Encountering a parlay card for the first time can be confusing. The lines, signs, spreads, and terms may sound foreign to first-time or even casual bettors. While we all know that parlays attract massive payouts, the technicality of parlay boards can be a hindrance. This comprehensive guide is designed for you if you are struggling to make sense of parlay cards.
At NXTbets, we will break down what parlay boards are in this guide. Our discussion will cover how to interpret every line and number, essential rules, and key terms. We will also explore the different types of parlay cards you may encounter.
A parlay board is also known as a parlay card. It is a curated list of betting options a sportsbook offers. Bettors choose a list of games, totals, point spreads, or proposition bets. The card offers a standardized betting menu that makes parlay betting easy.
The most notable features of parlay boards are the fixed lines and payout tables. Unlike most digital slips, they do not subscribe to real-time line movement. Odds are simple but comparatively low. However, they still offer the allure of huge, life-changing payouts.
What is a Parlay?
A parlay is a single bet that has two or more predictions. Bettors only win when every single leg wins or pushes (depending on the book’s push/tie rule). A single loss renders the entire parlay lost.
Why Parlay Boards?
A parlay board streamlines the parlay process. Bettors enjoy a simple, check-box interface. It is a great companion for beginners interested in parlay betting.
Differences Between Parlay Boards and Off-Board Parlays
Parlay boards operate differently from other common types of parlays. The table below summarizes the differences between these boards and “off-board” parlays.
Feature
Parlay Board/Card
Off-Board/ Standard Online Parlayz
Lines
Fixed/ static: Sportsbooks publish a day or more in advance.
Lines change based on money, news, and injuries.
Selection
The games, lines, and props are preselected.
Bettors choose eligible bets from live lines.
Vig/ House Edge
The fixed/ unfavorable odds make the house edge higher.
Standard house edge for combined individual bets applies.
Payout
Uses a fixed payout table.
Odds are calculated dynamically. Bettors multiply them to find the cumulative value.
Common Elements Shown on Parlay Boards
You need to understand the core components of a parlay board to read one successfully. Most boards have the features below.
Bet types: Common bet types include totals, spreads, moneyline, and props.
Lines: These usually appear after the team names.
Formatting: Boards indicate the favorite and the underdog. Favorites usually have a minus sign and are listed on the right/ bottom. Underdogs have a plus sign. They are generally listed on the left/top.
Number of legs: A parlay card will indicate both the minimum and maximum number of legs allowed.
Payout table: The payout table indicates the total odds and total potential payout. It tells you how much you will win from various selections.
Rules: Parlay boards usually have push/tie rules. These explain what happens in the case of a push. The sportsbook may void the leg and reduce the size of the parlay or write it off as a loss.
How to Read the Odds & Lines on a Parlay Board
Knowing how to interpret numbers is the first step towards successful parlay betting. Below is everything you should know about parlay board odds.
Reading Point Spreads/ Total Lines
The point spread evens the playing field between two teams.
Negative spread: If the Kansas City Chiefs have a -3.5 line, they must win the game by 4 points or more to cover the spread and win the leg.
Positive spread: If the Denver Broncos have a +3.5 spread, they need to win the game or lose by three points (or less) to cover the spread.
The half-point is crucial. In the examples above, having +3.5 or -3.5 lines eliminates the possibility of a tie. If a favorite’s line is -3 and they win by exactly 3 points, the outcome would be a push.
Moneylines and How They Differ from Spreads
Moneyline betting is simpler than spread betting. Bettors predict the winning team without concerning themselves with the victory margin. For example, in a matchup where the New England Patriots have -150 odds while the Miami Dolphins are given +130 odds:
The New England Patriots are the favorites. You must bet $150 for a $100 win. A successful bet returns $250 (total payout).
Dolphins are the underdogs. A successful $100 bet will give you $130 in profit.
You can also refer to a moneyline bet as an outright winner bet. Many traditional parlay boards do not include this type of bet. They mainly focus on totals and spreads.
