What is a Parlay?
A parlay is a sports betting wager where you combine multiple individual bets into a single wager.
To win using this bet type, you must correctly predict the outcomes of two or more bets, or "legs," that make up the parlay.
FanDuel offers a wide variety of parlay betting markets, from standard point-spread parlays to more specialized offerings like same-game parlay bets.
Understanding the different parlay types and how to build an effective parlay strategy is crucial for sports bettors looking to maximize their potential returns.
Here's a basic summary of how those returns are affected by increasing the legs in a parlay:
Bet Type | Potential Payout | Risk Level |
---|---|---|
Two-Leg Parlay | +300 | Moderate |
Three-Leg Parlay | +600 | High |
Four-Leg Parlay | +1000 | Very High |
Understanding FanDuel Parlay Options
FanDuel provides several parlay options for bettors to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and potential advantages.
The most common parlay types available on the FanDuel Sportsbook include:
- Standard Parlays: These are the traditional multi-game parlays where you combine two or more individual bets, such as point spreads, moneylines, or over/unders, into a single wager.
- Same-Game Parlays: This feature allows you to combine multiple bets within a single game, such as player props, point spreads, and game totals, into a single wager found on the same-game parlay tab.
- Point-Spread Parlay Teasers: Teasers are a special type of parlay where you can adjust the point spreads of the individual legs in your favor, but at the cost of a lower potential payout.
Understanding the nuances of each parlay type and how they fit into your overall betting strategy is crucial for success.
FanDuel Same-Game Parlay
The FanDuel same-game parlay allows bettors to combine multiple bets within a single event into one wager. This can include a variety of bet types, such as:
- Point spreads
- Moneylines
- Game totals (over/unders)
- Player props (e.g., player scoring, rebounding, or assist totals)
The flexibility of the same-game parlay allows bettors to get creative and potentially exploit specific matchups or player/team trends.
One popular same-game parlay example could be combining the Philadelphia Eagles to cover the spread, Saquon Barkley to score a touchdown, and the game total to go over the point total.
If all three of these outcomes occur, the parlay would pay out at much higher odds than placing each bet individually.
Building a Winning Parlay Strategy
Developing a successful parlay betting strategy requires a combination of research, discipline, and risk management.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
Key Principles
- Understand Your Odds: Carefully analyze the individual odds of each leg in your parlay to ensure the overall payout justifies the risk.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Avoid the temptation to "chase" big payouts by risking too much of your bankroll on a single parlay.
- Diversify Your Bets: Consider spreading your bets across multiple parlays rather than concentrating all your wagers on a single high-risk parlay.
FanDuel Parlay Features
FanDuel offers several features to help bettors manage their parlay bets, including:
- Parlay Builder Tool: This interactive tool allows you to easily create and customize your parlay bets, displaying the potential payout and risk.
- Parlay Insurance: FanDuel may offer "parlay insurance" promotions, which provide a refund if one leg of your parlay bet loses.
- Bet Slip Management: The FanDuel betting slip makes it easy to track and manage your active parlay bets.
Advanced Parlay Strategies
While building a winning parlay strategy requires discipline and sound bankroll management, there are also some more advanced techniques that experienced bettors may employ:
Hedging and Parlay Insurance
Hedging involves placing an additional bet that offsets some of the risk of your original parlay. This can be used to lock in profits or limit losses if one or more legs of your parlay are in jeopardy.
Parlay insurance, as mentioned earlier, is a feature offered by FanDuel that provides a refund if one leg of your parlay bet loses.
This can be a useful tool for managing risk, especially on larger, riskier parlay bets.
Same-Game Parlays: Tips and Tricks
When constructing same-game parlays, it's important to identify key matchups, player/team trends, and potential gameplay scenarios that you can exploit.
Look for opportunities where multiple outcomes within a single game are correlated and can be combined for a higher payout.
For example, in an NFL game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs, you might consider a same-game parlay that includes the Chargers covering the spread, J.K Dobbins to score a touchdown, and the game total to go over the point total.
If you believe the Chargers will keep the game close and their top running back will find the end zone, this parlay could offer value.
Common Parlay Mistakes to Avoid
While parlays can be an exciting and potentially lucrative way to bet on sports, they also come with inherent risks.
Some common mistakes to avoid include:
- Chasing Big Payouts: Resist the temptation to risk too much of your bankroll on a single, high-risk parlay in pursuit of a large payout.
- Lack of Research: Failing to thoroughly research and analyze the individual legs of your parlay can lead to poor decision-making and increased risk.
- Emotional Betting: Letting your emotions, such as frustration or overconfidence, influence your parlay selections can result in costly mistakes.
Parlay Betting Psychology
The thrill of potentially winning a large payout can be alluring, but it's important to approach parlay betting with discipline and a clear understanding of the risks involved.
Bettors should be aware of the psychological biases that can lead to poor decision-making, such as the "gambler's fallacy" and the desire for immediate gratification.
Maintaining a balanced perspective and managing your emotions, especially when faced with a losing streak, is crucial to long-term parlay betting success.
FAQ
Minimum Legs
What is the minimum number of legs required for a parlay bet?
The minimum number of legs for a standard parlay bet is typically 2, but this may vary depending on the sportsbook.
Maximum Legs
What is the maximum number of legs allowed in a parlay bet?
The maximum number of legs can vary, but many sportsbooks, including FanDuel, typically cap the number of legs at 12 or 15.
Same-Game Parlays
Can I place a parlay bet on the same game?
Yes, FanDuel's same-game parlay feature allows you to combine multiple bets within a single game into a single parlay.
Payout Calculation
How do I calculate the potential payout for a parlay bet?
To calculate the potential payout, you multiply the odds of each individual leg together. For example, a 3-leg parlay with odds of 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 would have a potential payout of 24.0 (2.0 x 3.0 x 4.0).
Cashing Out
Can I cash out a parlay bet early?
Yes, many sportsbooks, including FanDuel, offer a cash-out feature that allows you to settle your parlay bet before all the legs have been determined.
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