
A hedged bet is essentially a way to limit potential losses by placing a second bet that offsets the first one. This is done to reduce the risk of losing a significant amount of money.
Hedged bets can be placed on any type of bet, including point spreads, moneylines, and over/unders. By placing a hedged bet, you can potentially avoid taking a big hit if your original bet doesn't go in your favor.
In a hedged bet, the two bets are typically placed on opposite outcomes, such as a point spread and a moneyline. This way, if one bet wins, the other bet will lose, and vice versa.
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When to Hedge
Hedging can be a valuable tool for sports bettors to add an extra layer of protection to their bets.
If you're not completely confident in your pick, hedging can be a way to reduce your risk. This is especially true if you have multiple strong picks for a given day or event, hedging can help you protect your profits from any potential losses.
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A hedge bet can be used if you think one side of a matchup has a good chance to win, but you're not sure if they'll cover the spread or win by enough points.
Here are some scenarios where hedging can be beneficial:
- When doing so allows you guaranteed profit betting on a sporting event.
- To mitigate your losses and reduce bankroll exposure after placing a riskier bet.
- When you’ve made an accidental bet.
Hedging can also be used to minimize potential losses while still allowing for potential gains, which can help to increase your overall profitability in the long run. By using hedge bets, you can reduce your overall risk and protect yourself against potential losses.
Hedging Strategies
To make a profit each time, you want to be able to quickly evaluate hedge betting opportunities and bet odds.
Hedge betting is about finding value in unexpected places, so keep an eye out for unusual situations that might create a profitable hedge.
By placing multiple bets on different outcomes of a game or event, you can reduce the impact of any single outcome on your overall returns.
This can help to stabilize your overall returns and reduce the impact of market fluctuations.
You can use hedge bets to guarantee profit when opportunities come along, so be prepared to act quickly and make the most of them.
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Types of Bets
In a hedged bet, you're essentially making two or more bets that have an opposing outcome. This can be done in various ways, including through a combination of bets or by using different types of bets.
There are several types of bets that can be used in a hedged bet, including a straight bet, a parlay bet, and a futures bet. A straight bet is a single bet on the outcome of a specific event.
A parlay bet, on the other hand, is a type of bet that involves multiple wagers on different events, often with a higher payout if all the bets win.
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Parlays
Parlays are a type of bet that can be hedged to ensure guaranteed profits.
You can hedge a parlay by wagering against the team you bet on, as seen in a scenario where a bettor places a parlay on four Sunday football games and wants to hedge before the final game starts.
Hedging a parlay is a bit more complicated than hedging a spread bet, but the basic concept is the same: you need to make an additional wager on each leg of the parlay to ensure a profit.
If you've placed a parlay with 6PM odds and three out of four teams have covered, you can wager against the remaining team to secure a profit.
To hedge a parlay, you need to make an additional wager on each leg of the parlay that will ensure you profit regardless of the outcome, as shown in an example of a six-team parlay that pays out 10-1 odds.
Hedging a parlay can be done by betting against the third leg of a three-leg parlay, as seen in an example where the first two legs have come in and the third leg would result in a big payout.
The amount you'd need to wager to secure a profit would depend on the specifics of the moneyline odds in your parlay, such as a Patriots bet with odds of 1.50.
If you've got a big payout on the line, hedging your parlay by betting against the final leg can be a good way to lock in some profit, as seen in an example where a bettor hedges against a futures bet that is close to coming in.
You can hedge a parlay by making an additional wager on the other side of the remaining bet, as shown in an example where a bettor hedges by betting the other side of the remaining bet to lock in profit.
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Arbitrage
Arbitrage is a type of bet that can guarantee a profit, regardless of the outcome. This is because it involves placing bets on all possible outcomes of a game or event.
Arbitrage betting, also known as arbing, requires the odds to stay the same at all times during a match for the bettor to win. If the odds change, one of the bets will become a losing bet.
To place an arbitrage bet, you need to compare all available odds and find an optimal betting strategy for getting the best return possible. This involves weighing the risks associated with the bet, as the potential risk is always much bigger than the reward.
Arbitrage bets have become extremely popular in recent years with professional sports bettors looking for an edge against online bookmakers. They offer a bonus, but it's essential to be aware of the risks involved.
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What Is a Bet
A bet is a wager or prediction on the outcome of a game or event, where you stake money or something of value in hopes of winning more.

