Calculate optimal hedge stakes to lock in profit
Calculate stakes to lock in profit
Your calculated hedge outcomes
| Scenario | With Hedge | Without Hedge |
|---|---|---|
| Original Bet Wins | +$100 | +$500 |
| Hedge Bet Wins | +$100 | -$100 |
Common hedge scenarios
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The math behind hedging
This formula calculates the stake needed to guarantee equal profit regardless of outcome. The formula assumes you're hedging the opposite side of your original bet.
Understanding hedge betting
To hedge for equal profit: Hedge Stake = (Original Stake × Original Odds) / Hedge Odds. Example: $100 at +500 (6.0 decimal), hedge at -200 (1.50). Hedge stake = ($100 × 6.0) / 1.50 = $400. Total risk $500, guaranteed return $600 = $100 profit either way.
Important concepts for hedge betting
Common questions about hedging
Hedge when your original bet has increased in value and you want to lock in profit. Common scenarios: futures bets near the championship, live bets with big leads, or any time you'd prefer guaranteed money over risking it all. It's a personal decision based on risk tolerance.
Hedging guarantees profit but reduces maximum potential winnings. If your original bet has a 70%+ chance of winning, letting it ride may have better expected value. But if the money matters to you and you'd be devastated to lose, hedging provides peace of mind.
As your team advances in a tournament, you can hedge before each game or wait until the championship. Hedging early locks in less profit but protects against earlier elimination. Hedging at the final gives maximum profit potential but requires making it to the end.
A middle occurs when you can bet both sides with overlapping winning conditions. Example: You have Team A -3 and find Team B +5. If Team A wins by 4, both bets win. Middles are rare but very profitable when they hit.
Usually hedge manually. Sportsbook cash out offers include a significant vig (10-20% sometimes). By hedging at another book, you often keep more profit. However, cash out is instant and convenient - worth the cost for some bettors.