In the world of sports betting, there are numerous ways to place bets and potentially make profitable returns. One such method is a parlay bet, which offers a unique and enticing way to combine multiple wagers into a single bet. By understanding what a parlay is and how it works, you can maximize your chances of winning big in sports betting.
A parlay is a single bet that links together two or more individual bets for a higher payout. The key to a successful parlay is that all of your selections must win for your parlay to pay out.
This means that the more bets you include in your parlay, the higher your potential payout will be, but also the more challenging it becomes as each event you add to the parlay increases the risk. When constructing a parlay, you should take into account the odds and potential outcomes of each game or event.
To place a parlay bet, you’ll need to choose the sports and events you’re interested in, and then select the bets you want to include in the parlay. Many bettors appreciate the thrill of a well-crafted parlay, seeing it as an opportunity to create their own bespoke betting experience.
With careful analysis and a clear understanding of the risks involved, parlays can provide excitement and potentially significant returns for engaged sports bettors.
Parlays in Sports Betting
Parlay Bet
A parlay bet is a type of sports wager where you combine multiple individual bets, known as legs, into a single bet.
This results in higher potential payouts, but also requires that you win all the legs in the parlay. If even one leg loses, the entire parlay loses.
Odds
In sports betting, odds determine the amount you stand to win if your bet is successful. In a parlay, the odds are multiplied together, amplifying the potential payout. However, this higher reward also comes with a higher risk, as the chance of winning decreases with each added leg.
Legs
Legs are the individual bets that make up a parlay. When placing a parlay bet, you must select two or more legs, making it a more complicated betting option than single bets. Each leg must be successful for the parlay to win, making parlays riskier but more rewarding if successful.
Teasers
A teaser is a type of parlay bet in which you can adjust the point spreads or totals in your favor. By doing this, you increase your chances of winning but at the cost of reduced odds. In a teaser, all the legs selected must either be point spread bets or totals bets.
Accumulators
An accumulator is another term for a parlay bet, common in European sports betting. These bets function the same way as parlays, combining multiple individual bets into a single wager for a higher potential payout.
Remember, parlays can be exciting due to their potential high payouts, but they’re also riskier than single bets. Consider your knowledge of the sports involved and your risk tolerance before placing a parlay bet at a sportsbook.
Types of Parlay Bets
In this section, you’ll learn about different types of parlay bets available in sports betting, including point spread, moneyline, over/under, player props, and prop bets.
Point Spread
A point spread parlay bet involves multiple teams, and each team must cover the assigned point spread for your bet to win. In this bet, the underdog receives a specific number of points while the favorite gives up the same number of points. For a successful parlay, all your selections must cover their respective spreads. For example:
| Team | Point Spread |
|---|---|
| Team A | -6.5 |
| Team B | +6.5 |
- Team A must win by 7 points or more.
- Team B must either win, tie, or lose by 6 points or less.
Moneyline
A moneyline parlay comprises multiple teams winning their games outright, without any point spread. The odds for each team are combined together, increasing your potential payout. Be aware that the more teams you combine, the greater your risk. For example:
| Team | Moneyline |
|---|---|
| Team A | -150 |
| Team B | +200 |
- Both Team A and Team B must win their games for a successful parlay.
Over/Under
Over/under parlay bets involve predicting if the combined score of both teams in multiple games will be over or under a specified total. You must accurately predict the outcome across all your selected games for a winning parlay. For example:
| Game | Over/Under |
|---|---|
| Game 1 | O/U 48.5 |
| Game 2 | O/U 52.5 |
- You must predict if the combined score in Game 1 exceeds or falls below 48.5 AND if the combined score in Game 2 exceeds or falls below 52.5.
Player Props
Player prop parlays focus on individual player statistics across multiple games. These bets cover categories such as points, rebounds, assists, and more. A winning parlay requires each selected player to achieve their set statistical target. For example:
| Player | Player Prop |
|---|---|
| Player A | Over 25.5 points |
| Player B | Under 10.5 rebounds |
- Player A must score 26 or more points, and Player B must secure 10 or fewer rebounds.
Prop Bets
Proposition bets, or prop bets, focus on specific events or situations within a game. Parlays featuring prop bets may include different types of bets, such as game props and team props. A winning parlay requires each selected event or situation to occur as predicted. For example:
| Prop Bets | Odds |
|---|---|
| Team A first to score | -130 |
| Total goals in the game even | +110 |
- Team A must score first, and the total number of goals must be even for a successful parlay.
