Futures Bets: Long-Term Sports Investments

Futures bets are placed on future events, such as an award or championship. These bets are typically made before the start of the season or tournament, and the odds change as the season progresses. These bets are long-term and last for an entire tournament or season, which could span several weeks or months of competition.

Odds for futures bets open before the start of the season and sportsbooks take wagers throughout the year. Bookmakers adjust the odds in reaction to injuries, trades, and other results throughout the season. The odds you get when placing the bet are locked in for you, regardless of what happens. It doesn't change when a sportsbook adjusts their future odds throughout the season. Futures odds are read with each option and its odds in list form, most often ranked from who has the best chances of winning to the worst. For example, the Super Bowl futures might have the Kansas City Chiefs at +600 (win $600 on a $100 bet).

• NFL: Super Bowl Winner, Division Champion, Win Totals, MVP, Rookie of the Year, Playoff Odds
• NBA: NBA Finals Champion, MVP, Rookie of the Year, Win Totals, Coach of the Year, Sixth Man
• NHL: Stanley Cup Champion, Hart Trophy (MVP), Rookie of the Year, Individual Leader Props
• PGA: Major Tournament Winners (Masters, US Open, British Open, PGA Championship)
• MLB: World Series Champion, League Pennant Winners, MVP, Cy Young Award

Placing a futures bet is fairly simple. With an online sportsbook, futures bets can be found within a specific sports section. The payout is based on the odds at the time of wagering. If the wager wins, you'll be paid the amount based on the odds posted at the time of the bet plus your original stake. Even if the odds change, your wager is only good for the odds listed when the bet was made.