A parlay bet, unlike others, comes with higher risks. For any bettor seeking to succeed in NFL parlays, understanding the rules is not optional; you must do so to increase your chances of success. One of the simple rules is that all legs must hit for the ticket to win unless you try a teaser or cash out early. Many sportsbooks also treat same-game parlays, pushes, and ties differently. One standard play in a book like DraftKingsmay not be the same as in FanDuel.
NXTbetsoffers you the tools and resources to navigate NFL parlays with ease. In the sections below, we will explain the crucial rules that shape NFL parlays. We will cover the basics, how ties and pushes work, rule variations, and strategies to enhance your experience.
NFL parlays rules may vary across sportsbooks, but the rationale remains the same. Here are the key rules in NFL parlay betting:
What Constitutes a “Leg”
A leg is a selection or individual bet in your parlay ticket. It might be prop, moneyline, or spread. Some books restrict the markets you can include in a parlay, while others allow special props and even futures. Before you start building a parlay, confirm the rules on the types of bets permitted as legs.
Minimum and Maximum Number of Legs Allowed
Platforms have varying policies on the minimum and maximum number of legs you can place in an NFL parlay. Most require at least two legs to avoid a situation where your parlay is really just a single bet. The maximum number of legs often ranges between 10 and 15. Some books allow even beyond 15, but the payout limits may be stricter.
As you plan around the number of legs you place in your parlay, remember the markets you are confident in. Also, do not forget that many legs raise the variance. Do not chase big headlines.
Requirement for All Legs to Win
In a regular parlay, all legs must be correct for your ticket to win. So, even if one leg fails, the whole parlay loses. This is the default rule in almost all betting platforms. This is what makes parlays riskier. Since it depends on several outcomes, the chances of success reduce further with each additional leg you add.
However, some promotions or special formats do not align with this rule. For instance, a parlay insurance may refund your stake if one or two legs lose, depending on the book. A progressive parlay may also allow you to cash out even when some legs fail to hit. However, this is not the norm, so you must read the terms and conditions for each platform.
Push / Tie / No Action Leg Definitions
A push or a tie happens when the outcome lands on the exact point spread or total line. For example, say you select -3 and the game ends in a 3-point difference, a push occurs. In most moneyline markets, a tie leads to no action or a void unless the market has a tie option.
On the other hand, a “no action” leg happens if an event is delayed for too long, voided, or cancelled. It may also occur if the market you bet on is disallowed. In most books, pushes or no actions are either adjusted to the rest of the ticket or removed. Similarly, these rules may vary in same-game parlays.
Pushes and How They Are Handled
The way sportsbooks deal with pushes is not uniform across. In some cases, a push will lead to a refund, while in others it only reduces the potential payout. Here are the common ways many books handle pushes:
Reduction of Parlay Size When Push Occurs
The most common way is to reduce the size of your play when a push happens. For example, if you build a four-leg parlay but one leg gets pushed, the book converts your parlay into a three-leg parlay and pays for it as that. The pushed leg is not really treated as a loss, but merely as if it never existed at all.
The upside of this is that the remaining legs remain active, and you may still win if they hit. The payout may be lower, but the actual settlement depends on the platform’s methods and payout table.
Push in Different Bet Types
Most pushes occur with totals or point spreads because the outcomes can actually land on a given number. Moneyline pushes, which happen when the scores end in a draw, are rare in the NFL but still possible. On the other hand, a team or player prop push happens if an event is later voided by the disqualification of a team or injury, or a player matches the line strictly.
Since some books allow live betting for NFL parlays, such bets may also have a push. For instance, in a live bet, a push will typically happen when official scoring or timing changes arise. Ensure you check a platform’s settlement rules on pushes.
Rules When Multiple Legs Push
Ordinarily, the size of a parlay ticket reduces according to the number of pushed legs. For instance, a four-leg parlay converts to a two-leg parlay if two legs get pushed. If your parlay remains with just one leg after a push, the sportsbook will most likely convert it to a straight bet for the same selection.
On the rare occasion that all legs push, many books refund your stake. However, this is still not an absolute rule, meaning a book may have different policies.
Specific Push Policies
Oftentimes, some platforms use non-standard rules. There have been instances when books void the entire parlay because of one or two pushes instead of reducing it. For example, in 2023, one better criticized ESPN for pushing the whole parlay and refunding his stake because one leg had resulted in a push while the remaining legs hit.
