Futures Betting in Virginia: A Complete Guide to Futures Bets

Fact Checked by Blake Weishaar

With sports betting in Virginia having gone live, it's important to familiarize yourself with all of the different betting types, including futures bets. Here is a complete guide on how to place futures bets on some of your facorite sports. 

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What is a Futures Bet in Virginia?

A futures bet refers to a type of wager where you predict the outcome of an event that will occur in the future, typically at the end of a season or tournament. It's a long-term investment, and one usually with higher odds, as the result is not determined until well into the future. Futures bets are commonly placed on events such as championship winners, division winners, or individual player awards.

Futures betting would involve a wager such as the Commanders' playoff chances. If you were to place a futures bet on the those chances, you would be making a prediction about whether the team will qualify for the playoffs at the end of the NFL season. This type of bet could involve predicting whether they will win their division, secure a wildcard spot, or even go on to win the Super Bowl.

Promos for Virginia Futures Bets

As you prepare to place futures bets in Old Dominion, make sure to claim the available Virginia sportsbook promos which are valued at over $3K in bonus bets and other offers. These promotions will only help in boosting your bankroll to place futures wagers. 

Futures Betting Examples for Virginia Bettors

Futures are often offered on some of the top sporting events by sportsbooks like ESPN BET VA, including:

  • The Super Bowl
  • World Series
  • NBA Finals
  • Stanley Cup
  • March Madness

Outside of these major events, there are plenty of other futures bets offered by sportsbooks such as playoff chances, division and conference championships and individual player trophies. 

Must be 21+ to participate in VA. T&Cs apply. Play Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-888-532-3500

How to Read Futures Odds in Virginia

Before placing a futures bet with Virginia betting apps, it's paramount to understand futures odds and understand what they mean. 

Plus Odds (+)

If you see a number with a plus sign, like +150, it means that you could potentially win $150 for every $100 you bet. In simpler terms, plus odds indicate how much profit you would make on a $100 bet. The higher the plus number, the more you could win.

Minus Odds (-):

When you see a number with a minus sign, like -200, it means you need to bet $200 to win $100. Minus odds represent the amount you need to wager to make a profit of $100. The lower the minus number, the more the sportsbook sees that outcome as likely.

Even Odds (Evens or 1:1):

Even odds are represented as 1:1 or sometimes written as "Evens." This means that if you bet $100, you would win $100 in profit if your bet is successful. It's a straightforward one-to-one ratio.

When Do I Get Paid for a Futures Bet in VA?

Payout times for a winning futures bet will largely depend on which sportsbook you are using and the particular banking option that you choose. You'll have to wait for the event that you bet on to conclude, regardless of what sportsbook you're using. 

At the conclusion of the sporting event, your winnings will appear in your sportsbook account if your bet is successful. You can request a withdrawal after that. The majority of top sportsbooks, including BetMGM VA, offer quick payouts, so you can expect a payout in one to two days. 

Deposit required. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bets wager excluded from returns. New Customer only. Must be 21+ and Present in VA. T&Cs apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

VA Futures Betting Can Be Lucrative

Futures betting can be lucrative for sports bettors for several reasons, and its popularity stems from the potential for substantial payouts and the excitement of predicting long-term outcomes. Here's why it can be a rewarding strategy:

Attractive Odds

Futures bets often come with attractive odds, especially if you make predictions well in advance of the event. Bookmakers adjust the odds based on perceived probabilities, and early bets on potential underdogs or undervalued teams can yield higher returns.

Long-Term Investment

Futures betting allows sports bettors to take a long-term view on their predictions. Unlike single-game bets, which provide immediate results, futures bets keep enthusiasts engaged throughout the season, building anticipation and adding an extra layer of excitement to the sporting event.

Market Fluctuations

Odds for futures bets can fluctuate as the season progresses. If a team or player performs exceptionally well or faces challenges, the odds may shift, providing opportunities for savvy bettors to capitalize on favorable changes.

Diverse Options

Operators like Caesars Virginia Sportsbook offer a wide range of futures betting options, including predicting championship winners, division champions, MVPs, and more. This diversity allows bettors to choose from various markets, catering to different preferences and expertise levels.

Entertainment Value

Futures betting enhances the overall entertainment value of following a sports season. Placing a bet on a team's playoff chances, for example, can make each game more exciting as it directly impacts the potential success of your futures bet.

Strategic Betting

Successful futures betting often involves strategic thinking and research. Bettors can analyze team performance, player statistics, and other relevant factors to make informed predictions. This strategic approach appeals to those who enjoy the analytical aspect of sports betting.

High Stakes, High Rewards

The longer time frame and uncertainty associated with futures bets contribute to higher stakes. The potential for substantial winnings attracts sports enthusiasts looking for significant returns on their investment.

Popular Futures Bets to Make in Virginia

Futures bets are typically encompass a wide variety of sports and events. You can bet that you'll find futures betting options available for most of the highly anticipated and popular sporting events each year. 

