WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS TO COVER A BET?
3 min readCovering a bet typically refers to taking additional actions or placing additional bets to reduce or offset potential losses on an existing bet. Here are some common strategies and ways to cover a bet:
Hedging Bets:
Hedging involves placing bets on the opposite outcome of your original bet to reduce potential losses. For example, if you initially bet on Team A to win, you can hedge by placing a bet on Team B to win or the game to end in a draw. This way, you ensure that you’ll win one of the bets, albeit with reduced profits.
Live Betting (In-Play Betting):
If you have the opportunity to bet on a live match while it’s in progress, you can use live betting to hedge your original bet. For instance, if you bet on Team A to win, but Team B takes an early lead, you can place an in-play bet on Team B or a draw to mitigate potential losses.
Cash Out Options:
Some sportsbooks offer a “Cash Out” feature that allows you to settle your bet before the event’s conclusion. You can use this feature to secure a portion of your potential winnings or minimize losses if the game is not going as expected.
Partial Cash Out:
In some cases, sportsbooks offer the option to partially cash out your bet. This allows you to secure a portion of your potential winnings while leaving the remaining stake active. It’s a way to lock in some profit while still having a chance at a larger win.
Alternative Markets:
Look for alternative betting markets that can help you cover your original bet. For example, if you initially bet on a team to win, you can place a bet on that team to draw in a double chance market, providing additional insurance.
Adjusting Bet Size:
Depending on your analysis and the changing circumstances of the event, you can adjust the size of your bets. Increasing or decreasing the stake on certain outcomes can help you control potential losses or secure profits.
Arbitrage Betting:
Arbitrage betting involves placing bets on all possible outcomes of an event with different sportsbooks to guarantee a profit. This strategy is complex and requires precision but can be an effective way to cover bets.
Lay Betting (Betting Exchanges):
In betting exchanges, you can act as the bookmaker and lay bets against a particular outcome. If you’ve bet on Team A to win, you can lay bets on Team A not to win, effectively covering your original bet.
Parlay and Accumulator Hedging:
If you have multiple selections in a parlay or accumulator bet, you can hedge by placing individual bets on some or all of the selections. This allows you to secure winnings from part of the bet while still having a chance at a bigger payout.
Analysis and Research:
Continuously monitor the event and adjust your hedging strategy based on real-time developments. Pay attention to factors like game flow, injuries, and team performance to make informed hedging decisions.
It’s important to note that while covering a bet can minimize potential losses, it may also reduce potential profits. Additionally, not all bets are worth covering, as it depends on the specific circumstances and the value of the bets involved. Carefully consider the potential outcomes and the associated costs before deciding to cover a bet.