Additionally, some promotions or progressive parlays may also treat pushed legs as losses depending on the policies of the book. Pushes in same-game parlays may not lead to a loss, but could lead to stricter settlement rules.
Types of NFL Parlay Formats
Different books offer different parlay formats, which may have varying rules. These include:
Multi-Game Parlay Rules
These involve pairing bets from different games into a single ticket. The sportsbook will multiply the odds for every leg to get the parlay’s potential payout. You only win if all the legs are correct. So, even one leg losing means the whole ticket crashes.
Most platforms also restrict the markets you can include in these parlays, the number of legs to add, and payout as well. To obtain value, compare rules across books and use a parlay calculator to determine potential returns before you bet.
Same-Game Parlays
In a same-game parlay, you are allowed to combine bets from one NFL game. You can link player props, game total, and moneyline into one ticket. Since the bets are from the same game, platforms often prohibit correlated legs and use special settlement rules.
Additionally, while some books void the whole parlay if one bet leads to no action or gets cancelled, others recalculate it. Yet, some platforms consider the remaining portion of the same-game parlay separately in a hybrid SGP+ offer. Because of these variations, you must read the rules for every sportsbook and select one whose policies match the risks involved.
Progressive Parlays
A progressive parlay allows you to earn when your ticket partially wins on a fixed schedule. However, they always limit the number of legs lost to pay. For example, in a four to six-leg parlay, only one loss may be allowed, and two legs permitted in a seven to ten-leg parlay.
Progressive parlays are always common in spreads and tend to treat pushes as losses or no action. Markets, limits, and payout tables vary across platforms, so confirm them before submitting your ticket.
Teasers and Round Robins
A teaser shifts the spreads or totals in your favor, but you get a reduced payout. For example, a 6-point teaser means every line will move by six points, and the price will also be lower. Teasers have different rules when it comes to pushes. Some platforms cancel small teaser tickets if a leg results in a push.
Conversely, a round robin breaks your parlays into smaller parlays, allowing you to win even when some selections fail. For instance, a 4-team round robin can create either six 2-team parlays or four 3-team parlays. Other exotic products may have combinations of progressive and same-game parlays.
Rule Variations by Sportsbook and Jurisdiction
NFL parlay rules are primarily determined by sportsbooks and the state regulations that govern them. This explains why even standard rules may have varying applications. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
Differences Among Major Online Sportsbooks
Most large sportsbooks like DraftKings and BetMGMremove the voided or pushed leg and reduce the size of your parlay. Subsequently, they recalculate the potential payout using the remaining legs. Their rules on same-game parlays also differ. Some void the whole same-game parlay if a leg pushes, while others reprice live, allowing you chances of success.
Others, like PointsBet, have more strict rules, which include voiding a push and returning the stake on that market. Caesarsand other casino-linked platforms have rules that reduce parlay size but still have different edge cases.
State / Provincial Legal Requirements
The laws in most jurisdictions require operators to publish their house rules and policies. Operators are also mandated to ensure consumer protection and the security of transactions. Those who breach these requirements are likely to be fined and can have their licenses revoked depending on the situation. For instance, some regulators have fined operators for taking bets after the event has ended.
In other states like Nevada, the laws influence how books change or void bets. A bet accepted after the results are out is often voided without regulator approval. In other jurisdictions, sportsbooks must notify authorities of their voiding rules. Always check the laws on online sports betting in your state before placing an NFL parlay.
Timing and Live Betting Rules
Live betting comes with additional settlement rules. For instance, if you place a bet before the game and it is incorrectly accepted, it may be voided. Some platforms also suspend live markets if the feed fails, and may retain the right to void the bet linked to disputed or unclear timing.
Most books have special limits for same-game parlays placed live. For instance, in DraftKings, a live same-game parlay can be repriced live. Other books also block early cash-outs for live NFL parlays, while others limit the markets you can participate in.
Strategy Implications of Parlay Rules
NFL parlays rules should guide how you build your tickets and manage potential risks. Use the rules as part of your edge through the following practical tips:
Use the number of legs that minimizes rule exposure. Do not pair legs that will likely be delayed or voided. You can easily achieve this by reading the correlation rules and permitted markets for the sportsbook you are using. Once you have the requirements in mind, select markets that have clear settlement rules. Go for value over headlines.
