When it comes to betting the goal is simple: make a profit with minimal risk. This is where a hedging strategy comes in.

Used by experienced bettors, hedging is a calculated way to make a profit – or at least limit a loss no matter what happens.

In this article we’ll break down the basics, the pros and cons and give you practical examples of how to use this strategy.

What is Hedging?

Hedging in betting is a strategy that involves spreading risk across multiple outcomes by placing additional bets to secure a profit or minimise losses, regardless of the final result.

Example 1: You bet £50 on a football team to win at odds of 3.00. If they take the lead and their odds shorten to 1.50, you can place a lay bet on them at 1.50 to guarantee a profit no matter the final outcome.

Example 2: You back a tennis player to win a tournament at 10.00 odds. They reach the final, and their odds drop to 2.00. You can then bet on their opponent to spread your risk and lock in a profit or limit potential losses.

Example 3: You back three horses in a race at the top of the market to try and cover multiple angles rather than just backing one horse. 

Why Use a Hedging Strategy?

1. Spreading Risk: by covering more than one outcome, you are giving yourself a better chance of making a profit – albeit reducing the potential profit you could make.  
2. Risk Management: To protect your bankroll by limiting losses if the original bet doesn’t go your way.
3. Guaranteed Profit: In some cases hedging can make a profit regardless of the outcome if a trade goes your way.
4. Flexibility: It allows you to adjust to changing odds and events in real-time, perfect for in-play betting.

How does it work?

1. Make Your Initial Bet: Back your chosen market, such as a tennis tournament, football match or horse race.
2. Monitor the Event: Watch the odds change as the event unfolds. They can change due to goals, injuries or other game dynamics.
3. Calculate Your Hedge: Based on the new odds work out how much to back the other outcome to balance your position.
4. Place the Hedge: Back the other outcome and cover your initial stake and lock in a profit or limit losses.

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Example: Hedging in Football

A simple hedging trade would be in-play in a football match. 

Here for example is a match between Leverkusen and Roma with odds from the Betfair exchange.

Let’s say you layed the draw at 3.95 at the start of the match for £10:

Now the match goes in-play and Leverkusen go 1-0 up.

The draw odds jump to 5.9, giving you the chance to hedge your original bet and back the draw, to guarantee a profit whatever happens.

You could click the “cash out” button here for £32.78, leaving you with a profit of £3.28 whatever happens. 

Example: Hedging in Horse Racing

Another way that hedging can be used is in horse racing. 

Let’s say there’s a race where there two or three horses you think have a strong chance of winning the race, whilst you consider the others “no hopers.” 

You can’t decide which of the three is most likely to win the race however, so rather than backing just one horse (or sitting the race out), you could split your stake across the three horses.

Here for example is a race from Dundalk in Ireland. There are three horses at the top of the market priced between 3.7 and 6.0. 

None are outstanding favourites but all look to have a decent chance. So if you fancied these three horses and thought the winner would be highly likely to come from those horses, you could split your stake across the three selections:

Betfair allows you to split your stake easily by clicking on the “stake[?]” tab on the betslip: 

This brings up a box and you can then enter the total stake you want to place across the three horses in the box, then click “OK.”

It then works out the relevant amounts to give you an equal amount across the three horses.

So in this case you would have hedged your bets in this race and covered three horses rather than just backing one. 

It is much like the phrase “not having all your eggs in one basket.”

In this case, the favourite Perfect Judgement won the race, giving a profit for the hedge of just over £5 for a £10 stake. 

Some racing experts like to use this approach when they consider a race is likely to be run in a certain way.

For example in a fast run race where pace horses are likely to dominate from the front, they might want to hedge the pace horses in the race to give a decent shot of coming out with a profit. 

Hedging in Other Sports

This hedging approach can be used in other sports aswell. Tennis is a sport were hedging can work effectively, when betting on the winner of a tournament for example.  

For a long time, just three or four players dominated men’s grand slam tournaments: Federer, Nadal, Djokovic – and for a time, also Murray. 

Hedging your bets across these players would have given you a very high frequency of winners – albeit with reduced profits compared to backing just one of them per grand slam tournament.