You can place a bet on a variety of outcomes, such as which team will win a game or how many points a team will score.
A hedge bet, for example, is a type of bet that involves placing a second bet on a different outcome to reduce potential losses or lock in profits.
Hedge bets can take many forms, including teasers, parlays, and other betting strategies used by sports bettors to minimize risk and increase profitability.
In essence, a bet is a calculated risk where you put something on the line in hopes of winning something more.
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Preparation and Planning
To be successful with hedged bets, it's essential to be financially prepared to hedge. This means having significant funds available over and above your regular betting funds to support this type of wagering.
Before placing a hedge bet, create a plan in advance, considering whether or not you would want to hedge a bet as you're planning the initial bet. This will help you avoid making a wild underdog or futures bet without a contingency plan.
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To determine the optimal stake for your hedge bet, you'll want to calculate your potential profits and losses, considering your risk tolerance. This involves analyzing the odds and determining the potential returns for each bet.
Here are some tips to help you determine the optimal stake for your hedge bet:
- Calculate your potential profits and losses: This involves analyzing the odds and determining the potential returns for each bet.
- Consider your risk tolerance: If you're risk-averse, you may want to place a smaller stake to minimize your potential losses.
- Analyze the probabilities: This will help you to determine the optimal stake that will maximize your potential returns while minimizing your risks.
Create Advance Plan
Having a solid plan in place is crucial when it comes to hedging your bets. This means thinking ahead and considering the potential outcomes of your initial wager.
You should have an idea of whether or not you want to hedge a bet as you're planning the initial bet and the point at which you'd like to do it. This way, you'll have a contingency plan if things start going wrong instead of hedging in a panic.
It's essential to look at the total bet as one unit, rather than treating it as separate bets. This will help you make more informed decisions and avoid getting caught up in the heat of the moment.
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To create an advance plan, consider the following factors:
- Liquidity: Choose a market with high liquidity to ensure you can find a buyer or seller for your hedge bet.
- Volatility: Opt for a market with moderate to high volatility to create opportunities for favorable odds.
- Correlation: Look for markets that are highly correlated with your initial bet to create opportunities to hedge your risk.
- Knowledge and expertise: Choose markets that you're knowledgeable and experienced in to make more informed decisions.
- Timing: Consider the timing of the event and the markets to make quick decisions if necessary.
- Potential payout: Ensure the potential payout for your hedge bet is sufficient to cover the potential loss and provide a reasonable profit.
By having a well-thought-out plan in place, you'll be better equipped to handle unexpected twists and turns, and make more informed decisions about when and how to hedge your bets.
Selecting the Right Market and Bookmaker
Selecting the right market and bookmaker is crucial for making the most of your hedge bets. To do this, you need to shop around and compare the odds offered by different sportsbooks to ensure you're getting the most competitive odds.
Competitive odds can make a big difference in your potential returns. For example, if you can find a sportsbook offering better odds than others, you can potentially maximize your returns.
Make sure the market you're betting on is liquid and has enough betting activity. This will allow you to place your bets quickly and easily, and take advantage of any opportunities that arise.
A reputable sportsbook with a good reputation for fairness and reliability is essential. This will ensure your bets are placed securely and your winnings are paid out promptly.

Be aware of any fees or commissions charged by the sportsbook, and factor these into your decision-making process. Look for sportsbooks that offer competitive fees and low commissions to help you maximize your returns.
Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a sportsbook:
- Competitive odds
- Liquidity of the market
- Reputation of the sportsbook
- Fees and commissions
Reasons Not to
Hedging a bet can be a smart move, but it's not always the best option. Hedging costs extra money, which can eat into your profits.
Some people might not like the resulting odds on one or more of their wagers, making hedging a less appealing choice. You might be better off sticking to your original bet.
Your favorite team could easily win by enough points to cover the spread, making your hedge unnecessary. This is especially true if you're confident in their abilities.
The underdog could pull off an upset, which would mean you lose your hedge bet and still lose money on the original wager. This is a risk you might not want to take.
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Here are some reasons not to hedge a bet in a nutshell:
How to Hedge
Hedging a sports bet is not complicated, but it's not always on everyone's mind when placing a wager.
You can hedge a futures bet or individual games, and the goal is to place a second bet on an original bet to ensure you don't walk away with a complete loss.