Calculating Parlay Payouts
Decimal Odds
To calculate the parlay payouts using decimal odds, follow these steps:
- Convert the odds for each selection in your parlay to decimal format.
- Multiply the decimal odds of each selection together.
- Multiply the total stake by the product from step 2, which gives you the potential payout.
Consider a two-team parlay with Team A at 1.50 and Team B at 2.00, and a stake of $10.
1.50 (Team A) x 2.00 (Team B) = 3.00
Now, multiply the stake by the product:
$10 (stake) x 3.00 (Product) = $30 (Potential payout)
American Odds
To calculate parlay payouts using American Odds, follow these steps:
- Convert the odds for each selection in your parlay to the decimal equivalent.
- Multiply the decimal odds of each selection together.
- Multiply the total stake by the product from step 2, which gives you the potential payout.
For example, let’s consider a two-team parlay with Team A at +150 and Team B at -200, with a stake of $10.
(1 + (150 / 100)) (Team A) = 2.50
(1 + (100 / 200)) (Team B) = 1.50
Multiply the decimal odds together:
2.50 (Team A) x 1.50 (Team B) = 3.75
And finally, multiply the stake by the product to get the potential payout:
$10 (stake) x 3.75 (Product) = $37.50 (Potential payout)
Parlay Calculator
A parlay calculator can simplify the process of calculating your parlay payouts. All you need to do is:
- Enter the odds for each selection in your parlay (either in decimal or American format).
- Enter the stake.
- Click the ‘Calculate’ button.
The parlay calculator will automatically convert the odds (if necessary), multiply them, and tell you the potential payout based on your stake. Many sportsbooks also provide parlay calculators on their websites for your convenience.
Parlay Betting Strategies
Bankroll Management
Proper bankroll management is a crucial aspect of sports betting, and it’s especially important for parlay betting. Allocate a specific amount of money for your sports betting endeavors. This ensures that you won’t risk more money than you can afford to lose. In parlay betting, consider placing smaller bets, since the probability of winning is lower compared to single wagers. This can help preserve your bankroll and maximize your chances of earning profit in the long run.
Research
When placing a parlay bet, thoroughly research each game or event involved. Analyze team and player performance, recent form, and head-to-head matchups to make more informed decisions. Evaluate each bet in the parlay individually to ensure it holds value on its own. This way, you increase the overall likelihood of your parlay being successful. Remember that a parlay bet is only as strong as its weakest link.
Correlated Bets
One potential advantage in parlay betting is the opportunity to include correlated bets. These are bets that have some connection which can influence the outcome of both bets. For example, if a football team has a strong offense and is playing against a team with a weak defense, you might bet on the team to win and on the game to have a high total score. By combining these correlated bets in a parlay, you can potentially increase your chances of winning.
However, be cautious when using this strategy, as many sportsbooks have restrictions on placing correlated bets within a parlay. Always review the betting rules and guidelines to avoid any issues while placing your parlay wagers.
Parlay Betting Examples
Three-Team Parlay
In a three-team parlay, you’re combining three separate bets into a single bet. For example, you’re betting on Team A, Team B, and Team C all to win their respective games. To win your parlay bet, all the following conditions must be met:
- Team A must win
- Team B must win
- Team C must win
If just one of those teams loses, you lose the entire parlay bet. The payouts for a winning three-team parlay are higher than if you bet on each team individually, due to the increased risk involved. Remember to study each team’s form and performance carefully before placing your bet.
Four-Team Parlay
A four-team parlay works similarly to a three-team parlay, but you are now combining four separate bets. Suppose you bet on Team X, Team Y, Team Z, and Team W all to win their games. For your four-team parlay to be successful, all these conditions must be met:
- Team X wins
- Team Y wins
- Team Z wins
- Team W wins
As you increase the number of teams in your parlay, the potential payout gets larger, but so does the risk. Keep in mind that just one wrong prediction will cause the entire bet to be lost.
Round Robin Parlay
A round robin parlay is a more flexible betting option as it consists of multiple smaller parlays. Instead of needing all your selections to win, you can still profit if some of them do. For example, if you choose four teams, you can create several smaller parlays to cover various combinations of those selections:
- Parlay 1: Team A, Team B
- Parlay 2: Team A, Team C
- Parlay 3: Team A, Team D
- Parlay 4: Team B, Team C
- Parlay 5: Team B, Team D
- Parlay 6: Team C, Team D
In this case, you’re placing six separate parlay bets, each with its own potential payout. While the individual payouts are smaller than a traditional four-team parlay, round robins minimize your risk and offer more chances to win.
