What is hedge betting?

Hedge betting is staking on the opposite outcome of an existing bet to lock in a guaranteed profit (or limit loss) regardless of the final result. Most often used when an in-play position has moved heavily in your favour.

Hedging makes sense when you can lock in a profit greater than your original stake, when bankroll preservation matters more than maximum upside, or when the original bet has roughly half its expected value remaining. Hedging too early sacrifices long-term EV; hedging too late risks the position turning.

Hedge or cash out — which is better?

A manual hedge is almost always better mathematically. Bookmaker cash-out values typically include an extra 5-15% margin on top of the standard overround, meaning the cash-out price is below fair. Compare the two before deciding.

Hedge Betting Calculator

Lock in a guaranteed return by hedging your original bet against the opposite outcome. Common when an in-play position has moved in your favour and you want to secure profit regardless of the final result.

Inputs

Original Stake (£)

Original Odds (decimal)

Hedge Odds (opposite outcome)

Result

Hedge Stake

£250.00

Total Outlay

£350.00

Guaranteed Return

£350.00

Guaranteed Profit

£0.00

0.00% ROI

Hedging at these odds locks in a loss. The market hasn't moved in your favour enough to guarantee profit. Consider waiting for better hedge odds, or accept the loss as risk insurance.

For informational purposes only. 18+. Gamble responsibly.

Related Calculators

Lay Bet

Hedge by laying on an exchange instead of backing the opposite outcome.

Cash Out

See if a bookmaker cash-out offer beats a manual hedge.

Arb

Spot guaranteed-profit arbs across two bookmakers.

Hedge Betting Calculator

Inputs

Original Stake (£)

Original Odds (decimal)

Hedge Odds (opposite outcome)

Result

Hedge Stake

£250.00

Total Outlay

£350.00

Guaranteed Return

£350.00

Guaranteed Profit

£0.00

0.00% ROI

Hedging at these odds locks in a loss. The market hasn't moved in your favour enough to guarantee profit. Consider waiting for better hedge odds, or accept the loss as risk insurance.

For informational purposes only. 18+. Gamble responsibly.

Related Calculators

Lay Bet

Hedge by laying on an exchange instead of backing the opposite outcome.

Cash Out

See if a bookmaker cash-out offer beats a manual hedge.

Arb

Spot guaranteed-profit arbs across two bookmakers.