early may lock in more favorable odds before a team’s chances improve.
• Available across many markets: Beyond championship winners, futures markets include division winners, conference champions, regular-season win totals, individual awards (MVP, Rookie of the Year), and more.
• Cash-out options may be available: Some sportsbooks allow bettors to cash out a futures bet before the event is decided, locking in a partial profit or cutting losses if the outlook has changed since the bet was placed.