For example, if you placed a bet on Raphael Nadal at 1.40 and the odds are changing in favor of Fernando Verdasco, you can place a bet on Verdasco to minimize a potential loss.
To hedge a parlay, you need to make an additional wager on each leg of the parlay that will ensure you profit regardless of the outcome. This can be a bit more complicated than hedging a spread bet, but the basic concept is the same.
How to Place a Bet
To place a bet, you need to know the odds and the type of bet you're making. The odds are the numbers that indicate how likely an event is to happen.
The type of bet you're making is also crucial - are you hedging a futures bet or individual games? In the example, a fictional tennis match between Raphael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco had odds of 1.40 for Nadal.
You'll also need to decide how much to wager. In the example, the bettor wagered $50 on Verdasco.
The bookmaker's odds will also determine your potential win or loss. In the example, the bettor would win $115 and lose $35 if Verdasco wins.
How to Parlay
To parlay, you need to make multiple wagers on the outcome of various events, with each wager dependent on the outcome of the previous one. This can be a fun and exciting way to bet, but it's essential to understand the risks involved.
A parlay typically involves multiple teams or events, and the payout can be much higher than a single wager. For example, a six-team parlay that pays out 10-1 odds if it wins.
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To calculate the potential payout of a parlay, you need to multiply the odds of each individual wager together. This can quickly add up, making parlays a potentially lucrative option for savvy bettors.
However, as we'll discuss later, hedging a parlay can be a bit more complicated than hedging a spread bet. To hedge a parlay, you need to make an additional wager on each leg of the parlay that will ensure you profit regardless of the outcome.
For instance, if you placed a $10 wager on a six-team parlay, you would then need to place an additional $10 wager on each of the six teams for a total of $60. This is because you're essentially creating a new wager for each leg of the parlay to guarantee a profit.
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Maximizing Winnings
To calculate how much you'll win with hedging, subtract the amount you placed on the hedge from P, your potential payout. This formula is crucial for maximizing winnings.
P – X = Your Guaranteed Payout
For example, if you placed $100 on a tennis futures bet with +800 odds and $514.28 on the opposing player, you'd win $285.72 no matter what. That's the beauty of hedging!
To ensure you come out ahead, quadruple check your math and win requirements before hedging. This involves manually or using a hedging calculator to recheck the figures before spending any money on a specific event outcome.
A key benefit of hedging is that it allows you to profit on playoff futures. For instance, if you bet on the Columbus Blue Jackets as the heavy underdog at +400 and placed a $200 bet on the Penguins to win the series, you'd be guaranteed a profit of $100.
By carefully analyzing the event and adjusting your strategy, you can determine the exit point for maximum profit. This involves considering partial hedging, calculating the break-even point, and evaluating your risk.
Understanding Hedging
Hedging is a way to reduce the risk of a damaging outcome occurring in the future.
A hedge is any action taken to reduce risk, such as car insurance, which protects car owners against the financial burdens of getting in a car crash.
Insurance is expensive, but most people would rather swallow the predictable cost to protect themselves from the massive financial loss of getting in an accident.
Here are some key things to consider when evaluating different outcomes and potential hedge bets:
- Probability: Consider the likelihood of each outcome and the potential risk and reward of each hedge bet.
- Cost: Consider the cost of each hedge bet, including the potential loss from your initial bet and the potential payout from the hedge bet.
- Timing: Consider when to place the hedge bet and when to exit it, based on the progress of the event and changes in odds.
- Risk tolerance: Consider your own risk tolerance and financial goals when evaluating different outcomes and hedge bets.
- Hedging strategy: Consider different hedging strategies, such as partial hedging or multiple hedge bets on different outcomes.
What Is Exactly?
Hedging a bet is a strategy where a bettor places a second wager against their original bet, typically when there's doubt about the outcome. This approach is often taken to guarantee a win.
A bettor may hedge a bet if they think they might win, but still need to secure a win. This is usually done to create additional insurance in case the original wager loses.
Hedging a bet doesn't always result in a significant win from the hedged bet. It's more about providing a safety net in case the original bet doesn't pay off.
Easy-to-Understand Examples
Car insurance is a great example of a hedge that protects car owners against the financial burdens of getting in a car crash. Mandatory in every US state (except New Hampshire), it's a predictable cost that most people would rather swallow to protect themselves from the massive financial loss of getting in an accident.
Most people would rather pay for insurance than risk the low probability but high cost of getting in a car accident.
