Futures
A futures bet is on an outcome decided at a future date; the Super Bowl winner, NBA MVP, or season win totals. Odds are posted before the season and adjust throughout the year.
Example
When to use it
Best placed before the season starts (longest odds) or during in-season dips (e.g., star player returns from injury). Tie up capital for months; only bet what you don't need access to.
Pros
- Largest individual payouts
- Provides season-long rooting interest
- Early prices often longer than mid-season
Cons
- Capital tied up for months
- No mid-season hedging without an exchange
- Voided if team/player conditions change materially
Futures FAQ
When is the best time to bet futures?
Two windows: preseason (longest odds) and after early-season dips when a team's stock drops temporarily. Avoid betting futures mid-season when prices have already adjusted.
Can I hedge a futures bet?
Yes. As your team advances, you can bet against them on the opposite side to lock in profit. Sporttrade's exchange model makes this particularly easy; you can sell positions in real time.
What happens to my futures bet if a player gets injured?
Player-specific futures (MVP, scoring titles) are typically refunded if the player doesn't play a minimum number of games. Team futures (championship) continue regardless of injuries.
Do all Colorado sportsbooks offer the same futures odds?
No; futures pricing varies significantly. Always shop multiple books. DraftKings and FanDuel have the deepest menus; Caesars and bet365 sometimes post longer prices on niche markets.