Compare sportsbooks for both rules and lines. Look at what each book offers, including markets, prices, bonuses, and other promos, and parlay tools. Pay attention to the rules for same-game parlays. Only select a book whose rules match your goals and tolerances.
Whenever possible, select lines with half increments to remove potential ties. Purchasing a half point can change value, but it will likely remove many pushes. Even a small cost can be worth the certainty as long as it brings you a parlay settlement. Use a calculator to determine the trade-off and proceed if you have a confident edge.
Balance standard, progressive, and exotic parlays. For a safety net for one or two misses, use a progressive parlay. You can expect a smaller return but better chances of a partial success. Use teasers to lower risk by moving spreads, and round robins when you want to spread risks across combinations.
Only take advantage of the promos after reading the cap rules, limits of markets and legs, payout tables, and settlement methods.
Finally, stay disciplined andplay responsibly. Use a defined budget and only bet what you can afford to lose. Do not chase your losses and seek professional assistance immediately if betting gets out of control and harmful.
NXTbets: Master the Rules, Elevate Your Parlay Game
You must know how to play NFL parlays before you place a bet. With different rules and various variations based on betting platforms, you must ground yourself in proper research. Understand the rules on pushes, correlations, allowed markets, and how lines move. Understanding the rules will help you build a solid strategy that can withstand risks.
At NXTbets, we remain your committed partner throughout the journey. We bring you expert insights, tools, and resources to help you master NFL parlay betting and practical tips for responsible betting. For more updates and tips,subscribe to our newsletter today!
What Happens If A Player Is Ruled Out After I Add A Prop to My Parlay?
If that player does not participate, most books will consider the leg a “no action.” While some books may void the whole parlays, others might recalculate it to a smaller size. Check the rules of each sportsbook.
Can I Cash Out A Parlay Before All Legs Are Completed?
Most sportsbooks allow early cash-out, but the payout will be reduced. However, be sure to check the rules because some books do not allow early cash-outs on some types of plays, such as progressive parlays and teasers.
Do Parlays Count Toward Sportsbook Bonus Wagering Requirements?
Yes, but the policies vary by platform. Some books count parlays toward betting, so you still stand a chance to get a bonus.
Are Parlay Bets Eligible for Same-Day Settlement If Games Are Delayed Or Postponed?
Not always. As a general rule, parlays settle after all legs are graded. Therefore, if a game is postponed or delayed beyond the book’s settlement window, the book may adjust the leg or void the ticket.
Please refer to Affiliated Operators’ T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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The trick with score predictions lies in projecting the exact final score. Instead of trying to figure out who is going to win, you project the teams’ scores, such as Packers 27 and Cowboys 20. This prediction unlocks insights into every major bet type you could make: the spread, the total, and even player props. …
NFL parlays have always attracted many NFL bettors due to their promise of higher rewards for more confident predictions. The catch is simple: every leg must win or the entire ticket crashes. This all-or-nothing structure appears risky but also adds another layer of excitement. The risk is heavy when you lose. However, there is an …
Parlay Play Rules for NFL Betting
Table of Contents
A parlay bet, unlike others, comes with higher risks. For any bettor seeking to succeed in NFL parlays, understanding the rules is not optional; you must do so to increase your chances of success. One of the simple rules is that all legs must hit for the ticket to win unless you try a teaser or cash out early. Many sportsbooks also treat same-game parlays, pushes, and ties differently. One standard play in a book like DraftKings may not be the same as in FanDuel.
NXTbets offers you the tools and resources to navigate NFL parlays with ease. In the sections below, we will explain the crucial rules that shape NFL parlays. We will cover the basics, how ties and pushes work, rule variations, and strategies to enhance your experience.
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Core Rules that Govern NFL Parlays
NFL parlays rules may vary across sportsbooks, but the rationale remains the same. Here are the key rules in NFL parlay betting:
What Constitutes a “Leg”
A leg is a selection or individual bet in your parlay ticket. It might be prop, moneyline, or spread. Some books restrict the markets you can include in a parlay, while others allow special props and even futures. Before you start building a parlay, confirm the rules on the types of bets permitted as legs.
Minimum and Maximum Number of Legs Allowed
Platforms have varying policies on the minimum and maximum number of legs you can place in an NFL parlay. Most require at least two legs to avoid a situation where your parlay is really just a single bet. The maximum number of legs often ranges between 10 and 15. Some books allow even beyond 15, but the payout limits may be stricter.