Props on Parlay Boards
Propositional (prop) betting requires bettors to predict specific events that are not related to a game’s outcomes. Here are the main categories of parlay board props:
Player-based props: An example of a player prop bet is predicting whether a player will achieve Over/Under 2.5 passing touchdowns.
Game props: An NFL parlay board can ask you to predict a defensive or special team’s touchdown.
Most parlay boards list prop bets as a straightforward question or prompt. They usually have a simple Over/Under or Yes/No selection. Attached to most of them are the standard -110 odds.
Payout Table & “To-1”/ “For-1” Notation
Parlay boards are different from standard parlays. They use a fixed, published payout table instead of multiplying odds. Below is a brief illustration.
Winning Legs
Payout Example
Explaination
3 legs
6.5 for 1
Successful bettors win 6.5 times the initial stake. The original stake is included in the final return. For example, a $10 bet will return a $55 profit.
4 legs
12 to 1
Successful bettors win 12 times their stakes. The original stake is not part of the 12. However, it returns with the payout.
Most sportsbooks use “for” and “to” interchangeably. “To” means the stake is not part of the listed amount. “For” means the listed amount includes your stake. Always check specific board rules to understand the payout calculation. Find out whether the listed number is the profit or the total return.
Push/Tie Rules & Their Impact
A push happens when a game’s final results land precisely on the board’s total or point spread. For example, a team favored by -7 may win by precisely seven points. You must read a parlay board’s rules to understand what happens in such an instance.
The standard rule is that the parlay reduces by one leg if a selection pushes. For example, one with five legs automatically becomes a 4-leg parlay when one of the matchups ends in a tie. However, there exists a special type of board known as the “ties lose” parlay board. It automatically treats a push as a full loss. Continue reading to learn more.
Types of Parlay Boards & Their Rules
There are several variations of parlay boards. They differ in risk-reward ratio and how they handle specific outcomes. Below are the common types of parlay boards.
Half-Point Parlay Board
The betting industry prefers half-point spreads. This explains why most sportsbooks use half-point parlay boards as their primary boards. These boards eliminate the possibility of pushes/ties. Both the customer and the book enjoy a simplified betting process.
Eliminating ties leads to clearer outcomes. However, the slight line adjustment usually triggers a slightly higher risk compared to whole-number lines.
“Tie-Win”/ “Tie-Lose” Boards
Parlay boards can be categorized by what happens when a game lands precisely on the spread.
Ties win: A “tie-win” board favors the bettor. It treats a leg that matches the line as a win. The board entitles bettors to the initial payout for the original number of legs.
Ties lose: A “tie-lose” board treats a leg as a loss if it matches the line. It is unfavorable to the bettor as it may erase the entire parlay.
Teaser Parlay Boards
A teaser is a special type of parlay. Bettors adjust the point spread as they wish in exchange for a lower payout. Teaser parlay boards list both the original and teased spread. You can minimize each leg’s risks, but the corresponding payout reduces drastically.
First-Half/ Partial Game Boards
These boards change the risk dynamic by limiting themselves to a specific part of the game. They only list spreads or totals for the first half, second half, or a single quarter of the game. Their markets can be highly volatile, given the unpredictable nature of the first quarter or half of the game. However, they offer sharp bettors great opportunities.
Prop-Heavy Boards vs Standard Game Boards
Parlay bets can be classified by the types of bets they offer.
Standard game boards: These boards include simple markets. They are easier to handicap as they focus on totals and point spreads.
Prop-heavy boards: These are great for bettors with an interest in proposition betting. They usually attract a greater house edge. Their volatility is higher since props are relatively more complex to predict.
How to Calculate Payouts & Implied Risks from Parlay Game Boards
There are two proven ways of making good value bets. First, you need to know how sportsbooks make money. Next, you should understand how your risk multiplies.
Multiplying Odds: How Parlay Odds Grow
In standard parlays, each leg’s odds are multiplied together to determine the final odds. It helps explain the high payout. In parlay bets. Below is an example.
Let us assume that we have a 3-leg parlay, with each leg favored at -110.