These days it looks like a new group of players is emerging to dominant the game, led by the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. 

If we look at the odds for the Australian Open for example, it is these two at the top:

If you just wanted to hedge those two, you could do so and get a return of around £4.65 for a £10 stake.

Alternatively if you wanted to include Zverev, you would get a return of around £2.48 for a £10 stake. 

Naturally, you might have a slight preference for one player but still want to keep the other two onside as a safety net in case your favoured player didn’t win.

For example, if you wanted to stake a total of £10 while aiming for the highest return if Alcaraz won the tournament, you could allocate £5 to him and £2.50 each to Sinner and Zverev.

There are countless ways to structure your selections and staking, but these are two fundamental hedging strategies that can help you spread your risk and increase your chances of securing a profit from an event.

Find out who the Best Football Tipsters are here.

Hedging During the Event

Another way to use hedging is as a risk-management tool during an event, once your position has started to develop.

For example, let’s say you were betting on the Women’s Australian Open, with the following starting odds:

If you backed Iga Swiatek at the start at 4/1 (5.0) and she performed well, reaching the semi-finals where her odds shorten to evens (2.0), you might feel that while she has progressed far, she isn’t playing at her best and could be vulnerable to a rising star.

To reduce your risk, you could hedge your bets.

There are two main ways to do this: you could either lay Swiatek on a betting exchange or back one or more of the remaining players.

If you opt for the simpler approach of laying Swiatek, you might decide to lock in an equal profit regardless of the outcome.

For instance, if you initially backed Swiatek with £10 at 5.0, and now want to hedge at 2.0 for a guaranteed profit, here’s how you could do it on Betfair:

By laying Swiatek for £25 at odds of 2.0, you would secure a £15 profit no matter what happens, effectively hedging your position successfully.

Alternatively, you might prefer to create a no-loss position—where if Swiatek doesn’t win, you break even, but if she does win, you pocket £30.

There are numerous variations in between, but the core principle remains the same: reducing risk and covering more potential outcomes.

This approach is commonly used by professional traders who focus on predicting odds movements they can capitalise on, rather than solely predicting the final outcome of an event.

Hedging the Correct Score – Football

One of the most popular hedging strategies in football betting involves the correct score market.

The appeal of this approach lies in its flexibility—it allows you to back multiple outcomes, which can either be left to run as bets or traded in-play as the match unfolds.

For instance, if you expect a team to win but anticipate a tight, cagey contest, you might hedge by backing 1-0 and 2-0 while adding some insurance on 0-0 in case the game ends in a stalemate.

This strategy has been particularly effective with teams like Atlético Madrid in recent seasons, as they have a track record of grinding out narrow, low-scoring victories.

Here for example is the correct score market of their upcoming game against Leganes:

By hedging the 0-0, 0-1 and 0-2 scorelines you would have a profit of around £15.20 from a £10 stake if any of these scorelines hit.

This gives you some coverage of a low-scoring Athletico win and a goalless draw, rather than just trying to predict a single score. 

For those looking to take correct score hedging to the next level, advanced strategies are available through services such as Goal Profits and Football Trading Profits, which refine this approach by covering multiple outcomes and trading them dynamically during the match.

Summary – Types of Hedging

Hedging can be applied across a variety of betting scenarios then, each with its own strategic considerations:

• Pre-Match Hedging: This approach involves placing hedge bets before an event begins. It is particularly useful when odds fluctuate significantly due to team news, injuries, or market movements. For example, if you back a football team at 3.00 and their odds drop to 2.50 before kickoff, you can place a lay bet to lock in a profit regardless of the outcome.
• In-Play Hedging: A dynamic strategy where bets are adjusted in real-time as the event unfolds. This requires quick decision-making and an ability to react to sudden changes such as goals, red cards, or injuries. For example, if you bet on over 2.5 goals in a football match and two early goals are scored, you can hedge by backing under 2.5 goals to guarantee a return.
• Outright Market Hedging: Often used in futures markets, such as tournament winners or season-long bets. Bettors hedge by backing multiple participants at different stages to ensure a profit or reduce risk. For example, if you back a tennis player at 10.00 pre-tournament and they reach the final with odds of 1.80, you can hedge by betting on their opponent.
• Arbitrage Hedging: A risk-free betting strategy that exploits discrepancies in odds between bookmakers. By placing bets on all possible outcomes with different bookmakers, you can guarantee a profit. This is often done using software that scans the market for arbitrage opportunities.