As you plan around the number of legs you place in your parlay, remember the markets you are confident in. Also, do not forget that many legs raise the variance. Do not chase big headlines.
Requirement for All Legs to Win
In a regular parlay, all legs must be correct for your ticket to win. So, even if one leg fails, the whole parlay loses. This is the default rule in almost all betting platforms. This is what makes parlays riskier. Since it depends on several outcomes, the chances of success reduce further with each additional leg you add.
However, some promotions or special formats do not align with this rule. For instance, a parlay insurance may refund your stake if one or two legs lose, depending on the book. A progressive parlay may also allow you to cash out even when some legs fail to hit. However, this is not the norm, so you must read the terms and conditions for each platform.
Push / Tie / No Action Leg Definitions
A push or a tie happens when the outcome lands on the exact point spread or total line. For example, say you select -3 and the game ends in a 3-point difference, a push occurs. In most moneyline markets, a tie leads to no action or a void unless the market has a tie option.
On the other hand, a “no action” leg happens if an event is delayed for too long, voided, or cancelled. It may also occur if the market you bet on is disallowed. In most books, pushes or no actions are either adjusted to the rest of the ticket or removed. Similarly, these rules may vary in same-game parlays.
Pushes and How They Are Handled
The way sportsbooks deal with pushes is not uniform across. In some cases, a push will lead to a refund, while in others it only reduces the potential payout. Here are the common ways many books handle pushes:
Reduction of Parlay Size When Push Occurs
The most common way is to reduce the size of your play when a push happens. For example, if you build a four-leg parlay but one leg gets pushed, the book converts your parlay into a three-leg parlay and pays for it as that. The pushed leg is not really treated as a loss, but merely as if it never existed at all.
The upside of this is that the remaining legs remain active, and you may still win if they hit. The payout may be lower, but the actual settlement depends on the platform’s methods and payout table.
Push in Different Bet Types
Most pushes occur with totals or point spreads because the outcomes can actually land on a given number. Moneyline pushes, which happen when the scores end in a draw, are rare in the NFL but still possible. On the other hand, a team or player prop push happens if an event is later voided by the disqualification of a team or injury, or a player matches the line strictly.
Since some books allow live betting for NFL parlays, such bets may also have a push. For instance, in a live bet, a push will typically happen when official scoring or timing changes arise. Ensure you check a platform’s settlement rules on pushes.
Rules When Multiple Legs Push
Ordinarily, the size of a parlay ticket reduces according to the number of pushed legs. For instance, a four-leg parlay converts to a two-leg parlay if two legs get pushed. If your parlay remains with just one leg after a push, the sportsbook will most likely convert it to a straight bet for the same selection.
On the rare occasion that all legs push, many books refund your stake. However, this is still not an absolute rule, meaning a book may have different policies.
Specific Push Policies
Oftentimes, some platforms use non-standard rules. There have been instances when books void the entire parlay because of one or two pushes instead of reducing it. For example, in 2023, one better criticized ESPN for pushing the whole parlay and refunding his stake because one leg had resulted in a push while the remaining legs hit.
Additionally, some promotions or progressive parlays may also treat pushed legs as losses depending on the policies of the book. Pushes in same-game parlays may not lead to a loss, but could lead to stricter settlement rules.
Types of NFL Parlay Formats
Different books offer different parlay formats, which may have varying rules. These include:
Multi-Game Parlay Rules
These involve pairing bets from different games into a single ticket. The sportsbook will multiply the odds for every leg to get the parlay’s potential payout. You only win if all the legs are correct. So, even one leg losing means the whole ticket crashes.
Most platforms also restrict the markets you can include in these parlays, the number of legs to add, and payout as well. To obtain value, compare rules across books and use a parlay calculator to determine potential returns before you bet.
Same-Game Parlays
In a same-game parlay, you are allowed to combine bets from one NFL game. You can link player props, game total, and moneyline into one ticket. Since the bets are from the same game, platforms often prohibit correlated legs and use special settlement rules.
Additionally, while some books void the whole parlay if one bet leads to no action or gets cancelled, others recalculate it. Yet, some platforms consider the remaining portion of the same-game parlay separately in a hybrid SGP+ offer. Because of these variations, you must read the rules for every sportsbook and select one whose policies match the risks involved.
