How to Use Parlay Bonuses, Responsibly

Author
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Editor-in-Chief
Fact checked by:
Paruyr Shahbazyan
Founder
Last Updated: Mar 5, 2024, 4:51 PM

All About Parlay Bonuses

Parlay bonuses are promotions that enhance the winnings of a parlay bet, often adding a percentage bonus to the total winnings based on the number of selections in the parlay. They can significantly increase the potential payout of a parlay bet, making them an attractive option for bettors. However, as with all forms of betting, it's essential to use these bonuses responsibly to ensure they add value to your betting experience without leading to irresponsible gambling habits.

Pros and Cons of Parlays Bonuses

Pros

  • Enhanced Winnings: The main advantage of parlay bonuses is the potential for increased winnings, adding extra value to successful parlays.
  • Incentive to Explore: They provide an incentive to explore different sports or events you might not usually bet on, broadening your betting experience.
  • Strategic Betting: For experienced bettors, parlay bonuses can offer a strategic advantage when carefully selecting bets that have a higher probability of success.

Cons

  • Increased Risk: Parlays are more challenging to win because they require multiple selections to be correct. The bonus can sometimes obscure the inherent risk.
  • Complexity: The terms and conditions for parlay bonuses can be complex, making it difficult for less experienced bettors to understand fully.
  • Mismanagement of Bankroll: The allure of enhanced winnings can lead to allocating a disproportionate amount of your bankroll to parlays, risking more than is advisable.
  • Encouragement of Risky Bets: Bettors might be tempted to add more selections to their parlay to qualify for a larger bonus, increasing the bet's risk.
  • Potential for Loss Chasing: Following a lost parlay, the desire to use the bonus for a quick recovery can lead to chasing losses, a behavior that can escalate into problematic gambling.

Understanding Parlay Bonuses

Know exactly how the parlay bonus works, including what constitutes a qualifying parlay (e.g., the minimum odds, number of legs required), the scale of the bonus percentage, and any caps on bonus winnings. This understanding will help you construct your parlays in a way that maximizes the potential benefits of the bonus.

Read the Terms and Conditions

  • Familiarize yourself with the specific terms and conditions of the parlay bonus. This includes understanding any restrictions on the types of bets or sports that qualify, how the bonus is applied, and any wagering requirements on bonus winnings.

Bet Wisely

  • Even though parlay bets can offer significant returns, especially with bonuses, they are inherently riskier than single bets. Each additional selection increases the risk of the bet failing. Make informed decisions based on research and realistic outcomes rather than the allure of a large bonus.

Manage Your Bankroll

  • Incorporate parlay bets with bonuses into your overall bankroll management strategy. Because parlays are riskier, they should constitute only a small portion of your betting activity. Never bet more than you can afford to lose, and avoid the temptation to increase your stake significantly because of the bonus.

Use for Fun, Not as a Strategy

  • View parlay bonuses as a way to add excitement to your betting rather than a serious strategy for making money. The odds of winning long-shot parlays remain low, even with the added incentive of a bonus.

Know When to Stop

  • As always, responsible betting means knowing when to take a break. If you find yourself chasing losses with increasingly risky parlays or betting more frequently to qualify for bonuses, it's time to reassess your gambling habits.

Using parlay bonuses responsibly means balancing the excitement and potential rewards with an understanding of the risks and maintaining disciplined betting habits.

Final Thoughts

Odds boosts, when approached with a disciplined and informed strategy, can enrich the sports betting experience by offering the chance for higher payouts on selected events. However, the allure of enhanced odds should never compromise the principles of responsible betting. By being selective, sticking to a budget, and conducting thorough research, bettors can integrate odds boosts into their overall betting approach effectively. Remember, the goal of betting should always be to enjoy the game responsibly, with odds boosts serving as an occasional enhancement rather than the foundation of your betting strategy.

Meet Our Authors

Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Editor-in-Chief

Sol's interest in sports was sparked at a young age, inspired by athletes such as Barry Sanders, Michael Jordan, and Wayne Gretzky. This early fascination evolved into a deep-seated passion, guiding him toward a career in sports journalism in 2007. Over the years, Sol has contributed numerous articles and reviews to various online platforms, sharing his knowledge and perspectives.

Central to Sol's approach is his dedication to honesty, especially regarding sports betting platforms. He believes in providing bettors with straightforward and detailed reviews, distinguishing his work by avoiding the often overly positive spin on bonus offers and promotions. His commitment to truthfulness has made his reviews a reliable source for those seeking authentic advice and information, thereby earning him a reputation for integrity among his readers.

“In the world of sports betting, truth is more valuable than any bonus offer.”

ExperienceYear
Content Manager, OnlineCasinoReports2012-2021
Sports Journalist, Dottraffic2009-2011
Content Writer, HouseTech2007-2009
Cristina Varela Galan
Cristina Varela Galan
Problem Gambling Expert

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”.

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.

 ExperienceYear
Engaged in private entrepreneurship2000-2013
Founder and President at Bookmaker Rating, an online platform focused on sports and betting2013-2020
Co-founder at Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol2022

"Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports." 

- Paruyr Shahbazyan, Founder, RG

 

Principles and Ethics

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.

Strategic Vision

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.

Future Perspectives

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.

 

Anna Kravtcova
Anna Kravtcova
Problem Gambling Expert

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.

Mike Rosenberg
Mike Rosenberg
Content Writer

Mike made the decision to dive headfirst into the booming world of sports betting fresh out of college. Back in the day, when 1-800 pick lines and sports pagers were all the rage, he couldn't resist the allure, having grown up idolizing sports legends like Sweetness, MJ, and Slammin Sammy. Mike dedicated his early years to the industry, tirelessly analyzing games, writing articles with free picks, and selling his expertise on reputable handicapping sites. Unlike many others, Mike was known for his integrity and only released one Game of the Year per sport, per season. His hard work and unwavering commitment paid off, earning him a devoted following and propelling his career to new heights. Then came the explosion of Daily Fantasy Sports. Believe it or not, companies like DraftKings and FanDuel used to pay Mike's company to increase their brand exposure. Now, those same industry giants don't even bother responding to his emails. While Mike appreciates the convenience of being able to place legal bets in his own backyard, he can't help but feel disheartened by what has become of the industry. People are being led astray, falsely believing that a mere $5 wager on a 20-team same-game-parlay will be their ticket to financial security. If there’s one thing Mike learned from making book back in the day, it’s that parlays are a bookie’s best friend. A bankroll is the only leg you have to stand on in the battle with the books, and Mike’s here to offer up advice on how to protect it.