Guide to Futures Betting – How to Bet on Futures

What Is a Futures Bet?

A futures bet is a wager on an outcome that won’t be decided until later in the season, —often weeks or even months down the line. Instead of betting on a single game, you’re predicting a long-term result like who will win the scoring title or whether or not a team will make the playoffs.

Because the final outcome is so far away, futures odds shift constantly based on injuries, trades, win streaks, betting volume and anything else that changes a team or player’s outlook. Many bettors discover futures after learning the basics of pari-mutuel betting, since both involve unique odds structures and shifting market dynamics. 

Futures are popular with both new and experienced bettors because they add season-long excitement and often offer bigger payouts than standard game-by-game bets. Ultimately, a futures wager is your chance to lock in a prediction early in order to secure the best odds. 

How Futures Bets Differ from Other Bet Types

Futures bets stand out because they’re decided over an entire season, not a single game. Here’s how they compare to some of the more common bet types:

• Moneylines – These settle as soon as the game ends. You’re simply picking the winner of a single matchup.
• Point Spreads – Spread bets are graded immediately after the matchup, based on whether a team covers.
• Player Props – Most props focus on specific in-game outcomes (touchdowns, shots on goal, points, assists). They’re short-term and usually settled that same night.
• Game Props – These revolve around events within a single game: first team to score, total points, or whether overtime occurs.

Futures differ from all of these bet types, as they focus on long-term outcomes rather than a single game. Overall, futures betting is about playing the long game, watching the market shift and trying to grab value early; —something no other bet type offers in the same way.

Examples of Common Futures Bets 

Futures markets exist in every major sport, many of them running all season long. Here are some of the most popular futures bets you’ll come across:

• NFL: Super Bowl winner, Conference champions, Division winners, Season win totals, MVP
• NBA: NBA Finals champion, MVP, Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Player, Team win totals
• MLB: World Series champion, Cy Young winner, Over/Under season wins, Division winners
• NHL: Stanley Cup champion, Hart Trophy winner, Calder Trophy winner, Team point totals
• College Football: National Champion, Heisman Trophy, Conference champions
• Soccer (Premier League, MLS, etc.): League champion, Golden Boot winner, Top-four finish

How Does Futures Betting Work?

Futures betting works by giving you early access to bet on specific outcomes, often months in advance. Sportsbooks post futures odds for things like league championships, major award winners or season totals, and those odds adjust throughout the year. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind when betting on futures:

• Timing matters, since jumping in early often leads to better value.
• Odds shift constantly, with performance, injuries and roster changes shifting the market.
• Line movement and news updates are key to understanding the market.
• Bets can remain active all season, until the final result is official.
• Payouts are based on long-term probability, not a single game.

By studying the odds and choosing the right moment to place your wager, you can find the best value and score a bigger payout on your futures wager. 

Timing: When to Place a Futures Bet 

Timing is one of the biggest factors in futures betting. Odds shift constantly based on a number of factors. Knowing when to jump in can make the difference between grabbing a great price and settling for a much shorter number.

How Futures Odds Are Set and Move 

Futures odds aren’t random; they’re built using a mix of predictive models, public betting behavior and constant market updates. Understanding what drives these numbers helps you spot value before it disappears.

Together, these factors combine to create dynamic futures markets where prices shift all season long. Being aware of what drives those moves will help you time your bets more effectively and secure the best odds available. 

How to Bet on Futures: Step-by-Step Guide

Placing a futures wager is straightforward once you know what to look for. Here’s how each step works from start to finish:

Swipe for more

1

Choose Futures Market

Scroll to the sportsbook’s Futures section. You’ll usually find categories like league winners, award races, season totals or division standings. Choose the market that matches the prediction you want to make.

2

Review Odds

Futures markets update constantly based on news, injuries, trades and more. The odds can swing wildly as the season unfolds, so if you spot good value, don’t hesitate to jump on it before the line moves.

3

Create Bet Slip

Clicking your selection automatically adds it to your bet slip, where you’ll see the odds, potential payout, and any additional rules for that specific market. Always be sure to check the bet slip to ensure accuracy.