Progressive Parlays
A progressive parlay allows you to earn when your ticket partially wins on a fixed schedule. However, they always limit the number of legs lost to pay. For example, in a four to six-leg parlay, only one loss may be allowed, and two legs permitted in a seven to ten-leg parlay.
Progressive parlays are always common in spreads and tend to treat pushes as losses or no action. Markets, limits, and payout tables vary across platforms, so confirm them before submitting your ticket.
Teasers and Round Robins
A teaser shifts the spreads or totals in your favor, but you get a reduced payout. For example, a 6-point teaser means every line will move by six points, and the price will also be lower. Teasers have different rules when it comes to pushes. Some platforms cancel small teaser tickets if a leg results in a push.
Conversely, a round robin breaks your parlays into smaller parlays, allowing you to win even when some selections fail. For instance, a 4-team round robin can create either six 2-team parlays or four 3-team parlays. Other exotic products may have combinations of progressive and same-game parlays.
Rule Variations by Sportsbook and Jurisdiction
NFL parlay rules are primarily determined by sportsbooks and the state regulations that govern them. This explains why even standard rules may have varying applications. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
Differences Among Major Online Sportsbooks
Most large sportsbooks like DraftKings and BetMGM remove the voided or pushed leg and reduce the size of your parlay. Subsequently, they recalculate the potential payout using the remaining legs. Their rules on same-game parlays also differ. Some void the whole same-game parlay if a leg pushes, while others reprice live, allowing you chances of success.
Others, like PointsBet, have more strict rules, which include voiding a push and returning the stake on that market. Caesars and other casino-linked platforms have rules that reduce parlay size but still have different edge cases.
State / Provincial Legal Requirements
The laws in most jurisdictions require operators to publish their house rules and policies. Operators are also mandated to ensure consumer protection and the security of transactions. Those who breach these requirements are likely to be fined and can have their licenses revoked depending on the situation. For instance, some regulators have fined operators for taking bets after the event has ended.
In other states like Nevada, the laws influence how books change or void bets. A bet accepted after the results are out is often voided without regulator approval. In other jurisdictions, sportsbooks must notify authorities of their voiding rules. Always check the laws on online sports betting in your state before placing an NFL parlay.
Timing and Live Betting Rules
Live betting comes with additional settlement rules. For instance, if you place a bet before the game and it is incorrectly accepted, it may be voided. Some platforms also suspend live markets if the feed fails, and may retain the right to void the bet linked to disputed or unclear timing.
Most books have special limits for same-game parlays placed live. For instance, in DraftKings, a live same-game parlay can be repriced live. Other books also block early cash-outs for live NFL parlays, while others limit the markets you can participate in.
Strategy Implications of Parlay Rules
NFL parlays rules should guide how you build your tickets and manage potential risks. Use the rules as part of your edge through the following practical tips:
Finally, stay disciplined and play responsibly. Use a defined budget and only bet what you can afford to lose. Do not chase your losses and seek professional assistance immediately if betting gets out of control and harmful.
NXTbets: Master the Rules, Elevate Your Parlay Game
You must know how to play NFL parlays before you place a bet. With different rules and various variations based on betting platforms, you must ground yourself in proper research. Understand the rules on pushes, correlations, allowed markets, and how lines move. Understanding the rules will help you build a solid strategy that can withstand risks.
At NXTbets, we remain your committed partner throughout the journey. We bring you expert insights, tools, and resources to help you master NFL parlay betting and practical tips for responsible betting. For more updates and tips, subscribe to our newsletter today!
Offer Score
Offer Score
Offer Score
Offer Score
Offer Score
Offer Score
Offer Score
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If that player does not participate, most books will consider the leg a “no action.” While some books may void the whole parlays, others might recalculate it to a smaller size. Check the rules of each sportsbook.
Most sportsbooks allow early cash-out, but the payout will be reduced. However, be sure to check the rules because some books do not allow early cash-outs on some types of plays, such as progressive parlays and teasers.
Yes, but the policies vary by platform. Some books count parlays toward betting, so you still stand a chance to get a bonus.
Not always. As a general rule, parlays settle after all legs are graded. Therefore, if a game is postponed or delayed beyond the book’s settlement window, the book may adjust the leg or void the ticket.
Please refer to Affiliated Operators’ T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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