Popular Parlay Betting Platforms
DraftKings
When it comes to parlay betting, DraftKings is a renowned platform with a large variety of sports and markets available. To place a parlay bet on DraftKings, simply select two or more games or events. The platform calculates your potential winnings based on the combined odds of the selections you’ve chosen.
DraftKings offers a user-friendly interface, making it easy for both novice and experienced bettors to navigate. Additionally, they provide numerous promotions and bonuses tailored for parlay bettors. These promotions may include parlay insurance and odds boosts, giving you more opportunities to maximize your winnings.
BetMGM
BetMGM is another popular platform for your parlay betting needs. With a wide array of sports and wagering options, you can easily create parlays tailored to your preferences. Conveniently select multiple events to build your parlay bet and see the potential payout increase as each selection is added.
At BetMGM, they constantly update their odds and offer competitive prices, ensuring you get the best possible value for your bets. The platform also periodically offers one-game parlays, allowing you to combine multiple bets within a single event. Keep an eye out for special promotions, such as parlay boosts and cashback offers, to enhance your betting experience further.
Both DraftKings and BetMGM are excellent choices for parlay betting. They both provide a diverse range of sports and markets, as well as special promotions dedicated to parlay bettors. Now that you’re familiar with these two popular platforms, you can confidently place your parlay bets and enjoy your sports betting journey.
Parlay Betting in Different Sports
NFL
In NFL betting, parlay bets allow you to combine multiple outcomes into a single wager. This increases the potential payout but also the difficulty of winning. For example, you could bet on a combination of games taking place on the same day. It’s essential to weigh the risks, as all bets within the parlay must win for you to receive a payout.
Baltimore Ravens
In a Baltimore Ravens parlay bet, you could bet on various events like point spreads, moneyline, or totals. For example, you could have a parlay combining the Ravens to cover the spread, the game to go over the set point total, and a specific player to score a touchdown. Analyze the team’s recent performance and analyze their opposition to make well-informed decisions.
Green Bay Packers
Similarly, you can create parlay bets featuring the Green Bay Packers. You might wager on outcomes like the Packers winning on the moneyline, a specific player exceeding a certain number of receiving yards, and the game going under the set point total. Periodically track the Packers’ performance, injuries, and other relevant factors to enhance your knowledge and success rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do parlay bets work in sports?
Parlay bets involve combining multiple individual bets, called legs, into one single wager. To win a parlay, you need all of your selected bets to be correct. If one bet loses, the entire parlay is considered a loss. The more legs you include in your parlay, the higher the potential payout, but also the higher the risk.
What are the payouts for different parlay combinations?
Payouts for parlays are calculated based on the odds of each individual bet within the parlay, and these payouts can vary significantly depending on the sportsbook and types of bets. Generally, the more legs included, the higher the payout. It’s important to check the specific payout rules at your preferred sportsbook before placing a parlay bet.
What sports can you place parlay bets on?
You can place parlay bets on a wide range of sports, including football, basketball, soccer, hockey, and baseball. Many sportsbooks also offer parlay bets on other events such as golf, tennis, and even politics. The key is to find a sportsbook that provides a variety of betting options and competitive odds.
How do odds affect parlay payouts?
Odds play a crucial role in determining parlay payouts. In a parlay, the odds of each bet within the parlay are multiplied to calculate the overall potential payout. This means that adding bets with longer odds to your parlay will significantly increase the potential payout, while adding bets with shorter odds will reduce it.
What are the advantages of parlay betting?
The main advantage of parlay betting is the potential for a larger payout than placing individual bets. Because the odds of each bet within the parlay are multiplied, the payout can quickly escalate when you have multiple winning selections. Parlays also provide an opportunity to make a low-risk bet with a higher return if you manage to correctly predict multiple outcomes.
Are there strategies for successful parlay betting?
While parlay betting comes with inherent risk due to needing all selections to win, there are several strategies that can help increase your chances of success. These include focusing on familiar leagues or sports, avoiding adding too many legs to your parlay, and carefully considering the odds of each bet. It’s also a good idea to research and analyze match-ups, form, and other relevant factors before making your selections.