Seen on:
as known from New York Timesas known from USA Todayas known from yahoo!
OH
The Grueling Truth - Where Legends Speak / US Betting News / Top 10 Tips for Betting on Parlays

Top 10 Tips for Betting on Parlays

Tips for Parlay bets!
Publish Date: 07/18/2022
Fact checked by: Mark Lewis

1. Do not be afraid to dream big. Be ambitious.

Parlays can be a great way to convert a small stake into a sizeable bank-boosting payout. This is not the time to be timid. This is the right time to combine some of your ‘gut feeling’ wagers that you may not otherwise be keen to place an entire unit or multiple units. Check out the best bookmakers for betting on Parlays.

This is where the small stake multiplies into considerable payout odds in your favor. The double-digit odds are standard. This is how parlay bettors can turn a 10- to 1-half unit parlay into an effective 5-unit betting bank booster.

Not only will it boost your account balance, but you’ll also be able to boast about your accomplishments with your friends for weeks. Even the worst beats can be worn as an honor badge.

Fortune favors the brave.

Check out the top sportsbooks for betting on Parlays

FanDuel
4.6/5
FanDuel Review
New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days
Bet now
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C., KY, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. Min $5 wager required for 7 consecutive days.$5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA). ™/© 2026 MLB
BetMGM
4.5/5
BetMGM Review
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Bet now
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
DraftKings
4.5/5
DraftKings Review
New DraftKings Customer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES
Bet now
To be eligible for DraftKings Sportsbook and the Promotion, you must be physically located in AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (residents only), TN, VA, VT, WY, WV, CA-ONT or CA-AB (each an “Eligible Jurisdiction” or, collectively, the “Eligible Jurisdictions”). Must be 21+ years of age or older (18+ if in DC/NH/PR/WY/CA-AB) (19+ in CA-ONT). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA) Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 9/20/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

2. Select a Parlay period that suits you.

Parlay, by nature, doesn’t pay until all legs have been settled. This should be enough time to satisfy your gambling needs. You should not tie up your stake for an extended period if you want your parlay legs to end simultaneously or on the same day.

Your stake might have tripled or quadrupled, but you won’t be able to access the money until the final leg. You will still have to pay another part of your capital for a hedge that guarantees a result.

You may also be a gambler who likes to make the most of your parlay. In this case, you might want to spread it across a whole weekend or season. Futures markets can be your friend. You can enjoy the excitement of a big win and dream about how you will spend or reinvest it.

Each person is unique, but you should ensure that your parlay fits your timeframe.

3. Avoid the Point Spread

A parlay that combines points spread (handicap wagers) is a significant offense for recreational punters. Three bets ATS (against the spread) add up to shy 7-1. This is a great bet! Wrong!

These three legs parlay have 8-1 odds of success, as each leg has a 50/50 chance to land. It’s no surprise that sportsbooks promote the points spread parlay.

One caveat to the poor point spread parlay value is if the bettor believes that they have correctly calculated handicaps in games. It is possible, but you should know that you are taking on the pros. In this instance, you are placing a wager on each outcome directly than a parlay.

4. Multisports can expand your parlay options.

The value will be easier to locate if there are more options. Parlay strategy success is dependent on this key ingredient.

In the following ways, can you expand your parlay possibilities:

      • Expand your search to include multiple sports
      • Make a list of potential value choices
      • Determine the parlay length
      • Reduce the list to what you need
      • Get your energy up

5. Find a hedge opportunity

A well-placed parlay offers the opportunity to hedge against the loss of any legs. You can hedge to ensure you win or protect your stake. Play defense to make sure you don’t blow up your account. Check out the top sports betting sites for betting a parlay!

Hedging is not a negative play. It does not indicate a lack of confidence in your original wager. Hedging is simply a way to play the numbers and buy insurance. Experienced bettors know that fate can and will often intervene at the most inopportune moments. A bad call by a referee or an injury to a key player can bring your parlay down.