4

Enter Stake

Enter the amount you want to wager and confirm your projected winnings. Your bet slip will show you exactly how much you stand to profit if your futures pick ends up hitting.

5

Place Bet

Once everything looks correct, hit ‘Confirm’ to lock it in. At that moment, your futures wager becomes official and your odds are locked—even if the market shifts minutes later.

Finding Futures Markets at Online Sportsbooks 

Futures markets are available at every major sportsbook, but they’re not always sitting on the main screen. These sections are usually found within each sport’s menu, alongside the tabs for moneylines, spreads, and props. Most platforms group them under specific labels like:

• Futures
• Outrights
• Season Markets
• Long-Term Bets 

You’ll typically click into a league (NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, etc.) and then choose the futures or outrights tab to reveal their long-term markets like championship odds, award races and season totals. However, some sportsbooks offer a dedicated Futures hub with all long-term markets across every major sport.

Placing a Futures Bet Online

Placing a futures bet online follows the same flow you’re used to with regular wagers. Once you’ve chosen your futures market and made your pick, your selection appears in the bet slip, where the sportsbook breaks down everything tied to the wager.

Inside the bet slip, enter your stake and your potential payout is updated instantly, so you know exactly what the return looks like at the current odds. On a typical bet slip, you’ll find details like:

• Selected Outcome (the specific team, player or season result you’re backing)
• Posted odds (the price you’ve locked in on your futures wager)
• Risk/Stake (the amount you’re risking on the wager)
• Projected payout (the amount you’ll win if your bet hits)

Be sure to confirm all of the details before finalizing your wager. Once the bet is locked in, your odds won’t change, even if the market moves minutes later.

Combining Futures Bets in Parlays or Round Robins

Some sportsbooks allow you to combine futures into betting parlays or round robins, but the rules can vary from site to site. When it’s permitted, you’re essentially linking multiple long-term predictions together for a larger potential payout. 

The main thing that gets in the way of combining futures is when the bets are connected. Sportsbooks won’t let you parlay futures that directly influence each other. For example, pairing a team to win its division with that same team to win the championship is usually blocked because one outcome heavily impacts the other. Books only allow futures parlays when the results are considered independent.

Parlaying futures is an appealing idea (—bigger odds, bigger returns), —but it also comes with added risk. Each prediction has to survive the entire season, which means more time for injuries, trades and slumps to derail your ticket. Round robins spread out the risk by creating multiple smaller combinations, but the long-term uncertainty still applies.

Combining futures can lead to fun high-upside plays, but only when you fully understand the risks. If your sportsbook allows you to parlay long-term outcomes, be smart about what you pair together and always check the house rules first. 

Converting Futures Bets to Implied Probabilities

Understanding futures odds starts with knowing what those numbers actually mean. Most sportsbooks present futures prices in American odds (like +800 or -250), but behind every number is an implied probability; —the sportsbook’s estimate of how likely that outcome is to happen. 

Turning odds into probabilities helps you judge whether the price offers real value or if the market is overvaluing a team or player. Implied probability tells you the chance of your pick winning based on the odds alone. 

For example, +500 implies a 16.7% chance, while +1200 implies just 7.7%. A lower probability means a bigger payout, but it also comes with higher risk. Converting odds into an implied probability gives you a clearer sense of what you’re really betting on rather than relying on gut feel or name recognition.

Seeing futures odds through this lens makes the market easier to understand. You can quickly compare probabilities between sportsbooks, spot overpriced favorites and identify longshots with real upside. In short, converting futures bets to implied probabilities turns guessing into informed decision-making.

How to Read and Interpret Futures Odds 

Most sportsbooks list futures in American odds, but you may also see Decimal or Fractional formats available. Being able to read all three makes it easier to compare prices and recognize good value.

American Odds

American odds show how much you win based on $100. This is the standard format at most online sportsbooks.