The cost of insurance is often a recurring small bet that people make to protect themselves from a low-probability event.
You can think of hedging as making additional bets on opposing outcomes to reduce your exposure to financial risk.
Car insurance is not just a hedge against car accidents, but also against the financial burdens that come with them.
If you hedge your bets carefully, you can even guarantee a profit, like betting on a playoff series.
Futures wagers are a great way to lock in profits with hedging, as seen in the example where 100/1.50 = $200.
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Is It Smart?

Hedging can be a great way to protect your bets and guarantee a win, but it's not always the smartest move.
Hedging can limit losses if you're fairly confident in how a matchup will end.
It's not smart to hedge a bet because it can reduce the potential profit of your initial wager.
Hedging can also create a situation where you're essentially betting against yourself, which can be counterproductive.
By hedging, you can guarantee that you win money regardless of the outcome of the game, which can be a good thing, but it can also make the experience less exciting.
Consider All Outcomes
Hedging is all about reducing risk, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. To make informed decisions, you need to consider all possible outcomes. This includes thinking about the probability of each outcome, which can be influenced by your analysis of the event and the odds.
Probability plays a huge role in hedging, so it's essential to assess the likelihood of each outcome. For instance, if you're betting on a playoff series, you might consider the probability of each team winning, based on their past performance and current form.
The cost of each hedge bet is also crucial to consider. This includes the potential loss from your initial bet and the potential payout from the hedge bet. You want to make sure that the cost of the hedge bet is reasonable and provides a sufficient level of protection against potential losses.
Timing is another vital factor to consider when evaluating hedge bets. This includes thinking about when to place the hedge bet and when to exit it, based on the progress of the event, changes in odds, and other factors.
Your risk tolerance and financial goals are also essential to consider when evaluating different outcomes and hedge bets. For example, if you're trying to guarantee a profit, you might consider using futures wagers or placing additional bets on opposing outcomes to reduce exposure.
Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating different outcomes and potential hedge bets:
- Probability: Consider the likelihood of each outcome, based on your analysis of the event and the odds.
- Cost: Consider the cost of each hedge bet, including the potential loss from your initial bet and the potential payout from the hedge bet.
- Timing: Consider the timing of the hedge bet, including when to place it and when to exit it.
- Risk tolerance: Consider your own risk tolerance and financial goals when evaluating different outcomes and hedge bets.
- Hedging strategy: Consider different hedging strategies, such as partial hedging or multiple hedge bets on different outcomes.
Sports and Hedging
Hedging is a smart move for sports bettors who want to minimize their losses or guarantee a profit. You can hedge a futures bet or individual games to ensure you don't walk away with a complete loss.
In a tennis match between Raphael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco, the odds were 1.40 in favor of Nadal. To hedge this bet, you placed a $50 wager on Verdasco, which minimized a potential $100 loss to just $35.
Hedging is not limited to tennis; you can also hedge soccer bets, for example, by betting on both teams in a given matchup. This strategy is known as "hedging both sides" and can be a smart move if you're unsure which team will win.
In soccer, hedging can also involve wagering on the draw, which can be a bit riskier but can be a good option if you have a strong feeling that the game will end in a tie.
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What Does It Mean for Sports?
Hedging in sports betting is all about securing a profit by balancing out potential losses with strategic bets. There are many scenarios where this can happen.
In some cases, hedging can help sports bettors lock in a profit, even if their original bet doesn't pay off. This can be a lifesaver for those who've made a bold wager.
Hedging strategies can be applied in various sports, including football, basketball, and baseball. The goal is always the same: to minimize losses and maximize gains.
By hedging, sports bettors can reduce their risk and potentially turn a loss into a win. It's a smart move for those who want to stay ahead of the game.
Championship Futures
Hedging with Championship Futures can be a smart move, especially when you're looking to protect your bankroll. You can place a hedge bet on the opposing team to guarantee a profit, even if your original bet loses.
For example, if you wagered $100 on the Kansas City Chiefs at +5100, and they make another run to the Super Bowl the following year, you're looking at a potential profit of $5,100. But, if you're worried about the Chiefs losing, you can hedge with a bet on the Eagles at -200.
You can hedge with a bet on the opposing team to guarantee a profit, even if your original bet loses. This is exactly what happened in the hypothetical scenario where the Chiefs opened at +5100 and the Eagles were -200, where a $2,000 bet on the Eagles would have guaranteed a $3,100 profit.
