In gambling terms, 'parlay' means to bet on at least two events, letting the winnings ride after each win. Usually you lose, but when you win, and depending in part on how many events were parlayed, you can win big. To use this calculator, enter a bet amount and the odds on every leg of the parlay, up to 12 legs. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More Read More.
A parlay odds calculator is a common tool used by many sports bettors looking to make vegas parlay bets. They allow the bettor to input the odds for each part of the parlay wager in order to provide a rapid calculation of the bet.
We will explore the use of a parlay calculator and how to input the odds of other bets, as well as providing clear examples. Let’s take a look!
What is a Parlay?
A parlay is simply a type of bet that can be placed, in which multiple bets are connected together to create higher odds and a higher payout than on a single bet.
The higher odds and multiple bets only add to the risk of the bet, as all elements of the bet must succeed in order to win. Meaning, even if one game loses, then the parlay is forfeit. The more games you add to a parlay, the bigger the payout.
Sometimes understanding a type of bet is made a lot easier by looking at an example of this bet in action.
- For example, say a bettor wants to stake $100 on a three-team parlay with the Mavs +150, Bucks +100 and Pistons +203. If all three of these teams win, the $100 bet pays out at a staggering $1,515.
This is an example of how a bettor can turn a $100 bet into a monster payout, without wagering on really high odds. By combining these three small wagers, with favorable odds, the bettor is able to create an excellent parlay.
Are Parlay Bets Fair?
Bettors are often suspicious of these types of bets as the odds are all wrapped together. There is the standard vig applied, but beyond that parlays are a totally viable option to bettors.
Parlays are often good bets, but they’re not for the sharps, as the sportsbook always gets the upper hand. Sportsbook providers will have an algorithm, which calculates the parlay instantaneously, meaning parlays are calculated in the same way each time. It is widely understood that this method of betting favors the house, as the vig leans in the sportsbooks favor. Making the calculations is beyond the basics of betting, but we’ll touch on this next.
How to calculate a Parlay Payout
As a bettor playing the odds at their favorite sports, they will place a unit on a parlay and the sportsbooks will automatically calculate the parlay payouts. Alternatively, they can use a free parlay calculator to make the calculations on their own.
Imagine you’re using a standard NFL parlay calculator, the math calculations looks like this:
- Convert the American odds to decimal odds.
- Multiply the decimal odds together to get your multiplier.
- Multiply the multiplier by your stake.
- Subtract your original stake to get the parlay odds.
So let’s put this into a sports context, if you’re parlaying the Jets, Chiefs and Ravens at -110 (1.91 decimal), your math would look like this:
- 1.91 x 1.91 x 1.91 = 6.97
- 6.97 – 1 = 5.97
While it’s rare for a sportsbook provider to include a Vegas parlay calculator on their website, there are many online which can be used quickly to check the vig and value in the odds. Be sure to check back with this page for all your parlay needs!
Parlay Calculator FAQs
1. Are parlay calculators important?
Not especially, they are just there as an option for bettors to check the calculations made by the sportsbook and work out exactly how the odds breakdown.
2.Where can I find a parlay calculator?
As well as on our website, there are a plethora of other independent sites that offer free parlay betting calculators. We encourage bettors to use them and check what kind of value is in the odds.
3. Are parlay calculators generally free to use?
Yes. We haven’t come across any websites that charge a fee for the use of their betting calculator services.
4. Do sports betting apps include parlay calculators?
No. Sportsbook providers will calculate the odds on behalf of the bettors. This isn’t a feature bettors are likely to see now or in the future!
5. Are they legal?
Absolutely. Bettors are at their own discretion as to whether they want to calculate the odds offered by the sportsbook they’re betting with at that time.
6. Is it considered cheating using a calculator?
No, not at all. Betting calculators aren’t provided by the sportsbooks because they calculate the odds for you. Bettors are welcome to do their own calculations at any time.
7. Can you use parlay calculators for horse racing?
Yes, as parlay betting is common in horse racing there are calculators that are catered for horse racing fans. As well as the more common sports betting parlay calculator.
8. Do sharps use parlay betting calculators?
While we can’t speak for all of them, the vast majority of sharps are invested in the industry enough that they can often make these kinds of calculations on the spot, without the need of any tools.
9. Where can I find a parlay betting calculator?
Sports Betting Parlay Calculator
You can use our calculator! Alternatively, search through Google and you’ll quickly find a safe website for a calculator.
10. Is parlay betting a good option?
It really depends on the individual bet, as some hold a lot more value than others. Many sharps avoid these types of bets, but that isn’t to say this is the right thing to do.
Sports Betting Parlay Calculator Free
Teaser bets are a very popular sports bet. Especially in football and basketball, because a football teaser bet allows you to adjust the point spread in your favor. Teasers allow you to have an advantageous point spread while selecting 2 to 8 teams or more depending on the sportsbook. You may tease a side or a total of a football game and also cross sports by teasing football games with basketball games.A teaser bet is kind of like a parlay, but you are buying points in your favor as it relates to the point spread. For instance, let's say that you wanted a three team 4 point teaser for Sunday's football games.
- Let's say that you picked these three teams to win:
- Washington Redskins to win
- Pittsburgh Steelers to win
- Detroit Lions to win
Calculating Parlay Odds
Now let's say that all three of these teams were 6 point underdogs. So, in the three team, 4 point teaser, you would get an extra 4 points in each game, meaning that instead of a 6 point spread, it would be a ten point spread. A teaser bet is a lot like a parlay bet, all of the games you picked must win in order for you to win. As well because you are 'buying' points, the win return is smaller.
Use our Teaser Calculator to determine the outcome of any particular teaser combination. Our Teaser Calculator allows you to select up to 12 teams in a teaser bet.