Whether you’re betting on football, soccer, or horse racing, an online sports bettor's goal is to land as big a profit as possible. Soccer parlays are often the easiest way to target a huge profit, adding several selections to one bet slip and creating a potential big win off a small stake.
Perhaps the most attractive element of a soccer parlay is the fact that you don’t need a big stake to secure a hefty prize. Simply pick four or more soccer teams to win, add them to one bet slip, input a stake, check everything is as it should be, and click to confirm. Your bet is live and can’t be changed, but a cash-out amount will appear.
However, soccer isn’t the only sport you can add to a parlay bet, with the leading online sportsbooks offering odds and unique multiples on the top sports competitions, including the NFL and NBA. Choose the game that catches your eye and select a market, such as moneyline, handicap, and totals. Click the odds of your selection to add to your bet slip, and keep adding teams until you’re happy with your parlay. The more teams you add to your bet, the less likely you are to win, but the higher the potential returns.
Check out our sports betting communities for updated advice on sports betting. For a more in-depth look at parlay betting and how you can get involved, read on!
What is Parlay Betting?
In its simplest form, parlay betting is a type of bet that involves making four or more selections for a single stake. It is also known as an accumulator or acca, depending on where you bet and which bookie you use. Let's first dive in to what parlay betting is, and why it is so popular.
- Parlay bets offer flexibility, so you can stick to one sport or mix and match, adding soccer, football, boxing, horse racing, and other sports picks. The idea is to add the right number of bets that give you the highest possible returns but with the lowest risk.
- Some bookies offer promotions where they refund losing stakes if your parlay loses by just one leg. You can then use the free bet tokens awarded to gamble on another sportsbook parlay.
- Parlays are responsible for more big winners than any other sportsbook market, and are responsible for many significant payouts in the world of sports betting. When backing singles, your potential winnings are limited. Suppose you back a horse to win at odds of 25/1, and you bet $10. You’ll win a $250 profit, which is great, but we’re after the life-changing sums of cash. You must have as many picks on your bet slip as possible to reach the stars while keeping stakes low.
It's clear to see why parlay betting is so favored. Parlays aren’t the only way to win big at the bookies, but they are certainly one of the easiest options for big hitters, especially if you like to keep your stakes in check. Not everyone who wins big from betting likes to speak about their stroke of good fortune, while others who have been chasing a win for years are only too happy to spread the love, letting as many people as possible know that their ship has come in thanks to gambling. And that’s what this article aims to share with our readers.
In this guide, we will explain how to create a parlay, why bettors love parlays, the best sports for a parlay bet, and more. We keep it simple, cutting out the gambling jargon and getting to the point. So, by the end of this page, you’ll know everything about parlay betting and understand the tricks and tips used by experienced parlay bettors.
How to Create a Parlay
The parlay bet is as simple as it is exciting. Anyone can create a sportsbook parlay in seconds using their desktop computer or smartphone, adding selections, deciding on a stake, and confirming the bet. The more picks you add to your bet slip, the higher the possible returns, but you are in control of your selections and stake.
You can create a sportsbook parlay quickly, safely, and simply by following the step-by-step guide below.
- Visit your bookie and log in or create an account
- Click the sport you wish to bet on, the fixture, and the selection
- Hit the odds to add each pick to your bet slip
- Add the desired stake to your bet
- Check and confirm
Your parlay will now be live and can’t be changed, but a cash-out value appears. In the first instance, this will be equal to your stake but will move depending on how well your bet performs. The cash-out feature lets customers end a parlay bet early and grab the profit. It’s not available on every bet at every bookmaker.
Popular Sports for Parlay Betting
Sportsbook bettors can and do add a variety of sports to their parlays. You may choose to focus on soccer, or mix and match to cover an afternoon or weekend. A parlay is affordable but offers serious bang for your buck and value for money.
Let's look at a hypothetical scenario. Suppose you place a six-team football parlay on games played between Friday and Monday evening. If selections go as expected, you’re involved in the results across the weekend. Plus, the more selections on your bet, the higher the possible profits, but the stake remains the same. So, you could win hundreds of dollars for a $5 six-team football parlay!
You can add any sport to a parlay bet. Sports, where the fixtures come thick and fast, are ideal for parlays. You want the fixtures played on the same day or weekend to get the most fun from your parlay. Waiting until the end of the month for a result to complete your bet isn’t ideal, so look for games from the same day.
Most parlays are bet on different fixtures from the same sport, but you can also add outright winners of leagues and competitions to your bet. Predict the winner of the Super Bowl and Kentucky Derby, add the English Premier League champion, Wimbledon Championships winner, Melbourne Cup, and the US Open. You now have a bet spanning several months that will keep you hooked on the results.
Pros and Cons of Parlay Betting
There are countless benefits to playing a parlay bet on a busy afternoon of sportsbook action. It’s fast, easy to use, and affordable, but parlay betting isn’t without its dangers. It has the same traps as all betting, and you could lose your stake if your predictions don’t go according to plan.
Remember that when gambling, never bet more than you can afford to lose; if things don’t go as planned, resist the urge to chase your losses. Your chosen bookie has several safer gambling measures available, including deposit limits and reality checks. Use these if you ever feel you’re gambling more than you’d like or have an issue with betting online.
✅ Pros of Parlay Betting:
- One stake for multiple selections
- Easy to track
- Affordable
- Potentially high profits
- Add as many picks as you like
- Can offer life-changing prizes
- Get parlay promotions and cashback
⛔ Cons of Parlay Betting:
- You may bet more than you’d like due to the ease of parlay gambling
- Not every bookmaker offers cashback if you lose by one selection
Top Tips for Parlay Betting
- Research: Before placing a parlay bet, research the teams or events you're betting on. Your knowledge about the sports, teams, and their recent performances can be invaluable.
- Select Fewer Teams: The idea of high payouts is exciting, but consider starting with smaller parlays that involve fewer selections. This way, you reduce your risk and increases your chances of winning.
- Mix Favorites with Underdogs: Instead of betting on all favorites or all underdogs, consider a mix of both. Favorites are more likely to win, while underdogs can boost your potential winnings.
- Bankroll Management: Set a budget for your parlay betting and stick to it. Don't wager more than you can afford to lose.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with news, injuries, and lineup changes that can affect the outcomes of the events you're betting on. Late-breaking information can be crucial.
- Consider Cash-Out Options: Some bookies offer cash-out options that allow you to settle your bet early for a partial payout.
- Use Parlay Promotions: Look for sportsbooks that offer promotions specifically for parlay bets. These promotions can provide insurance against one leg of your parlay failing.
Parlay Betting Promotions
Parlays are extremely popular with bettors in the United Kingdom, and major online sportsbooks expect that popularity to spread to the US. As such, gambling apps offer promotions and deals similar to those enjoyed in England. Bookies know how popular parlay betting is, so understand they must offer more than the competition to win new customers.
If you’re going to bet on a parlay, you should do it at a gambling app that offers a promotion, like cashback for one loser. Browse the market and find a sportsbook offering a generous welcome bonus free bet, and promotions to parlay gamblers. Always read the terms and conditions attached to an offer before accepting to understand how the deal works and what’s expected of you as a customer.
Here are some promotions covering sportsbook parlays you’ll find when researching.
- Cashback for one loser
- Profit boost for all winners
- Free bets
- Price boosts
- Enhanced each way
By now, you should know a lot more about parlay betting, and why it is such a loved betting technique. We wanted to bring our readers up to speed on one of the most exciting and affordable bets, ensuring you don’t miss out on the fun! It's as simple as adding four or more picks to your bet slip, selecting a stake, and confirming your parlay.
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