If you're a risk taker, and entirely confident in your original bet, you might not want to hedge at all. But, if you're a bit more conservative in your approach and are looking to protect your bankroll, hedging is the smarter play.
Placing a Sports Bet
Placing a sports bet is a straightforward process, but it's essential to understand the basics before you start.
Raphael Nadal is a good example of a favorite, with odds of 1.40 in a fictional tennis match against Fernando Verdasco.
To place a bet, you'll need to decide which team or player to wager on and how much money to risk.
You can hedge a futures bet or individual games, which means placing a second bet to minimize potential losses.
If Nadal wins, you'll lose the $50 wagered on Verdasco, but if Verdasco wins, you'll have saved yourself $65.
Soccer
Soccer is a popular sport for hedging bets, and there are a couple of different ways to do it. One way is to bet on both teams in a given matchup, such as Manchester City and Chelsea.
You can place a wager on Manchester City to win by two or more goals and also on Chelsea to score at least once. This way, if either team wins or scores more than two goals, you'll win money on both bets.
Betting on the draw is another way to hedge soccer bets, but it can be a bit riskier since you're essentially betting that the game will end in a tie. If you have a strong feeling that a game is going to end in a draw, hedging your bet this way can be a smart move.
Legality and Ethics
A hedged bet is a strategy used to minimize risk, but it's essential to understand the legality and ethics surrounding it.
In the United States, hedged bets are considered a form of legal gambling, as long as they are placed through a licensed and regulated exchange or broker.
Hedged bets can be used in various financial markets, including stocks, forex, and futures.
The legality of hedged bets varies by country, with some nations having stricter regulations than others.
In the UK, hedged bets are considered a legitimate way to manage risk, but they must be placed through a licensed and regulated exchange or broker.
Identifying Opportunities
Analyzing the odds is a crucial step in finding hedge bet opportunities. Review the odds for the different outcomes of a game or event and identify scenarios where the odds are in favor of one team or outcome.
A significant difference between the odds for different outcomes can indicate a potential hedge bet opportunity. For example, if the odds of Team A winning are 2:1 and the odds of Team B winning are 3:1, it may be worth considering a hedge bet.
Consider the potential outcomes of a game or event. Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each team and their recent performance. This analysis will help you identify scenarios where a hedge bet may be appropriate.
To identify potential hedge bet opportunities, you need to calculate the potential outcomes for each bet and identify scenarios where a hedge bet can help you offset potential losses. Look for opportunities where the potential losses from one bet can be offset by the potential gains from another bet.
Here are the key factors to consider when identifying potential hedge bet opportunities:
By following these steps and analyzing the odds and potential outcomes of a game or event, you can identify potential hedge bet opportunities and maximize your chances of success.
Analyze Past Performance Trends
Analyzing past performance and trends is a crucial step in hedged betting. Review past performance by looking at the results of the teams, players, or horses involved in the event, including recent performances.
Consider external factors that may impact the event, such as weather conditions, injuries, or changes in coaching or team structure. These factors can influence the outcome of the event and impact your hedging strategy.
Analyze market trends by looking at the trends in the betting market for the event. This includes the odds and betting patterns, as well as any news or rumors that may be affecting the market.
Evaluate the event itself, including the rules, format, and other factors that may impact the outcome. For example, in a horse race, the distance of the race and the type of track can influence the outcome.
Here are the key factors to consider when analyzing past performance and trends:
- Review past performance: Look at the performance of the teams, players, or horses involved in the event.
- Consider external factors: Think about weather conditions, injuries, or changes in coaching or team structure.
- Analyze market trends: Look at the trends in the betting market for the event.
- Evaluate the event: Consider the rules, format, and other factors that may impact the outcome.
Monitoring the event once it has started is also important. Keep an eye on the progress and any changes in odds or probabilities to determine if you need to adjust your strategy or exit point.
Sources
- https://www.sportsbettingdime.com/guides/strategy/hedging-sports-bets/
- https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2565103/2022/01/27/hedge-sports-betting-futures-odds-parlay/
- https://www.betsperts.com/news/sports-betting-guides/hedge-betting/
- https://www.oddsshark.com/sports-betting/hedging-bets
- https://www.sportsbookreview.com/how-to-bet-on-sports/hedge-bets/
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