There is no better feeling in sports betting than holding a ticket with massive odds on a team that has made it to the Championship game. But there is also no worse feeling than watching that ticket lose in the final seconds, leaving you with nothing.
Smart bettors do not gamble with their bankroll; they manage risk. Our free Futures Hedge Calculator allows you to leverage your position to guarantee a profit regardless of the outcome. Whether you want to “Lock in Profit” evenly or set up a “Free Roll,” this tool does the math for you.
Futures Hedge Calculator
How to Use the Futures Hedge Calculator
This tool is designed for bettors who have placed an “Outright” or “Future” wager (e.g., Super Bowl Winner, NBA MVP) and now want to bet on the opposing outcome to secure cash. Here is how to use it:
- Select Mode:
- Lock Profit (Equal): Calculates the hedge amount needed to profit exactly the same amount no matter who wins.
- Free Roll (Save Stake): Calculates the minimum hedge needed to cover your initial investment. If your longshot wins, you win big. If they lose, you break even.
- Enter Original Bet: Input your initial stake and the odds you grabbed weeks or months ago (e.g., $100 at +1000).
- Enter Hedge Odds: Input the current odds of the opponent or the “Field” (e.g., -150).
- Calculate: The hedging calculator will instantly tell you exactly how much to bet on the opponent to execute your strategy.
Real-World Hedging Examples
Understanding when to use a lock in profit betting strategy vs. a “Free Roll” depends on your risk tolerance. Let’s look at two scenarios for a Super Bowl bet.
Scenario 1: The “Guaranteed Profit” Hedge
In the preseason, you bet $100 on the Chiefs to win the Super Bowl at +1000 (11.00). The potential payout is $1,100.
The Chiefs make the final, playing against the 49ers, who are favored at -150 (1.67).
- Strategy: You use the “Equal” mode.
- The Hedge: The calculator tells you to bet $658.68 on the 49ers.
- Result: No matter who wins the game, you walk away with a guaranteed profit of ~$341. You have eliminated all risk.
Scenario 2: The “Free Roll” Hedge
Using the same bets above, you decide you want to keep the “dream alive” for a big payout, but you don’t want to lose your initial $100.
- Strategy: You use the “Free Roll” mode.
- The Hedge: The calculator tells you to bet $150 on the 49ers.
- Result A (Chiefs Win): You win your big ticket ($1,100) minus the hedge cost ($150) = $950 Profit.
- Result B (49ers Win): You lose the futures bet, but the hedge pays out enough to cover both bets. Profit: $0 (Break Even).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is hedging in sports betting?
Hedging is the practice of placing a new bet on a different outcome than your original wager to reduce risk or guarantee a profit. It is most common with Futures/Outrights where the odds have shifted significantly in your favor over time.
Should I always hedge my futures?
Mathematically, hedging often reduces your long-term Expected Value (EV) because you are paying the “vig” (juice) twice. However, practically, hedging is excellent for bankroll management. If a loss would emotionally or financially hurt you, you should use a futures hedge calculator.
What is the difference between Arbitrage and Hedging?
Arbitrage involves placing bets on all outcomes simultaneously to guarantee profit due to price discrepancies between bookmakers. Hedging is usually done sequentially—you place a bet, the market moves in your favor, and then you place a second bet later to lock in that value.
Can I use this for Parlays?
Yes. If you have a 5-leg parlay and the first 4 legs have won, you can treat the final leg exactly like a Futures bet. Enter your potential parlay payout as the “Original Odds” to calculate a hedge on the final game.