The probability of each leg is roughly 0.5238. You can find the implied probability using the formula: Odds/ (Odds+100).
We will multiply each leg’s probability to establish the final parlay odds. 0.5238*0.523*0.5238 = 0.1438 or 14.38%
The corresponding true odds are 5.95 to 1.
A board payout of 6.5 for 1 on a $10 bet gives a $55 profit. It is lower than the parlay’s true odds above. This is how sportsbooks benefit from parlay cards.
Correlation Risk
Correlation happens when two or more legs depend on one another. Your parlay is at risk if outcomes are interdependent. For example, a correlation exists if you bet on the Kansas City Chiefs to win and choose “Over” on the game’s total. The probability of correlated legs is higher than if they were independent. Most books reduce the payout to maintain or restore their edge.
Minimum/Maximum Bets & House Edge
Parlay boards have a minimum bet size. You cannot bet below this minimum limit. Several sportsbooks also cap board payouts. The value differs from one book to the next, as we will discuss ahead.
Note that a parlay board’s model is usually designed to increase the house edge or vig. Bettors usually receive fixed payouts that are lower than the actual cumulative odds. The sportsbook enjoys a huge long-term profit margin on parlay cards.
Besides the above factors, you should consider how a push will affect your parlay as you calculate the potential payout or implied risks.
Practical Tips for Using Parlay Boards Like a Pro
Parlay betting can be lucrative. You can adopt the following habits to enhance your chances and value.
Always Read the Board Rules First
You should read and understand the applicable rules first. Never assume different sportsbooks or boards have the same rules. Here are a few focus areas:
The required number of legs
The rules surrounding ties/ pushes. Do they result in a win or a loss? Will the final amount reduce?
What is the maximum payout? Does the board cap the maximum win?
How does the board define specific prop rules?
Limit the Number of Legs for Better Chances
Parlay card payouts are enticing. However, keep in mind that the risk is directly proportional to the number of legs. You can increase your winning chances by starting small. We highly recommend 2-4 selections. Smaller parlays offer better long-term value than 10-team longshots.
Value in Props or Underdogs
You should take advantage of props and underdogs when appropriate.
Identify mismatched lines: Most parlay boards have fixed lines. Injury updates or weather changes do not affect them like off-board lines. You can find value by identifying “stale” lines.
Include appropriate underdogs: You should include favorable underdogs with positive moneyline odds. They offer a higher multiplication factor. A few of them can give you better returns than a heavy favorite.
Line Shopping & Using Multiple Boards
You should compare a parlay board’s spreads and totals against other sportsbooks’ live lines.
You have a clear advantage if the board offers a +3.5 line when the live market is at +3.
You should compare the payout tables. For example, one sportsbook may offer a 15-to-1 payout for a 5-leg parlay.
Track Past Parlay Payouts
Record-keeping is key. Always track the boards you have played. You should also keep a record of your selected lines and the outcomes. Once you have enough data, analyze it. This will help you identify the type of lines or board types with the best return on investment.
Common Pitfalls and Misunderstandings
New parlay bettors are usually vulnerable to specific mistakes. Here are a few pitfalls and misunderstandings you should avoid.
Assuming All Legs are Independent
Do not fall into the correlation trap. Unless you are purposely building a same-game parlay, avoid outcomes that affect one another. Sportsbooks remedy correlation by lowering the actual payout value.
Ignoring Push/Tie Rule Details
“Ties win” boards and “ties lose” boards heavily affect your bankroll. Ignoring push/tie rules may instantly turn a potential win into a loss, especially if you bet an entire-number spread.
Chasing Big Payouts Without Value
Do not place a massive parlay without a strategy. Choosing too many long shots in the hope of a huge win can be disastrous. You will end up with low-value bets and a high house edge.
Not Adjusting for Line Movement
Unfortunately, printed parlay cards and static online boards do not incorporate real-time odds. Specific changes, such as a key player being ruled out suddenly, render their lines stale. They might offer poor value, however tempting they look.
Examples & Walk-Throughs
Follow the illustration below to understand how parlay boards work.
