Our Gambling 101 series continues with an explanation of futures bets. What are futures betting options and how can they help bettors boost their bankroll?

History of Futures Betting

Futures betting markets are an early form of wagering that first focused on politics and religion. For example, bettors in Italy wagered on who would succeed Pope Alexander VI way back in 1503. Prior to the Internet, political futures were offered by stock exchanges in the United States and United Kingdom. The first sports betting futures are credited to the 1896 Olympics in Greece, while UK bookmakers Ladbrokes and William Hill were leaders in online futures betting.

What is a Futures Bet?

Steadily growing in popularity, futures are offered on most sports and horse racing, plus politics and entertainment. A futures bet is any wager placed on an event that will take place in the future. Major championships, like the NFL Super Bowl