A “same game parlay” is a type of sports bet that allows bettors to combine multiple selections from a single game into one wager. These selections can include points scored, player statistics, and the game’s outcome itself. What makes a same game parlay unique is that all the selections are from the same event, instead of being spread across multiple games or events as in a traditional parlay bet.
The potential payoff for a same game parlay is higher than that of a single bet because the odds of each selection get multiplied together.
However, it also has a higher risk: if any one of the parlay selections fails, the entire wager is lost.
Crafting a Winning Combo
Here’s an example to illustrate. Let’s say there’s an NFL Vegas football game between Team A and Team B. You could create a same game parlay that includes the following choices:
- Team A wins the game.
- Player 1 from Team B scores a touchdown.
- The total points in the game will be over 50.
If all of these choices happen, you win the parlay and receive a payout based on the combined odds of these three outcomes. If any one of them loses, you also lose the wager.
Bookmakers popularized the concept of same-game parlays, which have become increasingly popular among sports bettors for the excitement and potentially-high payouts they offer. However, it’s important to understand that, while the potential returns are indeed higher, so is the level of risk.
The appeal of same game parlays is that you can personalize your sports betting action by creating a wager that matches your predictions for just one specific game. They give you the chance to turn a series of related outcomes into a bigger win than if you had bet on these outcomes individually.
Betting with Precision
This type of bet also lets you engage more with the game by making you track specific players or stats rather than just the overall outcome of the game.
While higher payouts can sound attractive, it’s important to remember that these bets are also harder to win because you have to win every single leg of your parlay. The odds for each choice are multiplied together, which means both the potential payout and the degree of difficulty increase with each additional choice.
For example, if you have a same game parlay with four choices, and each choice has a 50% chance of happening, the odds of winning your parlay is 0.5 * 0.5 * 0.5 * 0.5, or 6.25%. The more elements you add to your parlay, the less likely you are to win, even if each individual choice has good odds.
That’s why successful betting with same game parlays often involves a balance between the number of selections (thus the overall potential payout) and the statistical likelihood of those selections actually happening.
Note that not all sportsbooks offer same game parlays, and those that do might not offer them for every game. For instance, BetUs Sportsbook might offer them for weekend games only. Some bookmakers might also limit the types of choices you can include in a same game parlay, and even betting lines.
Remember: While same game parlays can make watching a game more exciting, it’s always important to gamble responsibly. This means only betting money you can afford to lose, and avoid chasing losses with bigger and riskier bets.
Pros and Cons of Same Game Parlays
Here’s a list of the pros and cons of same game parlays:
Pros:
- Potential for Higher Returns: One of the biggest appeals of a same game parlay is the potential for a large payout. The odds of each selection made get multiplied together, so the more selections you make, the higher the potential return.
- Greater Engagement: Same game parlays can make watching a game more exciting because you’re not just interested in the overall outcome, but also in specific events and stats within the game.
- Personalized Betting: Same game parlays allow you to bet on your own specific predictions for a game. This makes your betting experience more personalized.
- Correlated Betting: In traditional parlays, bets across multiple games cannot be correlated. However, same game parlays allow correlated outcomes, meaning you can select multiple bets that have a relation with or influence each another.
Cons:
- Higher Risk: The flip side of higher returns is a higher degree of risk. If even one selection in your parlay loses, the entire wager is lost. The more selections you add, the less likely you are to win.
- Complexity: Same game parlays require a deeper understanding of a game and its potential outcomes. This can make them more complex and time-consuming to create than single bets.
- Limited Availability: Not all sportsbooks offer same game parlays, and those that do might not offer them for every game or every type of bet. This could limit your betting options.
- Can Promote Overbetting: The allure of a large payout can sometimes lead bettors to wager more than they can afford to lose, especially if they’re chasing losses. Bet responsibly, regardless of the type of wager.
Remember that while same game parlays offer a unique betting experience, it’s crucial to approach them with a solid understanding of the game and a sensible betting strategy.
While we’ve established that same game parlays provide a way for bettors to leverage their knowledge and intuition about a particular game, the process of constructing a successful same game parlay requires a fair degree of strategic planning.
Tips & Strategies for Same Game Parlay Betting
Here are a few tips and strategies for same game parlay betting:
- In-depth Research: The key to creating a successful same game parlay is understanding the details of the game and teams. You need to be aware of the injuries, head-to-head records, and other factors that could influence the outcome. The more you know, the more spot-on your choices.
- Balancing Risk and Reward: While it’s tempting to add many selections for a huge payout, remember that the more you add, the lower your chances of winning. Try to strike a balance between the potential payout and the likelihood of winning.
- Correlated Outcomes: Look for selections that are likely to influence one another. For example, if you believe that a football team will score a lot of points, you might pair this with bets on specific players to score touchdowns, or a bet on the total points to be over a certain amount.
- Don’t Ignore the Underdogs: Big upsets can yield big rewards. If you have a strong feeling that an underdog is going to perform well, don’t hesitate to include them in your parlay.
- Take Advantage of Promotions: Many sportsbooks offer promotions that can increase your winnings or protect against a loss. For instance, some bookmakers offer a bonus for winning parlays, or a refund if only one selection in your parlay loses. Keep an eye out for these offers.
Amplify Your Wins
Same game parlays offer a unique and engaging way to bet on sports. They require a good understanding of the sport and the game at hand, and carry a higher degree of risk than single bets, but they also provide the opportunity for a significant payoff.
As always, the golden rule is to gamble responsibly and never wager more than you can afford to lose. Enjoy the process and may your predictions be accurate!
Same Game Parlay FAQs
A same game parlay is a type of wager that allows you to combine multiple bets, such as player statistics, points scored, and the game’s outcome, all within a single sports event. If all your predictions are correct, you win the bet.
The availability of same game parlays depends on the sportsbook. Some bookmakers offer them for a variety of sports, while others may limit them to certain sports like football or basketball. It’s best to check the rules at your sportsbook.
Same game parlays offer higher potential payouts and allow for correlated bets (i.e., bets that are related to each other within the same game). They also provide a more immersive and personalized betting experience, particularly if you have in-depth knowledge of a specific game.
If any one of your selections in a same game parlay loses, the entire bet is lost. This is what makes same game parlays riskier than single bets.
Typically, once a bet has been placed and confirmed, you cannot change it. However, the rules can vary by sportsbook, so it’s best to check the specific terms and conditions.