Sample Parlay Board: Reading the Lines
Here is an example of a 5-leg parlay from a standard NFL card:
Selection 1 (Total): Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers- Under 40
Selection 2 (Prop): Christian McCaffrey Over 95.5 Rushing Yards
Selection 3 (Spread): Dallas Cowboys -7.5 vs. New York Giants
Selection 4(Spread): Philadelphia Eagles +3 vs New York Jets
Selection 5 (Total): New England Patriots vs Buffalo Bills Over 46.5
The above selections give rise to the following predictions:
The Cowboys are to win by eight or more points.
Eagles to win or lose by less than 3 points.
The Patriots vs. Bills game is expected to accumulate 47+ points.
Christian McCaffrey to rush for 96+ yards.
The Ravens x Steelers matchup is expected to have 39 or fewer points.
The parlay above would roughly have a 24-to-1 payout on a typical board. This means a $10 bet would return $250 ($240 profit).
What Happens If One Leg Pushes/Ties
Let’s assume that the board above uses standard push rules. A push occurs if the Philadelphia Eagles game ends with an exact score difference of 3 points. This affects selection 4. To remedy the push, the sportsbook will void the leg.
As a result, the parlay shifts from five legs to four. The payout will adjust to reflect the change of legs. If it shifts to 12 to 1, a $10 bet would only bring back a $120 profit.
Same-Game Parlay vs. Board Parlay Example
Here is how same-game and board parlays work.
Board parlays: Bettors select spreads, totals, and props, all from different games. Bets are uncorrelated. The payout is also high.
Same-game parlays: These are commonly known as SGPs. Bettors select spreads, totals, and props from the same game. Pay-outs are usually low as sportsbooks adjust odds manually.
Tools, Resources & Checklists Before You Bet
You can continually improve your parlay strategy. Below are a few tools and resources to have at your disposal.
Parlay Calculators/ Bet Slip Simulators
Use parlay calculators and bet slip simulators to calculate cumulative odds. You should compare the value against the payout table to figure out your chances.
Board Rules Glossary or Cheat Sheet
You should have a printable or mental checklist when betting on board parlays. Run through it before making an official entry. For example, confirm if you have met the minimum leg count and not exceeded the maximum before placing your wager.
Tracking Odds, Moves/ Injury/Weather Alerts
Parlay board lines rarely change. You should monitor real-time news to confirm if the line you are betting on is still valuable. An unforeseen injury can suddenly render a good parlay bet unfavorable.
Community Picks/Expert Analysis
You can find expert breakdowns of a parlay board’s games by consulting reputable sources. Seeking expert analysis can help you identify potential line value or the correlation risks you may have ignored. However, do not use it as a substitute for extensive research and analysis.
NXTbets: Your Guide to Mastering Parlay Boards
Reading a parlay board does not have to be a struggle. You can transition from a beginner to a master easily. Just ensure that you understand specific board rules, odds representation, payout structure, and vital risk factors. You should also keep in mind that every sportsbook’s board is unique. Do not assume. Always confirm the details.
How many legs should I include for a reasonable chance to win?
The fewer the number of legs, the higher your winning chances. You should minimize risks by limiting your parlay selections to 2-4. Fewer legs keep the winning probability reasonable. They also maximize long-term value.
What are correlated legs, and why do they reduce parlay value?
Correlated legs refer to two or more parlay selections with related outcomes. One selection increases the other’s probability. Betting “over” on the game’s total and choosing the favorite to win are correlated. Sportsbooks protect themselves in such instances by lowering the value of the bet.
How do prop bets differ when listed on a parlay board?
Prop bets like first-half scores often have standardized odds (most likely -110) on parlay boards. They are usually included among the totals and spreads. They make parlays more complex and versatile, unlike simple totals/spreads.
Can I combine legs from different games or only one game?
Parlay boards usually combine legs from different games. Combining legs from a single match creates a same-game parlay (SGP), which most traditional parlay cards prohibit. Parlay bettors should always avoid being victims of correlated odds adjustments.
What are typical minimum and maximum bet limits for parlay boards?
