Long-term bets that settle at season end
Futures Betting Explained
A futures bet wagers on an outcome that will not be settled for weeks or months — Super Bowl winner, World Series champion, NBA MVP, college football national champion, Heisman Trophy. Futures lock in your stake until the event resolves, but they often offer the largest plus-money payouts on the board.
Common Futures Markets
Major US futures markets in Maryland sportsbooks:
- Super Bowl Winner — opens before Week 1, settles in February
- World Series Winner — opens in spring training
- NBA Champion / MVP / Rookie of the Year
- NHL Stanley Cup
- College Football Playoff / National Championship / Heisman
- Win Totals — over/under on a team's regular season wins
How Futures Pricing Works
Futures are priced as American odds on each possible outcome. The combined implied probabilities of all outcomes total more than 100% — typically 110-130% — reflecting the sportsbook's margin (the 'overround').
2026 Super Bowl Winner (snapshot)
- Chiefs +500 (implied 16.7%)
- Ravens +800 (implied 11.1%)
- Bills +1100 (implied 8.3%)
- Eagles +1200 (implied 7.7%)
- ...sum across all teams ≈ 120%
Cash-Out and Hedging
Most Maryland sportsbooks let you cash out futures before they settle. If you bet the Ravens at +1200 in August and they reach the Super Bowl, the offered cash-out price likely jumps to +250 or shorter — locking in profit without waiting for the championship game.
Related Guides
Put It Into Practice
Open an account at one of the licensed Maryland sportsbooks and try a small wager — the best way to internalize the math is to use it.
Futures FAQs
When can I bet Super Bowl futures?
Super Bowl futures are available year-round. Lines are sharpest immediately after the previous Super Bowl, then move based on free agency, the NFL Draft, training camp, and weekly games.
Can I cash out a futures bet?
Yes. Most Maryland sportsbooks (FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars) offer cash-out on futures.
Are Ravens futures available at every sportsbook?
Yes. Every Maryland sportsbook posts Ravens Super Bowl, AFC Champion, and AFC North division futures throughout the season.
Why are futures payouts so high?
Futures payouts reflect long odds across many possible outcomes. There are 32 NFL teams, so even a likely Super Bowl winner carries +500 to +800 odds.