You can lock some profit, relax, and then watch the game. Or, you could start planning your next parlay.

6. Get Free Bets

Online sportsbooks often reward customers for being loyal, making deposits, betting regularly, or wagering on promotions with bonuses or free bets. These bonuses and free bets have one problem: you, the bettor, only get the profit. For example, if you wager on a favorite -110 money line and they win, you’ll only receive $9.20. Your original stake, $10, is not returned. This doesn’t sound very exciting.

You can use your parlay-free bets. You can try a combination of bets to get better odds than a favourite.

Check out the top sportsbook providers for betting on a Parlay

FanDuel
1.
4.6/5
New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days
USA
USA Players Welcome
PayPal
Bank Transfer
Cheque
Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC)
Bet now
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C., KY, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. Min $5 wager required for 7 consecutive days.$5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA). ™/© 2026 MLB
BetMGM
2.
4.5/5
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
USA
USA Players Welcome
PayPal
Bank Transfer
VIP Preferred
Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC)
Bet now
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
DraftKings
3.
4.5/5
New DraftKings Customer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES
USA
USA Players Welcome
PayPal
VIP Preferred
Play+
Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC)
Bet now
To be eligible for DraftKings Sportsbook and the Promotion, you must be physically located in AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (residents only), TN, VA, VT, WY, WV, CA-ONT or CA-AB (each an “Eligible Jurisdiction” or, collectively, the “Eligible Jurisdictions”). Must be 21+ years of age or older (18+ if in DC/NH/PR/WY/CA-AB) (19+ in CA-ONT). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA) Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 9/20/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
Fanatics
4.
4.2/5
10 x $100 bet match in FanCash
USA
USA Players Welcome
Venmo
PayPal
Apple Pay
Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC)
Bet now
Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER OR CALL 1-800-MY-RESET, www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), (800)-327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT), morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), 1800gambler.net (WV)
Caesars
5.
Bet $1 and get double the winnings up to $25 for your next 10 bets
USA
USA Players Welcome
PayPal
Bank Transfer
E-Check
Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC)
Best Alternative
FanDuel Open FanDuel
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)

7. The Home Underdog

The home-field advantage is a remarkable thing in the world of sports. When they are in front of their families and loyal fans, teams seem to gain an extra leg. Athletes are motivated by unique weather conditions, stadium layouts and home cooking. The star-studded visiting team might find themselves in a trap.

Home underdogs are worth considering in a parlay. Underdog status has a powerful odds multiplier effect. A home underdog could pay well over 2 – 1, doubling the total parlay odds. This is precisely what every parlay should have.

8. Combining two of your favorites

Online sports bettors are tempted to gamble on their favorite team. Quick in and out is a great way to increase your bankroll. To see any substantial return, the gambler must wager a significant amount. You can lose your entire account balance in a single loss. This is not always the best strategy for long-term success.

The favorites parlay double is a great option. Take two of your favorites and combine them into a parlay. Your stake and profit will win the second leg. This will result in a smaller stake but a greater return.

The NBA parlay is an example of this. It combines two home favorites to create a solid bet at decimal odds of 1.82. This is an excellent return. Check out the best new bookmakers for betting on a Parlay.

9. The Double Dog Parlay

The underdog double is an underrated but very powerful parlay. You can easily make a double by carefully scanning the markets, choosing two value underdogs, and then sneaking them into a double.

Many gamblers have heard of the 4 to 5-leg parlay with strong favorites that offered odds of 3 to 1. The first four legs win easily, and the final one loses to a heavy underdog. Then you are asked the question: “If only I had wagered” on that dog.”

The double underdog parlay is more valuable than the bundle of favorites. Double underdog winners are a common occurrence in Major League Baseball and NBA.

10. Keep your bet size under control

Sometimes, gambling can be blinded by the odds. The bettor may start to believe that an increase in their bet size is the smart move. It isn’t. The blinded gambler can be already thinking about the numbers and dreaming about a flood of cash.

