What is an Open Spots Parlay?
Open Spots Parlays are an advanced parlay betting option that allows bettors to place parlay bets with open spots that can be filled at a later time. This flexibility makes them a popular choice among experienced bettors who seek to maximize their betting strategy.
An Open Spots Parlay is a type of parlay bet where you select multiple bets, but leave one or more spots unfilled. These open wagers are parlay bets where you have the flexibility to fill the remaining spots later with new selections. The rest of the selections can be filled with games available to bet on as they are decided. This allows you to complete the parlay over time, rather than all at once.
Parlay Bets: Getting Started
Parlay bets are wagers where you select multiple bets, and all selections must win for the parlay to be successful. A typical parlay is originally placed with all the selections chosen at once. However, with Open Spots Parlays, you're allowed a maximum of 2 open spots, meaning you can place your initial bets and fill the remaining open spots later.
Parlay's original payout will depend on the Parlay odds of the selections made at the time the parlay is placed. If you have an open wager left unfilled, the payout will be adjusted based on the new selection once the open spot is filled.
It's important to understand the rules and restrictions associated with Open Spots Parlays. Not all betting markets may allow open spots, and the maximum number of open spots is usually capped at 2. Additionally, open wagers are not allowed on teasers, so you'll need to complete the parlay with straight bets.
Example 3 Team Parlay
Let's break down an example 3 team parlay to better understand how open spots work.
- Leg 1: Cowboys -8
- Leg 2: Dolphins +14
- Open Spot: Pending
In this example, the parlay bet is for $100 to win $600. The first two selections are made, and the third is left open. At a later time, when you're confident in another selection, you can fill the open spot with a new selection. Once the open spot is filled, the parlay is complete, and the payout will be based on the odds of all three selections.
If, for example, the third leg is filled with a team that has a moneyline of +200, the payout will be recalculated based on this new selection. It's important to note that if any of the previous legs lose, the entire parlay is graded as a loss, regardless of whether the open spot is filled.
Strategies for Using Open Spots
Using Open Spots Parlays requires a strategic approach. Here are some tips:
- Timing is Key: The primary advantage of an Open Spots Parlay is the ability to fill open spots with games that have favorable odds or situations. Timing your selections can lead to better payouts.
- Leverage Live Betting: Open Spots Parlays allow you to take advantage of live betting opportunities. For instance, if you notice that a team's odds have improved during a live game, you can fill the open spot with that team.
- Risk Management: By leaving an open spot, you can manage your risk better by only completing the parlay when you're confident in the next selection.
Placing an Open Spots Parlay Bet
Placing an Open Spots Parlay bet is straightforward but requires attention to detail:
- Select Your Initial Bets: Start by selecting the first few legs of your parlay.
- Leave Spots Open: Choose to leave up to 2 spots open. These open wagers are parlay bets that will be filled later.
- Fill the Open Spots: At a later time, you can fill the open spot with new selections as opportunities arise.
- Confirm Your Bet: Once all spots are filled, confirm your bet. The payout will be adjusted based on the odds at the time the open spot is filled.
- Monitor the Parlay: Keep an eye on the games which may affect your parlay. If any selection loses before the open spot is filled, the entire parlay is graded as a loss.
By understanding how Open Spots Parlays work, you can leverage this flexibility to improve your betting strategy, ultimately allowing you to complete bets where you select the best possible outcomes. If you're ever in doubt, don't hesitate to reach out to our support team using live chat for assistance.
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Meet our Authors
Paruyr Shahbazyan
Paruyr Shahbazyan began his business career in 2000 as a private entrepreneur. Over thirteen years, he developed a deep understanding for business and leadership, laying a solid foundation for his professional journey.
In 2013, Paruyr stepped into the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating. This online mass media platform, which he led until 2020, focused on providing in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting, earning a reputation for its quality content.
Continuing his innovative approach in 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This venture showcases his dedication to integrating advanced technology in the evolving landscape of sports betting. Through these diverse experiences, Paruyr has continuously influenced and shaped the betting industry, driving new trends and setting high standards.
| Experience | Year |
| Engaged in private entrepreneurship | 2000-2013 |
| Founder and President at Bookmaker Rating, an online platform focused on sports and betting | 2013-2020 |
| Co-founder at Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol | 2022 |
"Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports."
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Paruyr Shahbazyan's core beliefs lie in the power of informed decision-making and integrity in the betting industry. He understands that the foundation of successful betting is not just about odds and predictions, but also about the trust and reliability of the information provided. Paruyr advocates for a betting environment where transparency and knowledge are paramount, ensuring that bettors are well-equipped with accurate data and insights.
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Paruyr's vision is to revolutionize the sports betting industry through the integration of technology. He sees the future of betting as a blend of traditional sports knowledge with innovative tech solutions, like decentralized protocols, to enhance user experience and fairness. His aim is to create platforms that are not only user-friendly but also uphold the highest standards of ethical betting, contributing to a more responsible and enjoyable betting culture.
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Looking towards the future, Paruyr envisions a betting landscape that is more inclusive, technologically advanced, and globally connected. He anticipates a significant shift towards more decentralized and transparent betting systems, driven by blockchain technology. Paruyr is committed to being at the forefront of this change, continuously exploring new possibilities and innovations that can redefine what it means to engage in sports betting in a digital world. His focus is on building systems that prioritize user empowerment, fairness, and the global growth of the sports betting community.
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Sol has over 20 years of experience in writing for diverse industries including sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups. As the Editor-in-Chief at RG, Sol brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, focusing on delivering transparent, evidence-based content grounded in thorough research. Sol's mission is to empower readers to enjoy gambling responsibly and make informed decisions, enhancing their overall experience through insightful and engaging content. Under Sol's leadership, RG prioritizes the highest standards of integrity and reliability, ensuring that all information provided is accurate and trustworthy. Sol's dedication to transparency and research-based writing helps create a responsible gambling environment where readers can truly benefit from the content. This commitment to excellence has positioned RG as a leading source of information in the gambling industry.
Experience:
- Over 20 years in writing and editing across multiple industries
- Former head of regional innovation at BMO Financial Group
- Senior Writer, Online Casino Reports
Cristina Varela Galan
Cristina used to work as a Psychology Assistant in the Bizkaia Pathological and Risky Gamblers Association. She was also part of a research team in Deusto University, specializing in pathological gambling area. While working there, she managed to develop her own project
“Exploring the association between emotional regulation, alexithymia, stressful life events and gambling in adolescent and young adult women”.
Nick Ashbourne
Nick has been fascinated with sports since he was first taken to a Toronto Maple Leafs game back in 1998, and he's written about them professionally since 2014.
Nick has covered baseball and hockey for outlets like The Athletic, Sportsnet, and Yahoo Sports, and his sports betting expertise has grown since its legalization in Ontario in 2022.
Between 2022 and 2023 he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets, and in 2024 he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the Responsible Gambler team.
Sergey Demidov
Sergey has been in sports journalism since 2007 as a reporter, editor, and manager. He has covered the Olympic Games, soccer World Cups, the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, the European championships, the Stanley Cup Finals, IOC events, and many others. Sergey interviewed the sport's greatest athletes, coaches, and executives. Since 2016, he has been an Independent Senior Editor of NHL.com/ru.
Anna Kravtcova
Ph.D. in organizational psychology, an internationally certified psychologist (EuroPsy 2022, Cognitive behavioural therapy of mindfulness 2020, International Society for Emotional Intelligence 2017, Russian Psychological society 2014, American Psychological Association(Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychologist) 2011), speaker of many international conferences (USA, Brazil, Portugal, Czech Republic, Russia, etc.). TEDx speaker.