• Positive odds: At +800, you win $800 on a $100 bet.
• Negative odds: At -150, you need to wager $150 to win $100.

Decimal Odds

Decimal odds represent your total return. Simply multiply your bet amount by the decimal number for your total payout, including stake.

• Futures listed at 2.00 or above are underdogs; anything below 2.00 is a favorite.
• A $10 bet at 6.00 odds has a potential payout of $60 total ($50 profit).

Fractional Odds

Fractional odds tell you profit relative to your stake. These are more common in horse racing and international markets.

• A future listed at 5/1 means you’ll win $5 for every $1 wagered.
• A $20 bet at 12/1 odds returns $240 profit, $260 total.

Knowing how to read each odds format makes evaluating futures markets much easier. You can compare prices across books, spot differences in value and instantly understand what each potential payout really looks like.

Factors That Influence Odds Movement

Futures odds shift constantly throughout the season for a number of reasons. Understanding why they move helps you spot value before the market adjusts. 

Here are some of the key factors that drive these changes:

How Are Futures Bets Paid?

Futures bets pay out once the final outcome of the season is officially determined. Here’s how sportsbooks settle long-term wagers and some of the things to watch out for when your futures pick hits.

Settlement Timing and Grading 

Futures bets are settled after the outcome is officially determined, but the exact timing depends on the market. Some futures are graded the moment a team is mathematically eliminated from contention, while others only settle when the full season concludes. Championship and award markets, for example, don’t pay out until the league announces the final results.

If multiple participants tie, sportsbooks use dead-heat rules, which reduce your stake based on how many competitors share the result. For example, if two players tie in MVP voting, your stake is divided by two and the bet is then paid out at your original odds.

No matter the market, futures are always settled according to the sportsbook’s posted rules, so it’s worth reviewing them before placing a long-term bet.

Cancellations, Voids and Rule Variations

Futures can be affected by schedule changes, season adjustments and unexpected disruptions. But sportsbooks don’t always handle these situations the same way. When leagues alter their format or postpone events, the status of your futures wager depends entirely on the book’s rules.

Here’s how sportsbooks typically treat different scenarios:

• Shortened or Postponed Seasons: Many books keep futures active as long as the league eventually declares an official winner. Others void bets unless a minimum number of games is completed.
• Canceled Events: If a season or event is officially canceled with no winner declared, most sportsbooks void all futures and refund stakes.
• House Rules: Each site sets its own criteria. Some require a full schedule, some only need an official league result, and some may settle early if a team is mathematically eliminated. Always check the house rules before betting on the futures market.

Early Cash Out Options 

Some sportsbooks offer early cash outs on futures bets, letting you settle your wager before the season ends. The cash-out value depends on current odds and how likely your pick still is to win. It’s a way to lock in profit (o—or cut losses) —without having to wait for the final outcome.

Pros of cashing out early:

• Lock in profit if your pick has performed well and surged in value.
• Free up some of your bankroll for more daily betting.
• Avoid full losses if your futures pick is trending in the wrong direction.

Cons of cashing out:

• You usually receive less than the full potential payout.
• Books bake in a margin, so the cash-out value often favors the sportsbook.
• If your pick turns it around, you lose any upside you would’ve gained by holding.

Early cash out can be a useful tool, but it’s not always the best move. Before deciding whether to hold on or cash out early, compare the offer to the original odds, check the remaining schedule and evaluate whether or not your prediction is still on track.

Types of Futures Bets

Not all futures bets work the same way; some focus on teams, others on players, and some on season totals. Each market requires a slightly different approach depending on what you’re predicting, so it’s important to understand the different types of futures bets.

Here’s an overview of the more common formats you’ll encounter in futures markets.

Team Futures

Team-based futures let you predict how a team will perform over the course of an entire season. Here are the main types of team futures you’ll see:

• Championship Winners: Bet on which team will win the league title (Super Bowl, NBA Finals, World Series, Stanley Cup, etc.).
• Conference & Division Winners: Predict which team finishes on top of its conference or division.
• Season Win Totals: Bet the Over or Under on a team’s projected number of wins.
• Playoff Odds: Wager on whether a team will make or miss the postseason.

