A futures bet, typically placed before the first scheduled game, involves predicting which player or team will win the championship for an entire season rather than individual games. The futures betting odds open before the start of a season and are continuously updated throughout the tournament. Bookies can adjust these odds based on factors like season results, trades, and injuries.
Modifications are also made depending on the amount of money staked on a specific team or outcome. Once the punter decides to place a futures bet, the odds are set. To calculate the potential payout on a futures bet, multiply your bet amount by the odds expressed as a decimal (this is achieved by dividing the odds by 100). Then, add your original bet amount.
For example, consider betting on an upcoming NFL season. The favourite is the Kansas City Chiefs at +350 odds. However, find that the odds are not lucrative enough. So, you place a bet on the Buffalo Bills to win at +800. If you bet $100 on the Bills and they win the championship, you can gain $900, resulting in $800 in profit.