Futures Wagers: Long-Term Strategy for Season Predictions

With so many ways to bet on your favourite sports online, it can be difficult to know where to put your money. While some betting strategies offer instant gratification, some punters like to go all in for the long game.

With that in mind, today we’re looking at futures betting. This popular type of wager is perfect for those who like to watch the action unfold over a season or tournament and can offer great returns if done correctly. 

Futures Betting Explained 

Futures betting is a popular form of wagering where punters place bets on outcomes that will be determined in the future, typically at the conclusion of a season or tournament.

Unlike traditional bets placed on individual games or events, futures bets involve predicting outcomes that may unfold over weeks, months, or even years.

Here’s a breakdown of how futures betting works.

Long-term predictions

You place wagers on outcomes such as which team will win a championship, which player will win a league MVP award, or how many games a team will win in a season.

Early odds

Futures bets often have odds that reflect the perceived likelihood of an outcome at the time the bet is placed. These odds can fluctuate based on team performance, injuries, trades, and other factors leading up to the event.

Season-long engagement

Futures betting provides a unique opportunity for bettors to remain engaged throughout an entire season or tournament, as their bets have the potential to pay off over an extended period.

Risk and reward

Due to the long-term nature of futures bets, they typically offer higher payouts compared to bets placed on individual games. However, they also carry the risk of tying up funds for an extended period with no guarantee of a return.

Availability

Futures bets are available in various sports, including basketball, football, American football, hockey, and more. They are especially popular in major professional leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and international tournaments such as the World Cup.

Image Credits: SBO 

Popular Types of Futures Bets 

Futures betting encompasses a variety of popular types of wagers that cater to different interests and strategies. Here are some common types of futures bets:

●    Championship winners: Betting on which team will win a league championship, such as the Super Bowl in NFL football, the NBA Finals, or the World Series in MLB baseball

●    Season win totals: Wagering on the total number of games a team will win during a regular season in sports like basketball, football, or hockey

●    Player awards: Betting on individual player achievements, such as who will win the MVP (Most Valuable Player) award in a league, or who will be the top scorer in a season

●    Conference or division winners: Predicting which team will win their conference or division in a league before the regular season begins

●    Tournament outcomes: Betting on the outcome of major tournaments or events, such as the winner of the FIFA World Cup in soccer or the Stanley Cup in hockey

Why is Futures Betting a Good Long-Term Strategy for Season Predictions? 

Futures betting serves as a compelling long-term strategy for season predictions for several key reasons.

Potential for high returns

Futures bets often offer attractive odds that can result in significant payouts if successful. For example, predicting a team to win a championship or a player to earn an MVP award typically yields higher returns compared to individual game bets.

Take advantage of early value opportunities

You can take advantage of early-season or preseason odds that may present undervalued teams or players. As the season progresses and outcomes become clearer, odds may shift, potentially reducing the value of future bets.

Enjoy the entire season

Futures bets provide ongoing engagement and interest throughout the entire season or tournament. Bettors remain invested in their predictions from the start to the conclusion of the event, enhancing the overall sports viewing experience.

Make strategic betting decisions 

Bettors can strategically manage their bets throughout the season, adjusting positions based on team performance, injuries, trades, and other factors that impact outcomes. This flexibility allows for potential hedging or maximising profits as circumstances evolve.

Diversify your betting options

Futures betting offers a wide range of options beyond traditional game outcomes, including season win totals, individual player awards, and conference or division winners. This diversity allows bettors to explore various predictions and tailor their strategies accordingly.