Player Futures

Player futures focus on individual performances over the course of a full season. Here are the main types of player futures you’ll typically find:

• MVP Awards: Bet on which player will be named the league’s Most Valuable Player.
• Rookie of the Year: Predict which first-year player will stand out above the rest.
• Statistical Leaders: Wager on who will lead the league in categories like passing yards, goals, points, home runs, rebounds or assists.
• Positional Awards: Includes Cy Young, Defensive Player of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, and similar honors.
• All-Star Selection: Some sportsbooks offer markets on players making All-Star teams or earning All-Pro distinctions.

Futures in Individual vs. Team Sports

In sports betting, futures markets work across both team-based leagues and individual competitions. With that being said, the structure and strategy can feel different depending on the sport.

Here’s how they typically break down:

• Team Sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL): Focus on collective outcomes like championships, division titles, playoff berths and season win totals. 
• Individual Sports (Golf, Tennis, Combat Sports): Based on tournament winners, rankings, season-long points races and player-specific achievements. 
• Hybrid Markets: Some books offer futures that blend elements of both, such as F1 driver vs. constructor titles or cycling GC odds versus stage wins.

Unconventional and Novelty Futures Markets

Not all futures revolve around major leagues. Many sportsbooks offer creative long-term markets covering everything from pop culture and entertainment to politics and niche competitions.

Here are some of the more unconventional futures you may see:

• Entertainment & Awards: Odds on who will win the Oscars, Grammys, Emmys, reality competitions or other televised events.
• Pop Culture & Media: Markets for things like casting announcements, celebrity gossip, and major TV or film outcomes.
• Politics & Global Events: Election odds, geopolitical events and referendum outcomes (where legally allowed).
• Esports & Niche Sports: Futures for esports leagues, major tournaments or emerging sports with seasonal structures.

Futures Bet Tips and Strategies

Successful futures sports betting isn’t just about picking the best team or player; it’s about understanding how odds move, when to strike, and how to read season-long trends. Below are the core strategies that help bettors navigate them with confidence.

Hedging Your Bets

Hedging is one of the most valuable tools in futures betting. It lets you adjust your position as the season unfolds, locking in profit or reducing risk when the market moves. Done right, it turns long-term bets into flexible investments instead of all-or-nothing wagers.

Example

Imagine you place a $500 bet on the Jaguars to win the Super Bowl at odds of 80 to 1. If Jacksonville somehow makes it to the Super Bowl, you’ll be just one win away from winning $40,000.

This is when the hedge becomes your best friend. By betting on Jacksonville’s Super Bowl opponent, you’re able to lock in guaranteed profit, regardless of the game’s outcome.

Let’s pretend that heading into the Super Bowl, the Jaguars are +185 to win and their opponent is -200. Here’s what would happen if you were to place a $20,000 hedge on the Cowboys:

• If Jaguars win: Your future wins $40,000, but you lose the $20,000 hedge → $20,000 profit
• If opponent wins: Your hedge wins $10,000, but you lose the $500 Jaguars ticket → $9,500 profit

When done correctly, hedging means you walk away with a profit either way!

Research and Analysis

Strong futures bets begin with understanding the bigger picture, with everything from coaching changes to offseason moves shaping a team or player’s long-term outlook. The more informed you are, the easier it is to spot mispriced odds.

Some of the key things to evaluate include:

• Power Ratings: How a team stacks up against the league based on analytics, depth, coaching and historical performance.
• Roster Moves: Trades, free-agent signings, draft picks and lineup changes that can shift expectations instantly.
• Schedule Outlook: Tough stretches, travel demands, back-to-backs or strength-of-schedule metrics that influence long-term performance.
• Injuries & Health: Existing injuries, recovery timelines and players with known durability concerns are all major drivers of futures value.

Timing Your Bets

In futures betting, when you place your wager can be just as important as what you’re betting on. Odds shift throughout the year, and understanding those prices can help you strike when expectations and odds are misaligned.

