A parlay bet in football is a type of wager where multiple individual football bets are combined into a single ticket. Each of the selections, also known as legs, must win for the parlay to be successful. If even one leg loses, the entire bet is considered a loss.
This form of betting appeals to many football fans because of its high-risk, high-reward structure. By combining bets, the overall odds increase, allowing for a potentially larger payout than placing single wagers separately. However, the increased payout comes at the cost of increased risk.
How a Football Parlay Works
To place a parlay bet in football, a bettor selects two or more individual outcomes, such as teams to win, point spreads to cover, or totals to go over or under. The odds from each leg are multiplied to calculate the total payout.
If all the selections are correct, the bet wins and the payout is significant. If even one selection is incorrect, the entire bet is lost. This all-or-nothing structure is what makes parlays both thrilling and risky.
| Selection | Bet Type | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Team A to Win | Moneyline | 2.00 |
| Team B +3.5 | Spread | 1.90 |
| Over 44.5 Points | Total | 1.85 |
| Total Combined Odds | 7.03 | |
In this example, a $10 parlay would return $70.30 if all three selections win. If any one of them fails, the bet is lost entirely.
Pros and Cons of Parlay Betting
Pros:
- Higher Potential Payouts: Odds multiply, leading to greater returns compared to single bets.
- Exciting Gameplay: Following multiple games or outcomes makes for a more engaging betting experience.
- Low-Stake, High-Reward: Small investments can potentially lead to large winnings.
Cons:
- Greater Risk: One incorrect pick causes the entire bet to lose.
- Lower Win Rate: Success is statistically harder due to the need for multiple correct outcomes.
- No Margin for Error: Unlike round robin or system bets, a parlay has no safety net.
Step-by-Step: How to Place a Parlay Bet
Placing a parlay bet in football can be done easily through online sportsbooks or mobile betting apps. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Log into your sportsbook: Choose a reputable site or app.
- Navigate to football markets: Browse through upcoming games and betting options.
- Select multiple bets: Pick at least two outcomes (e.g., winners, spreads, totals).
- Review your bet slip: The bets will automatically be grouped into a parlay.
- Enter your stake: Choose how much money to wager.
- Confirm the bet: Check all details before submitting the bet.
Most platforms will display the total odds and potential payout before you finalize the bet.
Football-Specific Parlay Tips
When building a parlay bet in football, consider the following tips to increase your chances of success:
- Limit the Number of Legs: Two or three selections are often more manageable and realistic than five or more.
- Research Each Selection: Look at team form, injuries, and trends before choosing.
- Correlated Picks: Some outcomes influence each other. For instance, a team likely to win big might also contribute to a game going over the point total.
- Track Line Movements: Monitor how odds change leading up to kickoff, which may indicate valuable opportunities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a successful parlay bet in football requires discipline. Here are common mistakes to avoid:
- Chasing Big Wins: Don’t get carried away trying to hit massive parlays with unrealistic selections.
- Betting Without Research: Every leg in the parlay must be well-informed to have a good chance of success.
- Overcomplicating the Bet: Stick with outcomes you understand and can reasonably predict.
- Betting Emotionally: Avoid picking your favorite team unless the stats support it.
Should Beginners Use Parlays?
Parlays are tempting for new bettors because of their high payout potential. However, beginners are generally advised to start with single bets. These are easier to understand, track, and evaluate.
That said, placing small-stake parlays for entertainment can be a fun way to learn about betting mechanics—just be cautious not to view them as a reliable path to consistent profit.
Two Examples of Parlay Betting in Football
Example 1: Three-Leg Parlay
- Leg 1: Kansas City Chiefs to win (odds 1.90)
- Leg 2: San Francisco 49ers -3.5 (odds 1.95)
- Leg 3: Over 46.5 points in Cowboys vs. Eagles (odds 2.00)
Total odds = 1.90 x 1.95 x 2.00 = 7.41. A $20 bet would return $148.20 if all selections win.
Example 2: Two-Leg Parlay
- Leg 1: Buffalo Bills -2.5 (odds 1.87)
- Leg 2: Under 42 points in Browns vs. Steelers (odds 1.93)
Total odds = 1.87 x 1.93 = 3.61. A $50 bet would return $180.50 if both picks are correct.
Conclusion
A parlay bet in football is a powerful tool for turning small stakes into significant winnings. However, this comes with substantial risk due to the requirement that all selections must win. Understanding how parlays work, avoiding common mistakes, and applying strategy can help improve your long-term outcomes.
While they may not be the best option for every bettor—especially beginners—parlays can still offer an exciting and rewarding experience when used wisely and responsibly.