  • NFL Futures Bets A bet on the Washington Commanders Super Bowl before the NFL season starts. If you place a $100 bet at +2000 odds, and the Commanders win, you would profit $2000.
  • NBA Futures Bets A wager on the Washington Wizards to win the NBA Championship at the beginning of the season. If you bet $50 at +2500 odds and the Wizards clinch the title, you would make a profit of $1250.
  • MLB Futures Bets Betting on the Washington Nationals to win the World Series before the MLB season begins. If you place a $75 bet at +1800 odds, and the Nationals become champions, you would profit $1350.
  • NHL Futures Bets A futures bet on the Washington Capitals to win the Stanley Cup at the start of the NHL season. If you bet $100 at +1200 odds and the Capitals secure the championship, you would profit $1200.
  • NASCAR Racing fans can place future bets on the latest NASCAR Richmond odds, with races happening during the spring.
  • College Football Futures Bets Placing a bet on the Virginia Tech Hokies to win the College Football Playoff before the season kicks off. If you bet $50 at +2500 odds and the Hokies become champions, you would profit $1250.
  • College Basketball Futures Bets A futures bet on the University of Virginia Cavaliers to win the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament before the season begins. If you wager $75 at +1800 odds and the Cavaliers win, you would profit $1350.

Other Futures Markets

Outside of the traditional sporting events listed above, there are plenty other futures markets to bet on at sportsbooks like Fanatics Virginia Sportsbook. These include golf, soccer, ceremonies, award shows and more. It's always recommended to check out the sportsbook and the futures wagers offered, as each sports betting operator differs.

Where Can I Make a Futures Bet in Virginia?

Futures bets can be placed with most sports betting brands in Virginia, whether that be a retail or online sportsbook. This includes sports betting operators like BetRivers Virginia, which fortunately operates in-person and online betting. That being said, each opeartor in Old Dominion is different, as is the offering of futures bets, so it's suggested to shop around to see what is being offered at each site to see which one suits you the best. 

Must be 21+ to participate and present in VA. T&Cs apply.

Best Strategy for Futures Betting in Virginia

Before you place that futures bet, you might want to consider the strategies that go into futures betting.  Incorporating these strategies into your approach to futures betting can contribute to a more successful and enjoyable experience. Betting to your strengths and conducting thorough research enhance your decision-making, shopping at different sportsbooks maximizes potential returns, and, most importantly, having fun ensures that sports betting remains an entertaining and engaging activity.

Bet to Your Strengths

Betting to your strengths means focusing on sports and markets that you are knowledgeable about. If you are an avid follower of a particular sport or team, your understanding of the game and its dynamics can be a significant advantage. Specializing in areas where you have expertise allows you to make more informed and strategic futures bets.

Do Your Research

Research is a crucial component of successful sports betting, especially when dealing with futures. Analyze team performance, player statistics, coaching strategies, and any other relevant factors that can influence outcomes. Understanding the current state of the teams or players involved will help you make more educated predictions and improve the overall quality of your bets.

Shop at Different Sportsbooks

Shopping around at different sportsbooks is a smart strategy to secure the best possible odds for your futures bets. Different bookmakers from DraftKings VA to Hard Rock Bet may offer slightly different odds for the same market, and getting the most favorable odds can significantly impact your potential profits. Having accounts at multiple sportsbooks allows you to compare and choose the best value for your bets.

Have Fun!

While sports betting involves real money, it's important to approach it with a sense of enjoyment. Having fun with your bets can help manage expectations and reduce the stress associated with the uncertainties of sports outcomes. Maintaining a balanced and enjoyable approach to betting ensures that it remains an entertaining hobby rather than a source of undue stress.

Pros & Cons of Futures Betting in VA

Pros
High Payouts: Potentially lucrative returns on successful long-term predictions.
Season-Long Excitement: Extended engagement and interest throughout the sports season.
Diverse Market Options: Numerous opportunities across various sports and outcomes.
Cons
Tie-Up of Funds: Investments are locked in until the conclusion of the event.
Uncertain Timelines: Outcomes take time, with results not immediate.
Market Fluctuations: Odds can change, affecting potential profits and losses.

Get Started Futures Betting in Virginia

Now equipped with a basic understanding of futures betting in Virginia, you're poised to embark on an exciting journey in the world of sports wagering. Remember to play to your strengths by focusing on sports and markets you know well, conduct thorough research to inform your predictions, and explore diverse options across various sports. Don't forget to shop around at different sportsbooks like Hard Rock Bet VA to secure the best odds for your bets. 

As you step into the realm of futures betting, keep in mind that it's not just about potential profits but also about enjoying the season-long thrill and engagement. So, whether you're backing your favorite NFL team, anticipating a college basketball upset, or predicting a Stanley Cup champion, embrace the excitement, make informed choices, and, above all, have fun!

Futures Betting in Virginia FAQ

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The experts at BetVirginia who bring you the latest updates in Virginia sports betting. We pull together decades of experience to give you analysis as well as comparisons of the best VA online gambling apps.

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