Benefits of Hedging

There are various potential benefits to hedging, including: 

• Lower Risk: The primary advantage of hedging is that it minimises potential losses by covering multiple outcomes.
• Guaranteed Winnings: In optimal scenarios where a trade goes in your favour, hedging can ensure a profit, regardless of the result.
• Control and Choice: Bettors can adjust their positions as new information emerges, giving greater flexibility.
• Less Stress: Since hedging involves covering more than one outcome, it makes betting a more controlled experience with a greater chance of achieving a return (albeit a lower one than if just one outcome is backed).

Drawbacks of Hedging

There can also be some drawbacks to hedging however. These include: 

• Lower Winnings: While hedging reduces risk, it also means sacrificing the full potential profit from an original bet.
• Complex Calculations: Finding the right hedge stake requires mathematical accuracy, especially in live betting situations. Thankfully most exchanges and bookies have cash-out options these days to reduce this complexity. 
• Limited Availability: Not all betting markets provide hedging opportunities, particularly in illiquid markets. 
• Additional Costs: Multiple bets can increase the amount staked, or if the amount staked is the same can reduce the potential profit. 

Tools for Hedging

Modern technology has made hedging more accessible, with various tools designed to streamline the process:

• Bet Calculators: Online hedge calculators allow you to quickly determine the optimal stake for each outcome.
• Betting Exchanges: Platforms like Betfair and Smarkets enable bettors to lay bets, making hedging straightforward.
• Live Odds Trackers: These provide real-time updates on odds changes across different bookmakers, helping bettors identify hedging opportunities.
• Mobile Betting Apps: Many betting apps now include features like in-play betting and cash-out options, enhancing the hedging experience.

Hedging vs. Cash Out

Hedging and cash-out are similar in concept but differ in execution:

• Hedging: Involves placing additional bets to manually adjust your position and secure a profit or reduce risk.
• Cash Out: Offered by bookmakers and exchanges, this allows bettors to settle their bet early for a guaranteed return. However, when using the bookies to cash out, the payout can be less favorable than manually hedging through exchanges or multiple bets.

While cash-out is convenient, savvy bettors often find that manually hedging gives them better returns.

Is Hedging Right for You?

Hedging is best suited for bettors who prioritise long-term stability over high-risk, high-reward betting. It is particularly effective for:

• Bankroll Management: Those with larger bankrolls can hedge effectively as it sometimes requires extra funds.
• Volatile Markets: Sports like football, tennis, and horse racing often present excellent hedging opportunities due to fluctuating odds.
• Strategic Bettors: Those who prefer consistency and controlled betting rather than seeking big wins.

Tips for Getting Started with Hedging

• Start Small: Experiment with hedging on low-stake bets to build confidence and understand how odds move.
• Monitor Odds Closely: Utilise live odds trackers to identify the best hedging opportunities.
• Use Betting Exchanges: Exchanges typically offer better odds and greater flexibility for laying bets.
• Stay Disciplined: Avoid over-hedging, as excessive hedging can reduce potential profits.
• Refine Your Strategy: Continuously review past bets and results to improve your hedging approach over time.

By mastering hedging strategies, bettors can take a more calculated approach to wagering, ensuring long-term profitability and reduced risk.

Conclusion

Hedging is a great tool in a bettor’s toolbox as it allows you to manage risk and spread your bets across more than one outcome. 

While it may reduce overall winnings compared to letting bets ride, it provides a structured approach to bankroll management and enhances betting discipline.

Whether you’re hedging pre-match, in-play, or across outright markets, using the right tools and techniques can significantly improve your betting results.

By understanding the nuances of hedging and practicing with smaller stakes, you can develop a sustainable and profitable betting strategy that stands the test of time.