Most parlay boards keep their minimum bet limits low to attract recreational bettors. Some allow as low as $2, although $2-$5 is the most common range. Maximum payout limits are also standard. Most books cap their potential winnings at $50,000-$100,000 per win. Always confirm the card’s minimum stake and maximum payout limits before placing your bet.
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Guide to Reading Sportsbook Parlay Boards
Table of Contents
Encountering a parlay card for the first time can be confusing. The lines, signs, spreads, and terms may sound foreign to first-time or even casual bettors. While we all know that parlays attract massive payouts, the technicality of parlay boards can be a hindrance. This comprehensive guide is designed for you if you are struggling to make sense of parlay cards.
At NXTbets, we will break down what parlay boards are in this guide. Our discussion will cover how to interpret every line and number, essential rules, and key terms. We will also explore the different types of parlay cards you may encounter.
Offer Score
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Offer Score
What is a Parlay Board?
A parlay board is also known as a parlay card. It is a curated list of betting options a sportsbook offers. Bettors choose a list of games, totals, point spreads, or proposition bets. The card offers a standardized betting menu that makes parlay betting easy.
The most notable features of parlay boards are the fixed lines and payout tables. Unlike most digital slips, they do not subscribe to real-time line movement. Odds are simple but comparatively low. However, they still offer the allure of huge, life-changing payouts.
What is a Parlay?
A parlay is a single bet that has two or more predictions. Bettors only win when every single leg wins or pushes (depending on the book’s push/tie rule). A single loss renders the entire parlay lost.
Why Parlay Boards?
A parlay board streamlines the parlay process. Bettors enjoy a simple, check-box interface. It is a great companion for beginners interested in parlay betting.
Differences Between Parlay Boards and Off-Board Parlays
Parlay boards operate differently from other common types of parlays. The table below summarizes the differences between these boards and “off-board” parlays.
Common Elements Shown on Parlay Boards
You need to understand the core components of a parlay board to read one successfully. Most boards have the features below.
How to Read the Odds & Lines on a Parlay Board
Knowing how to interpret numbers is the first step towards successful parlay betting. Below is everything you should know about parlay board odds.
Reading Point Spreads/ Total Lines
The point spread evens the playing field between two teams.
The half-point is crucial. In the examples above, having +3.5 or -3.5 lines eliminates the possibility of a tie. If a favorite’s line is -3 and they win by exactly 3 points, the outcome would be a push.
Moneylines and How They Differ from Spreads
Moneyline betting is simpler than spread betting. Bettors predict the winning team without concerning themselves with the victory margin. For example, in a matchup where the New England Patriots have -150 odds while the Miami Dolphins are given +130 odds:
You can also refer to a moneyline bet as an outright winner bet. Many traditional parlay boards do not include this type of bet. They mainly focus on totals and spreads.
Props on Parlay Boards
Propositional (prop) betting requires bettors to predict specific events that are not related to a game’s outcomes. Here are the main categories of parlay board props:
Most parlay boards list prop bets as a straightforward question or prompt. They usually have a simple Over/Under or Yes/No selection. Attached to most of them are the standard -110 odds.
Payout Table & “To-1”/ “For-1” Notation
Parlay boards are different from standard parlays. They use a fixed, published payout table instead of multiplying odds. Below is a brief illustration.
Most sportsbooks use “for” and “to” interchangeably. “To” means the stake is not part of the listed amount. “For” means the listed amount includes your stake. Always check specific board rules to understand the payout calculation. Find out whether the listed number is the profit or the total return.
Push/Tie Rules & Their Impact
A push happens when a game’s final results land precisely on the board’s total or point spread. For example, a team favored by -7 may win by precisely seven points. You must read a parlay board’s rules to understand what happens in such an instance.
The standard rule is that the parlay reduces by one leg if a selection pushes. For example, one with five legs automatically becomes a 4-leg parlay when one of the matchups ends in a tie. However, there exists a special type of board known as the “ties lose” parlay board. It automatically treats a push as a full loss. Continue reading to learn more.
