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Bet Types

Futures

A bet placed on the outcome of an event in the future, such as which team will win a league championship or who will win the MVP award. Futures bets are typically available well in advance and odds change as the season progresses. They tie up your bankroll but can offer significant value early in a season.

Related Bet Types Terms

Teaser
A type of parlay where the bettor can adjust the point spread or totals in their favor for each selection, but at reduced odds. Common in American football and basketball. For example, a 6-point teaser on a -7.5 spread changes it to -1.5. All legs must still win for the teaser to pay out.
Moneyline (ML)
A straightforward bet on which team or player will win a match or event. There is no point spread involved. In a two-way moneyline (e.g., tennis), you pick the winner. In a three-way moneyline (e.g., football/soccer), you can also bet on a draw. Moneyline bets are the simplest form of sports betting.
European Handicap (EH)
A handicap bet using whole numbers (e.g., -1, -2, +1) where three outcomes are possible: home win, draw, or away win with the handicap applied. Unlike Asian Handicap, draws are possible, meaning you can lose even with a one-goal margin. For example, Team A with a -1 handicap must win by 2+ goals.
Each Way (E/W)
A bet consisting of two equal parts: one on the selection to win and one on the selection to place (finish in the top positions). Common in horse racing and golf. If your selection wins, both parts pay out. If it places but does not win, only the place part pays at a fraction of the win odds (typically 1/4 or 1/5).
Lay Bet
A bet against an outcome occurring, effectively taking the role of the bookmaker. Only available on betting exchanges like Betfair. When you lay a bet, you are offering odds to other bettors. If the outcome occurs, you pay the backer's profit. If it does not occur, you keep the backer's stake.
Parlay (Multi)
A single bet that links two or more individual wagers together, requiring all selections to win for the bet to pay out. Also known as an accumulator (acca) in the UK or a multi in Australia. The combined odds are the product of each individual selection's odds, creating high potential returns but lower overall probability.
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