This is how the timing typically breaks down:

• Preseason Opportunities: Before any games are played, odds makers rely on projections rather than real performance. This is where you’ll often find the best longshot value.
• In-Season Adjustments: Once games begin, odds react quickly to wins, losses and injuries. Prices can rise or fall based on early-season performance, creating potential buy-low windows.
• Midseason Value Spots: Teams recovering from injuries, players heating up or clubs entering easier stretches often come with more favorable odds before the market catches up.

Finding the Best Odds

One of the biggest edges in futures betting comes from comparing prices across multiple sportsbooks. Because they use their own models, different sites often post different odds; sometimes by a wide margin. A small odds difference can mean a huge change in potential payout for long-term bets.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Compare Multiple Sportsbooks: Always check at least two or three sites before locking in a futures wager. A shift from +800 to +1000 dramatically boosts your long-term return.
• Regional & Market Differences: Odds can vary by region or market. Popular teams in certain areas may be priced shorter than they should be due to public sentiment.
• Slow vs. Fast-Moving Books: Some sportsbooks adjust odds instantly after news breaks, while others lag. These delays can create short windows where you can grab a better price.

Bankroll Management 

Futures bets can tie up your money for months, which makes bankroll management extra important. Since these wagers settle slowly, you need a plan for how much you’re willing to commit and how to balance long-term wagers with the rest of your betting activity.

These tips can help you better manage your bankroll:

• Set Allocation Caps: Limit the percentage of your bankroll dedicated to futures so you’re not overexposed or stuck waiting on too many season-long bets.
• Understand Opportunity Cost: Money locked in a futures wager can’t be used for short-term betting opportunities, so factor that into your staking decisions.
• Staking Multiple Outcomes: Some bettors spread risk by backing several teams or players in the same market, but this requires careful budgeting to avoid overcommitting.

Betting Multiple Teams/Players

Don’t forget that you can bet multiple teams to win it all in the same season. If you bet $100 on three different teams that are 12 to 1, 10 to 1 and 8 to 1 to win, you are still going to profit if one of the three wins.

Here’s how this would work in a real-life example:

• If the first team wins, you will get paid $1,200 minus your initial total stake of $300, which equals $900 in profit.
• If the second team wins, you will get paid $1,000 minus your initial total stake of $300, which equals $700 in profit.
• If the third team wins, you will get paid $800 minus your initial total stake of $300, which equals $500 in profit.

This strategy is great if you have narrowed it down to two or three teams you think are going to win it all. You’re still in the game if one of your teams gets beat or knocked out of competition.

The Pros and Cons of Futures Betting

Futures betting comes with both big advantages and also some notable drawbacks. These wagers can offer huge payouts and season-long excitement, but they also require patience and smart timing. Before diving in, it’s worth understanding the upsides and downsides that come with betting the long game.

FAQs on Futures Betting

Futures betting can be confusing for beginners because the markets move differently from standard game bets. This section covers the most common questions; like how do betting futures work, how they settle, and what to expect.

Final Thoughts on Futures Betting

This guide has walked you through everything you need to know about futures betting, which lets you predict long-term outcomes while grabbing value before the odds shift. We’ve covered how futures work, how odds move and when to place your bets for maximum value. 

You’ve learned the main bet types, key strategies and hedging basics, as well as the pros and cons that matter most. With some smart research, good bankroll management and the right timing, you’re ready to start cashing in on the futures betting markets. And if you’re looking for a detail guide on the basics of sports betting, check out our sports betting guide.

Kevin

Roberts

Content Editor

Articles

463

Kevin Roberts, previously published under the pseudonym Noah Davis, is one of the more diverse writers at GamblingSites.com. Like many of his colleagues, he’s a huge fan of both football and basketball. But he also writes about box office records, TV show prop bets, DFS, and all kinds of other subjects. When it comes to the NFL, Kevin’s favorite team is the Green Bay Packers. He enjoys cheering them on with his wife and daughter.

See All Kevin’s Articles