Types of Parlay Boards & Their Rules
There are several variations of parlay boards. They differ in risk-reward ratio and how they handle specific outcomes. Below are the common types of parlay boards.
Half-Point Parlay Board
The betting industry prefers half-point spreads. This explains why most sportsbooks use half-point parlay boards as their primary boards. These boards eliminate the possibility of pushes/ties. Both the customer and the book enjoy a simplified betting process.
Eliminating ties leads to clearer outcomes. However, the slight line adjustment usually triggers a slightly higher risk compared to whole-number lines.
“Tie-Win”/ “Tie-Lose” Boards
Parlay boards can be categorized by what happens when a game lands precisely on the spread.
Teaser Parlay Boards
A teaser is a special type of parlay. Bettors adjust the point spread as they wish in exchange for a lower payout. Teaser parlay boards list both the original and teased spread. You can minimize each leg’s risks, but the corresponding payout reduces drastically.
First-Half/ Partial Game Boards
These boards change the risk dynamic by limiting themselves to a specific part of the game. They only list spreads or totals for the first half, second half, or a single quarter of the game. Their markets can be highly volatile, given the unpredictable nature of the first quarter or half of the game. However, they offer sharp bettors great opportunities.
Prop-Heavy Boards vs Standard Game Boards
Parlay bets can be classified by the types of bets they offer.
How to Calculate Payouts & Implied Risks from Parlay Game Boards
There are two proven ways of making good value bets. First, you need to know how sportsbooks make money. Next, you should understand how your risk multiplies.
Multiplying Odds: How Parlay Odds Grow
In standard parlays, each leg’s odds are multiplied together to determine the final odds. It helps explain the high payout. In parlay bets. Below is an example.
A board payout of 6.5 for 1 on a $10 bet gives a $55 profit. It is lower than the parlay’s true odds above. This is how sportsbooks benefit from parlay cards.
Correlation Risk
Correlation happens when two or more legs depend on one another. Your parlay is at risk if outcomes are interdependent. For example, a correlation exists if you bet on the Kansas City Chiefs to win and choose “Over” on the game’s total. The probability of correlated legs is higher than if they were independent. Most books reduce the payout to maintain or restore their edge.
Minimum/Maximum Bets & House Edge
Parlay boards have a minimum bet size. You cannot bet below this minimum limit. Several sportsbooks also cap board payouts. The value differs from one book to the next, as we will discuss ahead.
Note that a parlay board’s model is usually designed to increase the house edge or vig. Bettors usually receive fixed payouts that are lower than the actual cumulative odds. The sportsbook enjoys a huge long-term profit margin on parlay cards.
Besides the above factors, you should consider how a push will affect your parlay as you calculate the potential payout or implied risks.
Practical Tips for Using Parlay Boards Like a Pro
Parlay betting can be lucrative. You can adopt the following habits to enhance your chances and value.
Always Read the Board Rules First
You should read and understand the applicable rules first. Never assume different sportsbooks or boards have the same rules. Here are a few focus areas:
Limit the Number of Legs for Better Chances
Parlay card payouts are enticing. However, keep in mind that the risk is directly proportional to the number of legs. You can increase your winning chances by starting small. We highly recommend 2-4 selections. Smaller parlays offer better long-term value than 10-team longshots.
Value in Props or Underdogs
You should take advantage of props and underdogs when appropriate.
Line Shopping & Using Multiple Boards
You should compare a parlay board’s spreads and totals against other sportsbooks’ live lines.
Track Past Parlay Payouts
Record-keeping is key. Always track the boards you have played. You should also keep a record of your selected lines and the outcomes. Once you have enough data, analyze it. This will help you identify the type of lines or board types with the best return on investment.
Common Pitfalls and Misunderstandings
New parlay bettors are usually vulnerable to specific mistakes. Here are a few pitfalls and misunderstandings you should avoid.
Assuming All Legs are Independent
Do not fall into the correlation trap. Unless you are purposely building a same-game parlay, avoid outcomes that affect one another. Sportsbooks remedy correlation by lowering the actual payout value.