Slot games are the backbone of online casinos, drawing in players from all walks of life with their fun gameplay, bright graphics and big wins. From 3 reel classics to feature-packed progressive jackpots, there’s a slot for everyone.

If you’re new to spinning the reels or just looking to try something new, this guide covers the most popular slot games you’ll find at most online casinos. To give you an idea of just how many and how varied they are, we’ll break down the types and what makes them special.

For where to play, check out this online casinos Ireland review to find trusted sites with top slot games.

3 Reel Slots: The Old School Charm

3 reel slots are a throwback to the traditional fruit machines found in land based casinos. They have 3 reels and simple gameplay and often feature symbols like cherries, bars and lucky sevens. Because of their simplicity they’re great for beginners or those looking for a nostalgic experience.

Classic slots lack the features of modern games but make up for it with fast paced action and easy to understand mechanics. Popular examples are Double Diamond, Mega Joker and Break da Bank.

Video Slots: A Visual Treat

Video slots are the most common type of slot game and offer an immersive experience with great graphics, engaging themes and bonus features. They have 5 reels and multiple paylines so there are many ways to win.

Themes in video slots can range from ancient mythology to blockbuster movies so there’s something for everyone.

They often feature free spins, wild symbols and interactive mini games. Some popular ones are Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest and Book of Dead.

Progressive Jackpot Slots: Big Wins

For players looking for big wins progressive jackpot slots are the big draw. These games have jackpots that grow with every spin until one lucky player wins it all.

Progressive slots are linked across multiple casinos which is why the prize pools can reach millions.

The most popular progressive slots are Mega Moolah, Hall of Gods and Divine Fortune. To win the jackpot you often need to land a specific combination or trigger a bonus round. The odds are high but the rewards can be life-changing.

Multi-Payline Slots: More Ways to Win

Unlike traditional slots that have just one payline, multi-payline slots give you many ways to win. Paylines run horizontally, diagonally and even in zig-zag patterns. These slots are fun and rewarding.

The number of paylines can range from 10 to over 1,000 with games like Thunderstruck II and Immortal Romance being the most popular.

Remember betting on multiple paylines increases your stake but also increases your chances of winning.

Megaways Slots: Game Changer

Megaways slots have taken the industry by storm with thousands of ways to win with every spin.

Developed by Big Time Gaming this mechanic changes the number of symbols on each reel randomly creating up to 117,649 winning combinations.

Popular Megaways slots are Bonanza, Extra Chilli and White Rabbit. These games often feature cascading reels, multipliers and free spins to keep things fresh and exciting.

Branded Slots: Pop Culture on the Reels

Branded slots are based on popular franchises like movies, TV shows and music artists. They combine familiar themes with fun gameplay so are great for fans.

Examples of branded slots are Game of Thrones, Jurassic Park and Jimi Hendrix. These games often feature clips, soundtracks and characters from the original source so are extra exciting.

3D Slots: A Movie Experience

If you want top notch graphics and animations 3D slots are the way to go. These games use advanced technology to create a movie like experience with dynamic storylines and characters.

Games like Gonzo’s Quest 3D, Jack and the Beanstalk and Robin Hood: Shifting Riches show off the visuals of this genre.

Gameplay is similar to video slots but the extra visuals make every spin more fun.

Cluster Pay Slots: Breaking the Payline Mold

Cluster pay slots break away from traditional paylines and require players to form clusters of matching symbols to win.

These games often feature cascading reels where winning symbols disappear to make way for new ones to create multiple wins in a row.

Aloha! Cluster Pays and Reactoonz are great examples of this format. No fixed paylines makes cluster pay slots a welcome change for seasoned players.

Fruit Machines: A UK Classic

Fruit machines are a type of slot game popular in the UK. Known for their classic symbols and unique features like nudges, holds and bonus trails these slots are a mix of nostalgia and strategy.

Fruitinator and Sizzling Hot Deluxe are examples of fruit machines but with modern twists for online play.

High Volatility vs Low Volatility Slots

Not a type of slot but important to know when choosing a game. High volatility slots like Dead or Alive have bigger wins but less frequent wins so for the high risk takers.

