How hedging works
A hedge is a bet on the opposite outcome of a bet you already have. The calculator shows three choices: equal profit either way, the smallest hedge that returns your original stake, and any hedge amount you type.
equal-profit hedge stake = original stake × original decimal odds ÷ hedge decimal odds
Example
You bet $100 at +300 and can now bet the other side at -150. An equal-profit hedge is $240.00, which locks in $60.00 whichever side wins. To just get your $100 back if the hedge wins, bet $150.00 instead: you'd keep $150.00 if your original bet wins.
FAQ
When should I hedge a bet?
Hedging trades upside for certainty. It's most common on futures and the last leg of a parlay, when the potential payout is large compared with your bankroll and a guaranteed smaller win is worth more to you than the gamble.
Does hedging cost money?
Yes, on average. The hedge bet carries its own vig, so hedging lowers your expected value. You're paying for a smaller spread of outcomes, not making extra money.
Can I hedge a parlay?
Yes. Enter the parlay's total stake and its combined odds as the original bet, then the odds on the opposite side of the remaining leg as the hedge.