How a hedge works
You backed a team at 6.00 with ₦1,000 and they lead. Their opponents not winning is a likely outcome, but the price on the other side is now 1.50. Stake ₦4,000 on it and you make ₦1,000 whatever happens. The hedge bet calculator finds this stake for any odds.
How cash out is priced
A cash out offer is the bookmaker buying your bet back. A fair price would be your potential return divided by the current odds of the bet winning. The offer is usually lower, because the bookmaker adds a margin for settling early.
| Your bet | Odds now | Fair value | Typical offer range |
|---|---|---|---|
| ₦1,000 at 6.00 | 3.00 | ₦2,000 | below ₦2,000 |
| ₦1,000 at 6.00 | 1.50 | ₦4,000 | below ₦4,000 |
| ₦1,000 at 6.00 | 1.10 | ₦5,455 | below ₦5,455 |
Use the cash out calculator to see how much of the fair value an offer gives you.
Hedge or cash out?
- Find the hedge priceLook for the best odds on the other outcome, at any bookmaker.
- CompareWork out the locked profit from the hedge and the cash out amount.
- Take the better oneA hedge at a good price often beats the cash out offer.
When locking a profit makes sense
Locking in removes risk; it does not add value. It makes sense when the full win would change your life more than the loss of the sure amount would, or when the stake was more than you should have bet. If you hedge every bet, you pay margin twice and your long-term results get worse.
Questions
Can I hedge an acca with several legs left?
Yes, but it takes several bets to cover every way it can lose. It is simplest on the last leg.
Why is my cash out offer lower than the hedge?
The offer includes the bookmaker's margin for early settlement.
Should I always cash out when ahead?
No. Over many bets, regular cash outs give away value.