Low volatility slots like Starburst have smaller more frequent wins so can be more suitable for the casual player.

Summary

Slot games are endless in variety and cater for all. Whether you like the simplicity of classic slots, the thrill of progressive jackpots or the new mechanics of Megaways, there’s something for everyone.

Now you know the different types of popular slot games you can find the one that suits your playing style.

With so many games to play at your fingertips now’s the time to get spinning!

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Ice hockey is something of a niche sport in the UK, with its most prominent league, the EIHL, not exactly being the global draw that many other top sporting tiers in the country can claim to be.

That said, the Elite League is growing at a strong pace, particularly when it comes to average attendance. Yet, there is an inherent appeal to the incredibly physical and skilful game, especially in the realm of betting.

Due to its format of scoring and the sheer volume of information available for the world’s top league, betting on ice hockey – and the NHL, in particular – has become a sneaky favourite amongst punters.

So, rather than accidentally going down the path of a failed betting system, as highlighted by Honest Betting Reviews, here’s what makes for a good ice hockey betting platform to offer you the most complete experience possible.

Player Stats Lines are Key to Ice Hockey Betting

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Ice hockey is a frantic, high-scoring game in which teams play several times each week and have four sets of forwards and three sets of defencemen skating out onto the ice to initiate play.

Throw in that backup goaltenders can get thrown into the mix in tired games (games played the next day after another game), and soon there are plenty of variables to consider when looking at the standard win, draw, and overtime win lines.

For many discovering ice hockey betting, it’s the player stat lines that offer the most intriguing odds. Unlike when you take goal-scorer or even assists tips from football betting systems like Goal King, for example, when you opt for similar bets in ice hockey, the odds of winning can be much higher. 

This comes down to the point system and the sheer propensity for scoring demonstrated by the best players. At the time of writing, the Nashville Predators were the worst team in the NHL with 22 points in 31 games, but even they had defenceman Roman Josi on 23 points and Filip Forsberg on 20.

In the NHL, you’ll see an average of over 3.1 goals per game – with five, six, and seven-goal games not being uncommon – across the 82-game slate for each of the 32 teams.

In the Premier League last season, there was an average of 3.28 goals per game, but for each of those, one player would be credited with the goal and one with the assist. In ice hockey, players get a point for scoring a goal or getting an assist, and each goal credits two assisters.

This is why ice hockey bettors should look for the bookies that offer a stacked range of player stat line options.

You’ll want lines for goals, assists, and points, with over-under, two-plus, three-plus, and power play scoring for several individual players to make the most of these key stats that boast a lot of betting potential.

For quick reference on NHL player stats, TSN Sports is your best bet, while the official NHL site offers situational looks.

More than Just Stanley Cup Betting

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Much like if you’re considering Trade on Sports for some American football action, you’ll know that there are a couple of phases to the NHL season.

As in the NFL, the NHL’s postseason is a different beast entirely, pushing players to their limits in ways that make finding a true favourite or a short odds favourite incredibly difficult. Of course, this does present great betting opportunities for those in the know.

As an example, as of 17 December, the Stanley Cup odds put up by Betway Sports had a good seven teams considered to be frontrunner, of which the favourites were the Edmonton Oilers at 13/2.

Just behind the Connor McDavid-led team were the Hurricanes, Panthers and Devils on 10/1, Dallas Stars on 11/1, and then the Colorado Avalanche out at 12/1.

It’s a very close race, but with long odds for each.

Still, predicting the Stanley Cup winner is incredibly tough due to the rigours of the postseason compared to the regular season.

As a result, it’s important to find a platform that offers many other outrights that cover the regular season, too.

These would include odds on all the trophies, from the Hart Memorial to the Frank J. Selke Trophy, as well as divisional winners and the Presidents’ Trophy – awarded to the regular season’s league topper.

With so much going on in each game, each day, and across the long NHL season, ice hockey betting certainly offers many opportunities for bettors if they can find a worthy platform.

The key is finding great odds on player scoring and other such stat lines and having several outright betting options.