The successful parlay bettor is like the golfer who wants to hit the ball farther but maintains the same swing and changes the club to keep it in tune. This way, if the parlay is lost (often happens), the stake does not change, but the bettor isn’t taken to court. The stake will remain the same, but the parlay will become more complicated if they are after a large payout.

Read Also
Push in Betting Explained: What Is a Push in Sports Betting?
When you place a wager at a sportsbook, there are two possible ...
Hedge Betting Explained with Examples: How to Hedge a Bet?
Wouldn’t it be fantastic if you could make sure that you minimize ...
BetMGM Promo
Same Game Parlays Meaning Explained with Examples: What is SGP in Betting?
Parlay bets are popular among bettors who want to take the risk ...
What is a Parlay bet and what are the different types of Parlay Bets
A parlay is a type of sports bet in which you combine ...
Top 10 Baseball Betting Tips
We here at the Grueling Truth want to see you guys win ...
Biggest Sports Betting Mistakes You Must Avoid
No one likes making mistakes, especially when they cost them money. Errors ...
The Grueling Truth’s Guide to Betting on March Madness
It is the best time of the years for College Basketball, it's ...
Which Betting Sites are the Best for Beginners? Bet on Sports With the Easiest Sportsbooks To Use?
Millions of people in the United States and around the world enjoy ...
Best Pick 3 Strategy 2026: Explained by Betting Experts
There are a lot of different betting strategies you can use in ...
Best In-Play Betting Strategy in 2026: Top Live Betting Tips from Experts
More and more sports betting fans are opting to place in-play wagers. ...
System Bet Guide: How Does System Betting Work (+ Examples of A System Bet)?
If you need a system bet explained to you then you have ...
What is a Multiple Bet? Complete Multiple Bet Guide 2026
Sometimes, a straight bet just doesn’t do the job. You’re confident in ...
How Does Rising Method Work? A Complete Guide to Rising Method 2026
In the sports betting world, there are many different strategies and techniques ...
Point Spread Guide 2026: Best Spread Betting Strategy Explained with Examples
Sports betting point spread is among the most popular betting markets in ...
Latest Sport News
Top 15 Indiana High School Basketball Players of the 1960s
The 1960s marked one of the most competitive ...
Top 20 Indiana High School Basketball Players of the 1980s
The 1980s were one of the most talent-rich ...
North Dakota State Must Prove Its Dynasty Works Every Week
College football likes to say you have to ...
Moses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic: Heavyweight Collison 
Filip Hrgovic represents a step on the heavyweight ...
Cal Poly Opens Tim Skipper’s Era on John Madden Night
Before Tim Skipper reaches halftime of his first ...
Hawai’i at Stanford 2026 Preview: Prediction, Betting Odds & 4 Prop...
Saturday, August 29, 2026 Time: 7:00 PM ET ...
Top Betting Sites
Top Betting Bonuses
Our Team
Mike GoodpasterJames ErnestMark LewisAuthor IconJohn Raspanti
+8
Mike Goodpaster
Mike Goodpaster
Chief Editor
James Ernest
James Ernest
Author
Mark Lewis
Mark Lewis
Editor
Author Icon
Christopher Carlson
Author
John Raspanti
John Raspanti
Author
Samuel Teets
Samuel Teets
US Sports Veteran
Daniel Kornhauser
Daniel Kornhauser
Author
Marvin Uzor
Marvin Uzor
Author
Ellis Williams
Ellis Williams
Author
Chris Benedict
Chris Benedict
Editor
Shelley Harcar
Shelley Harcar
Sports Writer
Dr. Jay Gee
Dr. Jay Gee
Author
LaMarr Fields
LaMarr Fields
Author

21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times.
CloudflareSSL
×
Your Promo Code:
The bonus offer of was already opened in an additional window. If not, you can open it also by clicking the following link:
Play now