Same-game parlays are a relatively new type of sports betting that allow bettors to combine multiple bets within a single game, creating a more complex and potentially lucrative bet. Essentially, same game parlays allow you to combine various outcomes within the same game, such as the point spread, moneyline, player props, and over/under, into a single bet. The array of bets that you can include in a same-game parlay is so vast, that it generally works to your disadvantage as a bettor. I will explain this trap, and how to avoid it.
To understand same-game parlays, let’s take a look at an example. Let’s say you want to bet on an NFL game between the New England Patriots and the Buffalo Bills. You believe that the Patriots will win, but you also think that the game will be low-scoring. Instead of placing separate bets on the moneyline and the under, you can combine them into a same game parlay. If both outcomes are correct, you win the parlay bet and receive a higher payout than if you had placed two separate bets. This bet is telling a story, because you think that the Patriots are most likely to win if the game is low scoring. Therefore, the bets you include in your parlay are more heavily correlated than is likely reflected in the payout you will receive. This is a simplification, but the concept holds.
The alternative to selecting bets that tell the same story, is selecting individual bets that are interesting stories in and of themselves. Maybe you are a huge Travis Kelce fan, but you are also a huge Juju Smith-Schuster fan, so you separately select each to score a touchdown, and take the over on both of their receiving yards and catches. On their own these bets may be fine, but combined they tell a conflicting story. There are only so many targets, so many receptions, and so many yards to go around in the Chiefs offense. Without a story in mind, you choose bets for your same-game parlay that are inversely correlated, and thus make your bet less likely to hit.
Another thing to keep in mind when placing same game parlays is that the odds and payout structure can vary depending on the sportsbook and the game in question. Some sportsbooks may offer more favorable odds for same game parlays than others, so it’s important to do your research and shop around for the best options.
In conclusion, same game parlays allow bettors to combine multiple bets within a single game. While they can be more complex and potentially lucrative than traditional single-game bets, they also come with a higher degree of difficulty and risk. In order to succeed with same-game parlays, it is important to identify the story you are trying to tell, and then to stick to the script when selecting bets on your bet slip.
