Hedge Bet Calculator

Hedge betting means placing a second wager on the opposing outcome of an original bet in order to reduce risk or lock in a guaranteed profit. It is most commonly used when an original longshot or futures bet has moved into a winning position, allowing the bettor to secure some return regardless of the final result.

The best time to hedge is when your original bet has gained significant value — for example, a futures ticket where your team has made the championship. If the guaranteed profit from hedging outweighs the risk of losing everything, hedging makes financial sense. Some bettors also hedge to reduce variance even when it slightly lowers expected value.

The calculator converts your original American odds to a decimal payout, calculates the total return if your original bet wins, then divides that figure by the hedge bet's decimal odds. This produces the exact hedge stake where both outcomes return the same net profit. The guaranteed profit is that equalized return minus your total money wagered.

Arbitrage (or 'arb') betting involves placing proportional bets on all outcomes simultaneously across different sportsbooks to guarantee a profit from the start. Hedging typically refers to placing a follow-up bet after an original wager has already been placed — often because odds have shifted in your favor. Both strategies aim to lock in profit regardless of outcome.

A guaranteed profit is only possible when the combined implied probability of both bets is less than 100%. If the hedge odds are too short relative to your original bet's payout, you may only be able to minimize losses rather than guarantee a profit. The calculator will show you exactly what outcome to expect.

American odds express how much you win relative to a $100 stake. A positive number (e.g. +750) means you profit $750 on a $100 bet. A negative number (e.g. -150) means you must bet $150 to profit $100. Enter the full number including the sign into the calculator fields.

Not necessarily. If you placed a futures bet at long odds and your selection is now a heavy favorite, hedging can lock in a solid return. However, if you believe your original pick will win and the guaranteed profit from hedging is small, letting it ride may offer a higher expected payout. It ultimately comes down to your personal risk tolerance.

No — your original stake has already been placed and is not returned regardless of outcome. Hedging guarantees a net profit on the combined investment (original stake + hedge stake). The calculator accounts for this by showing your total amount wagered versus your total payout on each scenario.