Bet Hedging

Bet Hedging may appear complex but you can discover all the key tips as well as pros and cons with this guide

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Bet Hedging Guide

If you are into sports betting or trading, you might have heard the term hedging a bet. But what exactly does it mean? Simply put, hedging a bet is a strategy used to reduce risk and secure profits, no matter the outcome of a game or event. This is done by placing bets on different outcomes to balance potential losses. Check out our guide to find out everything you need to know about bet hedging.

Bet Hedging guide

Bet Hedging Explained

You may ask, what is hedging a bet? Bet hedging is a common betting technique used by both beginners and professionals. The main goal of hedging a bet is to minimize losses or lock in a profit. Instead of relying on a single outcome, you spread your risk across different bets. To give you an example, a €100 bet is placed on a tennis player to win a tournament at 5.00 (4/1) odds. As the tournament progresses, the player reaches the final, but their opponent is also in top form. At this point, the bet could be hedged by placing a second bet on the opponent. This ensures that the bettor walks away with some profit, regardless of who wins.

What is Bet Hedging?

Bet hedging is a strategy that can be used across many sports, not just tennis. In football, even if you have placed a bet on a team pre-game, you can bet in-play to hedge your bet and aim to limit any losses. Reducing your losses, or guaranteeing a small profit, no matter who wins is the key to this strategy. It is popular among bettors who want to play it safe while still having a chance to win.



To hedge your bets, you can use Edge, which is an advanced sports trading betting product designed to offer a versatile and comprehensive betting experience. Edge provides odds from over 10 bookmakers and popular exchanges, ensuring access to a wide range of betting opportunities. By getting the best prices, your hedging a bet strategy can be more profitable. With Edge, you can also compare odds from different platforms in real-time, making it easier to find the best opportunities for hedging a bet. Whether you are an experienced bettor or just starting out, having access to better odds increases your chances of success.



Alternatively, you can use Probet42, which has a state-of-the-art in-play platform across an extensive range of markets. This in-play offering can prove particularly useful when hedging your bets.

Types of Bet Hedging – Examples

There are different ways to apply hedging a bet. Here are a few hedging a bet examples with real-life scenarios:

  1. Pre-match vs. In-play Hedging
    • You place a pre-match bet on Chelsea to beat Aston Villa at odds of 2.00 (EVS). As the game progresses, Chelsea score an early goal, and their odds drop to 1.40 (2/5). 
    • To hedge, you place an in-play bet on Aston Villa or a draw at higher odds, securing a profit regardless of the final result.
  2. Arbitrage Betting
    • You find that one bookmaker offers 2.10 (11/10) odds for Carlos Alcaraz to win a tennis match, while another bookmaker offers 2.05 (21/20) odds for his opponent to win. 
    • By betting on both outcomes with the right stake distribution, you guarantee a profit no matter who wins.
  3. Cash-Out Hedging
    • You bet €50 on the Los Angeles Lakers to win against the Golden State Warriors at odds of 2.50 (6/4). Midway through the game, the Lakers take a strong lead, and the betting platform offers you a cash-out option for €90. 
    • You take the offer, securing profit without waiting for the game to end.
  4. Multi-leg Bet Hedging
    • You place a four-team accumulator bet on the NFL. The first three teams win, leaving only the final game (Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills). 
    • Instead of risking it all, you place a bet on the Buffalo Bills to win. This way, no matter the outcome, you lock in a profit.

Pros

  • Minimizes Risk – You reduce the chances of losing all your money.
  • Locks in Profits – Even if your initial bet was risky, hedging a bet ensures some return.
  • Flexible Strategy – Works for different sports and betting markets.

Cons

  • Lower Profits – Since you are covering multiple outcomes, the overall profit might be lower.
  • Complicated for Beginners – Requires understanding odds and knowing when to place hedge bets.
  • Market Restrictions – Some bookmakers may limit or restrict hedge betting.

Conclusion

Using hedging a bet as part of your betting strategy is a smart way to reduce risk and ensure consistent profits. Whether you are new to betting or an experienced bettor, understanding hedging a bet’s meaning and how to use it effectively can give you an edge. To get the best results, always compare odds across multiple platforms like Edge, where you can find the best prices for hedging a bet. You can also use the Mystic Mac tipster on our Telegram channel for expert tips on hedge bets before looking for the best odds on Edge.