How Do I Place a Futures Bet on my Sports Betting App?

Last Updated:

Placing futures bets through your sports betting app allows you to wager on events or outcomes that will be determined in the future, such as championship winners or season-long player achievements. Futures bets differ from more traditional betting options because of the time it will take before the bet settles. This guide will walk you through the process of placing a futures bet using your sports betting app.

how to place a futures bet

1. Understanding a Futures Bet

A futures bet involves wagering on the outcome of an event that will be decided at a later date. Common examples include betting on which team will win a league championship, which player will receive a specific award, or predicting season win totals for a team. These bets are typically placed well in advance of the event’s conclusion and can offer attractive odds.

2. Navigating to a Futures Bet

After logging into your sports betting app, access the main menu or sports section. Select the sport you’re interested in (e.g., NFL, NBA, MLB). Within the chosen sport’s section, look for a tab or category labeled “Futures” or “Outrights.” This section contains all available futures bets for that sport.

3. Browse All Available Futures Bets

Within the futures section, you’ll find various betting options, such as:

  • Championship Winners: Predicting the overall winner of a league or tournament.
  • Division or Conference Winners: Betting on teams to win their respective divisions or conferences.
  • Individual Awards: Wagering on players to win honors like MVP or Rookie of the Year.
  • Season Totals: Predicting over/under on a team’s total wins or a player’s statistical achievements.

Review the odds associated with each option to assess potential payouts.

4. Select Your Desired Futures Bet

Tap on the futures bet you’re interested in. This action will add it to your bet slip. Ensure you understand the bet’s specifics, including the event date and any conditions.

5. Enter Your Wager Amount

In the bet slip, input the amount you wish to wager. The app will typically display the potential payout based on the current odds. Remember, futures bets often have longer odds, meaning they can offer higher payouts but come with increased risk.

6. Confirm and Place Your Futures Bet

Review all details in your bet slip to ensure accuracy. Once satisfied, confirm and place your bet. Be aware that futures bets tie up your funds until the outcome is decided, which could be months away.

7. Monitor Your Bet

After placing your futures bet, monitor the progress of the team or player throughout the season. Some apps allow you to track your open bets and may offer cash-out options before the event concludes, depending on the circumstances. You may want to consider these cash out options depending on your risk tolerance!

Additional Tips for Futures Betting

  • Shop for the Best Odds: Futures odds can vary between sportsbooks. Comparing odds across different platforms can help you find the most favorable terms for your bet.
  • Stay Informed: Keep up with news, injuries, and other factors that could influence the outcome of your futures bet. This information can be crucial, especially if your sportsbook offers early cash-out options.
  • Understand the Risks: Futures bets come with inherent risks, including the potential for higher house advantages and the long-term commitment of your wagered funds. It’s essential to be aware of these factors before placing such bets.

By following these steps and considerations, you can effectively place futures bets using your sports betting app. As you have learned, how to place futures bet is not much different than betting a non futures bet. The main difference is the length of time before your futures bet settles vs a more traditional wager.

Looking for more information about the best sportsbooks offers? Go to our list of the top sportsbook promotions in your state.

Betting Hero Help Center

Griffin Ulsh
Griffin Ulsh, a Journalism and Communications graduate from the University of Oregon, is the Customer Experience (CX) Manager at BettingHero.com. With a year at BH, Griffin transitioned from recruiting and sales in the book printing industry to customer experience with Betting Hero. He loves following college football and the NBA and enjoys digging into stats and insights for all sports to find stories to tell.