Betting Strategy Guide
Parlay Betting Explained
Key takeaways
- A parlay combines two or more bets into one ticket. Every leg must win for the parlay to pay.
- The payout multiplies: two legs at -110 pay about +264, so $100 wins about $264.
- More legs mean a bigger payout and a lower chance of winning.
A parlay links several bets, called legs, into a single ticket. If every leg wins, the payout is far larger than betting each one separately. If any leg loses, the whole parlay loses.
How a parlay pays
The easiest way to work out a parlay is with decimal odds: multiply the decimal price of each leg, then multiply by your stake. A -110 leg is 1.909 in decimal.
| Legs at -110 | Combined decimal odds | $100 bet returns | Profit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3.64 | $364.46 | $264.46 |
| 3 | 6.96 | $695.79 | $595.79 |
| 4 | 13.28 | $1,328.33 | $1,228.33 |
Why parlays are hard to hit
Each leg has to win. If every leg were a true 50/50, two legs would win together 25% of the time, three legs 12.5% and four legs 6.25%. The sportsbook's margin on each leg compounds as well, which is why long parlays pay a lot and hit rarely.
What goes into a parlay
You can combine moneylines, spreads and totals across different games. Combining bets from the same game, a same-game parlay, follows its own rules because the outcomes are related; see our same-game parlay guide.
What happens on a push
At most sportsbooks a leg that pushes or is voided drops out and the parlay is recalculated with the remaining legs, so a three-leg parlay becomes a two-leg one. The exact treatment depends on the house rules; check them before you bet.
Using parlays sensibly
- Keep stakes small: parlays are a high-payout, low-probability bet.
- Fewer legs give you a realistic chance of winning.
- Every leg should be a bet you would make on its own.
Betting at Betcris Arizona
Betcris Arizona is licensed by the Arizona Department of Gaming. You must be 21 or older and located in Arizona to place a bet. Check the current promotions before you bet, and read our responsible gaming policy. If gambling stops being fun, call 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a parlay bet?
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A single bet that combines two or more selections. All of them must win for the parlay to pay.
How much does a 2-leg parlay pay?
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With both legs at -110, about +264: a $100 bet returns about $364, $264 of it profit.
What happens if one leg of a parlay loses?
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The whole parlay loses, even if every other leg wins.
What happens if a parlay leg pushes?
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At most sportsbooks the leg is removed and the parlay pays at the odds of the remaining legs. Check the house rules for the exact treatment.