Ignoring Push/Tie Rule Details
“Ties win” boards and “ties lose” boards heavily affect your bankroll. Ignoring push/tie rules may instantly turn a potential win into a loss, especially if you bet an entire-number spread.
Chasing Big Payouts Without Value
Do not place a massive parlay without a strategy. Choosing too many long shots in the hope of a huge win can be disastrous. You will end up with low-value bets and a high house edge.
Not Adjusting for Line Movement
Unfortunately, printed parlay cards and static online boards do not incorporate real-time odds. Specific changes, such as a key player being ruled out suddenly, render their lines stale. They might offer poor value, however tempting they look.
Examples & Walk-Throughs
Follow the illustration below to understand how parlay boards work.
Sample Parlay Board: Reading the Lines
Here is an example of a 5-leg parlay from a standard NFL card:
The above selections give rise to the following predictions:
The parlay above would roughly have a 24-to-1 payout on a typical board. This means a $10 bet would return $250 ($240 profit).
What Happens If One Leg Pushes/Ties
Let’s assume that the board above uses standard push rules. A push occurs if the Philadelphia Eagles game ends with an exact score difference of 3 points. This affects selection 4. To remedy the push, the sportsbook will void the leg.
As a result, the parlay shifts from five legs to four. The payout will adjust to reflect the change of legs. If it shifts to 12 to 1, a $10 bet would only bring back a $120 profit.
Same-Game Parlay vs. Board Parlay Example
Here is how same-game and board parlays work.
Tools, Resources & Checklists Before You Bet
You can continually improve your parlay strategy. Below are a few tools and resources to have at your disposal.
Parlay Calculators/ Bet Slip Simulators
Use parlay calculators and bet slip simulators to calculate cumulative odds. You should compare the value against the payout table to figure out your chances.
Board Rules Glossary or Cheat Sheet
You should have a printable or mental checklist when betting on board parlays. Run through it before making an official entry. For example, confirm if you have met the minimum leg count and not exceeded the maximum before placing your wager.
Tracking Odds, Moves/ Injury/Weather Alerts
Parlay board lines rarely change. You should monitor real-time news to confirm if the line you are betting on is still valuable. An unforeseen injury can suddenly render a good parlay bet unfavorable.
Community Picks/Expert Analysis
You can find expert breakdowns of a parlay board’s games by consulting reputable sources. Seeking expert analysis can help you identify potential line value or the correlation risks you may have ignored. However, do not use it as a substitute for extensive research and analysis.
NXTbets: Your Guide to Mastering Parlay Boards
Reading a parlay board does not have to be a struggle. You can transition from a beginner to a master easily. Just ensure that you understand specific board rules, odds representation, payout structure, and vital risk factors. You should also keep in mind that every sportsbook’s board is unique. Do not assume. Always confirm the details.
You can register with our NXTbets platform for updates and to learn more about parlay betting.
Offer Score
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Offer Score
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Offer Score
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The fewer the number of legs, the higher your winning chances. You should minimize risks by limiting your parlay selections to 2-4. Fewer legs keep the winning probability reasonable. They also maximize long-term value.
Correlated legs refer to two or more parlay selections with related outcomes. One selection increases the other’s probability. Betting “over” on the game’s total and choosing the favorite to win are correlated. Sportsbooks protect themselves in such instances by lowering the value of the bet.
Prop bets like first-half scores often have standardized odds (most likely -110) on parlay boards. They are usually included among the totals and spreads. They make parlays more complex and versatile, unlike simple totals/spreads.
Parlay boards usually combine legs from different games. Combining legs from a single match creates a same-game parlay (SGP), which most traditional parlay cards prohibit. Parlay bettors should always avoid being victims of correlated odds adjustments.
Most parlay boards keep their minimum bet limits low to attract recreational bettors. Some allow as low as $2, although $2-$5 is the most common range. Maximum payout limits are also standard. Most books cap their potential winnings at $50,000-$100,000 per win. Always confirm the card’s minimum stake and maximum payout limits before placing your bet.
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